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Warren woman once facing deportation gets her Green Card

Posted at 6:21 PM, Sep 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-07 18:21:47-04

An Iraqi woman who has been living in Metro Detroit for most for her life got a life-changing gift just days before her 43rd birthday.

Jihan Asker shared with 7 Action News her journey from fear, to faith, to freedom.

The first time we interviewed Jihan, there was a tremendous amount of fear in her heart. Now, there is nothing but hope!

“The dream that I had came true. I can't tell you how it feels, it's just the best feeling in the world!” she says with tears of joy.

Jihan has her Green Card after being arrested, detained, and threatened with deportation. 

“After 38 years, I’m legal now. I can stay here,” says Jihan with so much joy.

She was the first Iraqi detainee to be released from jail. Her legal team immediately starting preparing her application for a Green Card.

Some may have called it a long shot, a miracle even. They saw it as fate.

“It is the most wonderful feeling you can have, to give a person back their life,” says attorney George Mann.

His colleague feels the same.

“For me, it’s mission accomplished!” 

“It’s just like being in the darkness and coming to the light, God just saving you. I’m at peace now,” she says.

Jihan is ready to begin again, with a sincere sense of relief and pride to be living in the country she loves.