Syrian refugee family: "We're not here to harm anybody"

TUKWILA, Wash. — A Syrian refugee family who arrived two days before President Trump took office said they feel fortunate in their timing, but disappointed for their friends and loved ones now separated because of an executive order banning Syrian refugees until further notice.

Iad and Safa, who gave only their first names, have now settled in Tukwila with their daughters, ages 4 and 5.

Through an interpreter, Iad told KIRO 7 that he’s extremely grateful to be welcomed to the U.S.

The family spoke to KIRO 7 on the same night that Seattle residents participated in the city’s “Shine A Light” campaign, where people stood on door steps and street corners with flashlights to show solidarity with immigrants and refugees.

Iad said he knew that there was going to be a change of presidents, but he “didn’t know there was going to be this kind of change.”

The family had first gone from Syria to Turkey. Then, they signed up for a program with the U.N. to resettle in the United States.

The application and vetting process took two years and involved many tests and criminal checks. Iad joked that the only thing left to do would be a DNA test.

On Jan. 18, they arrived in the U.S. While they feel lucky, they have friends and family who were going through the process at the same time and are now unable to move.

“We’re seeing, you know, brothers and sisters in America, and others in Turkey. And they might not be able to see each other in 10 years or more,” Iad said.

On Monday, Northwest Immigrant Rights filed a class-action lawsuit against President Trump. The case currently involves three families in the Pacific Northwest whose relatives are now unable to reunite with them in the U.S. because of the executive order.

Iad and Safa said they do not understand the need for so much fear.

Safa said, “We are very friendly, we are very simple people. And we come from a different culture, and we understand that. Our most important message is, you know, we’re here to embrace who we are and embrace our new reality. And we’re not here to harm anybody.”

Cox Media Group