Iraqi Refugees Returning to Danger Zone to Escape Poverty in Utah

[babylonsister]

Iraqi Refugees Returning to Danger Zone to Escape Poverty in Utah
Frustration: "We're human beings there. … Here we are mice."

by Julia Lyon


MURRAY, Utah - Six months ago, Tarek Darwish and his family arrived in Utah as refugees craving a new and better life. Last week, his family wept and kissed his hand in farewell as the former lawyer, disillusioned, left to return to Iraq.

Life in Utah has been a list of disappointments. His family of seven lives in a two-bedroom apartment. None of the adults have jobs. His wife needs glasses and dental work but has been told Utah's Medicaid won't cover them.

He feels betrayed by the United Nations' promises and the scant help offered by the American resettlement system. He hopes his family will follow when school is out.

"If you have a drop of brain, don't leave Iraq," he said through an interpreter.

After the truck taking him to the airport drove away, his wife of 38 years released a small cry.

As human rights organizations call for aid and resettlement for millions of Iraqi refugees, some who are exasperated by America's refugee system are going home or attempting to return to other countries in the Middle East. They feel abandoned by federal policies that offer limited and brief financial support and leave many refugees living in poverty.

Refugees planning to leave acknowledge they may be less safe in Iraq, but believe they will be better able to afford food, pay rent and receive medical care.

more...

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/03/01-1

[Warpy]

1. Safety is a relative thing

and I can tell you from long and bitter experience that nothing is less safe than being shut out of the uncaring US medical system.

[truebrit71]

2. Wow, so the saying "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may be in Utah" is right?

Who knew?

(and before you start your flames, yes I know that it is tragic that someone has to go back into the Lion's Den, I was just making an observation).

[Ferret Annica]

3. Utah is a hell hole of conservative nut cases, and Mormons,

but I repeat myself. You can always survive if you convert to that cult, but personally I would rather starve or freeze then take the conversion hand outs.

He would have had much better luck in many other places then where they landed in the U.S.

[Mari333]

4. holy shit this says a lot nt

[raysr]

5. Wonder why he picked Utah

of all places?

[annabanana]

6. He may have had limited choices. . . . n/t

[LooseWilly]

7. I'd rather live in Iraq than Utah too...

... that seems like a no brainer.