Travel ban hits home for North Penn student
Samiha and her two sisters and their mom enjoying the snow. (Left to right: Samiha, her mother Shahin, her sisters Nadia and Shaima)
Ever since President Trump signed the executive order which placed a ban on immigration from predominantly Muslim areas, including seven different middle eastern countries, many people have been affected in one way or another, whether it’s a family torn apart, or a close friend that they may never see again. Samiha Rahim, a Dubai native and North Penn High School junior, is a walking testimony of how President Trump’s travel ban has affected more than what is seen on television.
“I can’t believe it’s actually happening. It’s too funny to be true… Like a nightmare really happening.”
Trump’s immigration ban has proven to be apparent to immigrant families the most. Rahim’s parents and the rest of her family are from Bangladesh. Rahim’s aunt is just one of many cases of immigrants being denied access into America, despite not being on Trump’s list.
“She was questioned on her visas, and she was with her kids. They said no, they made her wait, And then she was sent back,” Rahim expressed.
She had been visiting Dubai and upon her return of the country, despite having all of her papers, visa, and green card in order, was denied. Dubai and Bangladesh are not subject to Trump’s order; however, her aunt, and many other immigrants, are denied access into the United States.
“[The President] has duties to keep the country safe; I agree to that, but it doesn’t mean that if a few people from a particular country do something bad that the entire country is [full of] terrorists or whatever he’s thinking,” shared Rahim.
Immigrants and refugees come from these countries with the expectation of a better life, a major component being a better education for their children.
“People want to move here to educate their children better and for education they are risking their lives,” said Rahim.
One thing is for sure, Rahim will not let this travel ban stand in her way or the way of her education. She proclaimed that she loves the North Penn School District, and her and her family are grateful to be apart of such a diverse district.
“My dad is really thankful we are living in Lansdale. I’m glad I’m in North Penn District. In other places people are facing discrimination, I feel like in this place people are much better. I feel safe here,” she shared.
Constance Atkin • Feb 14, 2017 at 3:57 pm
This article shows courage and compassion. Our country was built by people who came to this country……involuntarily AND NOW voluntarily. BOTH have made and are helping to make this country. great. While We DO need to vet those who come in to our country, we also need to balance that with compassion and the need for diversity.
Connie Atkins
Tasmia Hosneara • Feb 13, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Hey.This is a nice article.As a junior here and somebody who knows Samiha personally ,I would like to thank the Knight Crier for reaching out to the people who need this kind of help . I am from Bangladesh too and the fact that Trump has immigration ban is very unconstitutional.
Maria Gardizy • Feb 13, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Courtney, thank you for writing this article and letting the NP community know how close to home we have felt the careless implementation of the travel ban. Yes, I too want our country to be safe but not by reckless judgement.
Rahim, stay strong and committed to your education and your goals. Your peers, teachers and members of this community stand behind you and your family. You are welcome here!