Sponsoring an Iraqi (Long)

[Jayo]

I'm not certain this thread belongs here but I think so....

Background; I watched 60 Minutes a few weeks back and they featured a story about a civilian contractor who tried to help his Iraqi counterpart gain a visa to the U.S. Apparantly his working with the US gov't made him a target for kidnapping/execution within his community. This is a very real problem. After what became a monumental effort to obtain the visa this civilian contractor decided to try to figure out why it was so hard for this Iraqi to be helped after serving with the US Army and his civilian employer. Fast forward, he now has a list of approx 1,000 Iraqi's marked for death in Iraq because of their helping/working with the US Army and US gov't.

This got me thinking.....and I know that it does happen. DH works closely with Iraqi's on a daily basis and one of the contractors (Iraqi) he worked with had his nephew kidnapped and murdered after they (terrorists) learned he had being working for the US Army and had recently been paid. Also DH's interpreter has told him alot of situations that he knows off, and stories of his life ect....

So....I asked DH what could I/we do to help? He said he would talk with his interpreter. DH never mentioned anything until today.

Today he told me his 'terp came to him and said that a relative of his and his wife both were working as interpreters. The relative was recently murdered and now his relative's wife and 8 y/o child are in danger. DH asked me today what my true feelings were on sponsoring this woman and her child. I guess after getting their papers in order, they go to Jordan then thru the diplomatic channels then onto the U.S. My job would be to educate her on US customs and help her transition. I would have to change my household somewhat to accomodate them as they are strict muslems (no pork, no alcohol, no profanity, no touching ect....) and that they might stay approx 90-120 days until "they are on their feet". No financial support would be needed other than room & board.

So, input???? My middle daughter is not too open to it but then again she'd be away at college for most of their stay. I'm somewhat excited about it, my little way of supporting my husband's efforts to truly make a difference, KWIM? I just don't want to jump into anything without throughly thinking it thru. If it happens it might not be for months......

[Del]

I think it's a great idea. If you want to do it, do so. I think it's so sad that there is such a stigma towards Muslims in the US, even when they are no threat to us at all! If these people are in danger where they are and just need some temporary help, I think it'd be a wonderful thing for you to help them. if that made any sense.

[NavyKat]

I think it would be wonderful thing.
You get the chance to help some one who really needs it and you get the opportunity to learn about another culture first hand.
I can only image what this poor woman and her child have gone through.
If i could support someone other than myself right now I would do it too.
I think it is truly commendable to be able to open your home to a stranger for no reason other than they need help...

[shamrokcuti90]

I think that thats a good idea, and if its something you feel strongly about and would enjoy doing, then you deffiantely should!

[KatReborn]

I think it's a good idea, it would be a great thing you would be doing for that family. More power to ya

[USNIwife]

I'm going to go against the grain here. (JMO, and I'm not saying you shouldn't sponsor them, etc.)

If you look at the entire Iraqi war which is a controversarial topic within reason anyhow. When I personally hear of Iraqi's, muslim I'm reverted back to 9/11. Now, I have very mixed emotions, b/c while they are part of a culture and religious belief - each and every one of them posesses free agency. They all make their own choices. I specifically recall back home on 9/11 2 specific stories. One was a physician in a prominent hospital that while 9/11 was on tv and occurring he literally jumped on a chair and cheered them on saying all Americans should die. (He got fired). The other story was a group of high school students that set up ring a round the rosie type around the teacher's desk chanting religious song, again, cheering, clapping, them on. Do I support this? No. Odviously no. I am American. So I think that when someone anyone comes to this country and there are people who die to come here (we have serious border control issues) and various stories I believe Cuba, where people get in boats and risk their lives to come here to ecscape their situations in their home land. They come here for the freedoms and opportunities and abiliies that we as a country offer. They are not always respectful of flag, our govt etc. For me, I'd be totally torn in a situation like this. I reflect on those things, but than remember when Jessica Lynch was hurt very badily and would have died. If not for one honorable citizen from their country to stand up and help her we would have lost another service member.

It would be a great opportunity if you choice to provide this to them. On one hand you can't collectively judge a community of people. But on the other hand, their is accountability with actions and in some cases is associated with Iraq.

