Op-Ed: Trump’s travel ban is breaking apart my family
Anger. Sadness. Shock. Heartbreak.
These are some emotions I felt when I saw that President Donald Trump signed the January executive order that suspended entry to the United States for citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
I am an Iranian-American and have family in Iran, one of the seven countries, so I couldn’t help but feel personally attacked.
I knew that all throughout Trump’s election campaign he promised “extreme vetting,” but I never assumed that it would happen this quickly. I could not believe how Trump could just lump all of the people from one country together and label them as terrorists — it’s unjust and unfair. Most are innocent and are trying to escape to America to be free — however, now they can not.
The idea of innocent families trying to come to America took me back to my family — how is my family going to be free? What did this mean for my grandma who currently lives there? Or my grandfather? Would they still be able to come visit me?
The last time I saw my grandma was about a year ago and I always talk to her over the phone and Skype, but I haven’t seen my grandfather since I was seven. I am 17 — that’s 10 years, and I worry that I might never see him again.
As I sat on my bed in shock and disbelief that something like this would happen in America, my other grandma, who lives in Los Angeles, couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that she might never be able to see her friends from Iran anymore.
I have a cousin who is also 17 who lives in Iran. Even though we always FaceTime, I’ve never had a chance to meet her in person. After I heard the news it left me wondering, would I ever be able to see my cousin?
A full month after Trump signed the order, the Washington Post released an article about a man from Missouri, Adam Purinton, who is being charged with first-degree murder. He reportedly yelled “get out of my country” before opening fire and killing one Indian man and injuring two others.
According to the article, the FBI is investigating this shooting as a “hate crime.”
His actions show the impact that Donald Trump’s words have on others can be harmful.
Millions of families have been affected by Trump’s immigration ban, and so President Trump — I would like to let you know that you will not divide the country. Immigrants are the backbone of this country and they are here to stay. Not all terrorists are Muslims, and not all Muslims are terrorists.
As of March 6, Donald Trump signed a revised executive order where he removed Iraq from the travel ban. Yes, this may be progress — but it doesn’t help my family or other families like mine.
And don’t worry, I will find a way to see my family.
Nelly Rouzroch joined the Oracle Staff during the 2015 year and became the new Multimedia Editor in 2016. She attended Ignite Journalism University in...
Beth Gold • Mar 13, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Personalizing the issue of the travel ban can have a far bigger impact on the hearts and minds of people than a slew of statistics. Thanks for sharing your story Nellie, and I hope you and your family members will be able to visit soon.
Cat Oriel • Mar 9, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Nelly! Very powerful op-ed 🙂
Anna Brodsky • Mar 9, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Such a powerful and impactful op-ed! Thank you for shedding light on the personal obstacles you and your family have faced because of this ban.
Anika Bhavnani • Mar 9, 2017 at 12:07 pm
SO proud of you for writing this! This is such a strong and powerful Op-Ed — keep using your voice:)
Maya Wernick • Mar 9, 2017 at 11:51 am
Great article Nelly Joon! Thanks for bringing such great awareness to such an important and personal topic! <3
Fariba bardi • Mar 9, 2017 at 11:49 am
Great article. Thank you for bringing awareness to such an important matter.
Harley Quinn Smith • Mar 9, 2017 at 10:31 am
So powerful and heartfelt!!! Keep using your voice to bring about awareness and to enact change! Amazing job!
Alexandra Chang • Mar 9, 2017 at 10:28 am
Nelly, this is a great article. Thank you for bringing such a personal perspective to this issue. Super well-written as always!