January 29, 2017
An executive order has thrown a family’s life into turmoil as a father struggles to return home. A pregnant mother and her young son are grappling with the distressing possibility that their husband and father may not be allowed to re-enter the United States. This recent immigration ban has temporarily barred a legal resident from coming back to his family, leaving them in a state of profound uncertainty.
Jessica Thompson, who lives in Georgia, shared her sister-in-law Ava’s distressing situation in a Facebook post that quickly gained traction. The post featured a photo of Ava’s husband, Amir, and their two-year-old son, Leo. The couple has been married for four years and is expecting another child in June.
“After a long visit with family in Iraq, Amir, a green card holder, has been stopped from re-entering the U.S.,” Jessica explained. “This ban could keep him away from his pregnant wife, young child, home, and job for 90 days.”
Jessica later informed Home Insemination Kit that Amir managed to board a flight from Istanbul to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). “He should be arriving at JFK this evening,” she said. “His attorney and the ACLU are prepared for his arrival.” While this news offers a sliver of hope amid the chaos, the family remains deeply unsettled.
The emotional weight of the situation is palpable in her post. “Look at their faces. Consider Ava, Amir, and sweet Leo. These are the people impacted by our president’s unjust, xenophobic orders,” Jessica wrote. She urges everyone to recognize the devastating effects this immigration policy has on families in the U.S., tearing them apart.
“When you remain silent or support this Islamophobic agenda, remember their faces,” she continued. “They aren’t radicals. They’re my family. A family of a white, American woman. Do they matter to you now?”
President Trump’s executive order blocks citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries—Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—from entering the U.S. for 90 days. It also halts the entry of all refugees for 120 days, with an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. The fallout from this decision caused chaos at airports worldwide, with reports of green card holders and valid visa holders being detained or sent back to their countries.
Protests erupted at major airports across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as people voiced their opposition to the immigration order. In response to the backlash, a federal judge in New York issued a stay that temporarily prevented the deportation of individuals stranded in airports, resulting in the release of several detainees.
The families affected by this immigration order are not abstract figures; they are our neighbors, teachers, and friends. My own husband is Iranian-American, and we have two beautiful daughters. Many of our family members are Muslim and are understandably anxious about the ramifications of this ban. They fear losing precious time with elderly relatives or, worse, being separated indefinitely.
This policy is tearing families apart, and there is nothing “great” or “American” about it. For more insights on family planning and home insemination, you can explore this excellent resource on IVF. If you’re interested in at-home options, check out this guide on how to use an artificial insemination kit.
In summary, the recent immigration ban has caused anxiety and uncertainty for families, highlighting the human impact of such policies. The emotional toll on those affected cannot be overstated, and it is crucial to recognize the real lives behind the headlines.