Syrians Visiting U.S. Look To Stall Return To Violence

TROY (WWJ) - Some residents of Syria visiting metro Detroit learned more about how they may be able to extend their stay because of the ongoing violence in Syria.

United for a Free Syria is working to help people like Ismael stay longer.

Ismael has been visiting friends in the Detroit area but has a wife, three children and other family back in Syria.

"It's terrible, my family, I just don't know how to take (them) out of Syria, I tried Jordan - three, four times, no luck," said Ismael.

Ismael says his home in Syria was destroyed by bombing, and his family fled to a friend's home.... but two of his brothers are missing.

One man, who only gave his last name, Alnajjar, says he wants to get temporary protective status for himself and his wife because of how bad things are in Syria

"You can't be safe ... everyone can shoot you on the street for nothing, a lot of people stay in the street - ask for ID ... if they don't like you, they can arrest you," said Alnajjar.
Due to the violence going on in Syria, many are hoping to be granted temporary protection status in the U.S. when their visas expire.
"Every night, every night you can't even sleep - the shooting, the bombing .. you spend half of the week working, half the week staying home, you can't move," said Alnajjar."You have to stay away from the windows, all the time."

Immigration lawyer Bob Bierack advised Syrians to apply to extend their non-immigrant status:

"Right now because of the situation in Syria, they are being rather liberal in their extensions - they don't want to send people back into harms way," said Bierack to WWJ.

United for a Free Syria held a free legal clinic for Syrians who want to stay in the U.S. past the point where their visa's expire.