MEMBER OF BAHRAINI ROYAL FAMILY SEEKS ASYLUM IN THE US The daughter of sheik Abulla Al-Khalifa, a cousin of the head of state of Bahrain, Emir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, is seeking asylum in the US. Meriam Al-Khalifa met an American Marine, Jason Johnson, serving in Bahrain last year. The two fell in love, but kept their relationship a secret because they feared what would happen if it were revealed. When her family found out, they confined her to the house, but did allow them to speak by telephone.
When Johnson’s tour of duty ended, he did not want to leave without Al-Khalifa. He forged military documents for her and she flew to the US. Immigration officials discovered the fraudulent documents, and Al-Khalifa requested asylum. Since then Johnson and Al-Khalifa have married. Johnson is convinced his wife will be killed if forced to return to Bahrain because of the embarrassment she caused the royal family.
A spokesperson for the Embassy of Bahrain in Washington, D.C., says that nothing will happen to her. Her family views this as a personal matter, and not anything that concerns politics. Despite such assurances, Al-Khalifa claims to fear the influence of right-wing clerics in the country, who may encourage people to attack her.
Scholars are divided on the case. Some Middle East experts think that if her family forgives her, she will not face any problems. Others think she could qualify for asylum on the grounds of both political opinion and membership in a particular social group. Her first hearing before the INS is scheduled for later this month. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