I'm not here to debate the war. I'm just saying personally I would take into consideration a mixture of items to reflect on before I made a decision.

in whatever you choose.

[NavyKat]

Originally Posted by USNIwife I'm going to go against the grain here. (JMO, and I'm not saying you shouldn't sponsor them, etc.) If you look at the entire Iraqi war which is a controversarial topic within reason anyhow. When I personally hear of Iraqi's, muslim I'm reverted back to 9/11. Now, I have very mixed emotions, b/c while they are part of a culture and religious belief - each and every one of them posesses free agency. They all make their own choices. I specifically recall back home on 9/11 2 specific stories.

This yet another reason why you should take them in. As most of the ladies on this board know the Term Muslim is like the term Christian it can refer to a number of sects... ie baptist, lutherian, presbyterian, angelican, catholic, and techincally "the christian knights of the klu klux klan" are a sect of christianity.
Most Muslims are Sunni Islam

The Shi'a are a small radical sect of Islam

understanding is the first step to peace.

btw Islam And Christianity are both Abrahamic Religions...
And follow most of the same stories from the old testament....

Also,

take out the fact that they are Iraqi or muslim
we are talking about two human beings who just lost a husband and father.
Who are afraid for their own lives in a country torn by war
If it was you in this position would you not want someone to show compassion and try to help you?

[wife-n-mommy]

Growing up, my family sponsored children from all over the world... I'm not sure of all their circumstances as I was young, but I know we had kids and a few of them with their mothers come and stay in our house for periods of time, befor either moving on, or going back home... I know a lot of them came for medical treatment, but some were here for other reasons...
I say, if you have the room in your home, and the ability to help them, then help them. It's wonderful to be able to help someone in that way, and you would be showing them the kindness the US has to offer.
Would the woman be coming here to work?

[USNIwife]

Originally Posted by NavyKat This yet another reason why you should take them in. As most of the ladies on this board know the Term Muslim is like the term Christian it can refer to a number of sects... ie baptist, lutherian, presbyterian, angelican, catholic, and techincally "the christian knights of the klu klux klan" are a sect of christianity. Most Muslims are Sunni Islam The Shi'a are a small radical sect of Islam understanding is the first step to peace. btw Islam And Christianity are both Abrahamic Religions... And follow most of the same stories from the old testament.... Also, take out the fact that they are Iraqi or muslim we are talking about two human beings who just lost a husband and father. Who are afraid for their own lives in a country torn by war If it was you in this position would you not want someone to show compassion and try to help you?

I'm not here to debate. I could counter that with 3,500+ people died in 9/11 based on a muslim sect. This is a very personal decision for someone to make. If J feels and thinks she should that is her choice. Personally I would take into consideration a gammet of factors before I arrived at a decision. Yes, that country is torn by war and alot of has to do with the prior dictator and his inhumane and unethical practices.

to OP make the best decision for yourself and your household.

[NavyKat]

Originally Posted by USNIwife I'm not here to debate. I could counter that with 3,500+ people died in 9/11 based on a muslim sect. This is a very personal decision for someone to make. If J feels and thinks she should that is her choice. Personally I would take into consideration a gammet of factors before I arrived at a decision. Yes, that country is torn by war and alot of has to do with the prior dictator and his inhumane and unethical practices. to OP make the best decision for yourself and your household.

didnt mean for it to come off quite so harsh sorry
it just you gotta think about
how many muslim have died in the name of the Christian god in the last few thousand years
thank you Crusades....
and how many Jews were prosectuted in the name of Jesus Christ
what about gays, or african american being killed by christian sects...
but you dont hold all christians responsible for those crimes....
KWIM? Hate is a terrible thing


It's just my opinion
When someone needs help and you can help
you should, kniw?
the world would be a better place if we all showed a little more compasion for one another.

Honestly, this woman and her child need help
bottom line
Joyo follow your heart and do what is best for you and you rfamily

btw
and if you want a more amusing look at
this situation watch this
http://www.cwtv.com/shows/aliens-in-america
Aliens in America about an muslim exchange student from Pakistan living with a family in the north east... extra funny
love this show !!!