MEDIA ADVISORY

**FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION**

Syrian Refugee Fleeing Persecution Granted Asylum After CAIR-Chicago’s Intervention

(CHICAGO, IL, 7/12/2019) - The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) announced today that a Syrian client was awarded asylum status following intervention by the Muslim civil rights organization.

The individual, who prefers to remain anonymous, arrived in the United States seeking refuge. He feared his history of protesting the infringement of human and civil rights in Syria made him a target of violence by multiple political and religious sects in Syria.

CAIR-Chicago says the applicant recalled the imprisonment, torture, and assault of family and friends; the ransacking and air-striking of his apartment; and the death of acquaintances and friends following dissent from the Syrian regime.

“Our country has a long and valued history of welcoming those who seek refuge from persecution to make this place a safe haven for themselves and their families,” said CAIR-Chicago Litigation Director Phil Robertson.

CAIR-Chicago has filed two dozen asylum cases on behalf of petitioners since it launched its Asylum Project in 2014.

To date, only one of those petitioners has been denied asylum, which denial is currently set for hearing before the Immigration Court (EOIR). CAIR-Chicago also assists petitioners whose applications have gotten stuck in the process to move forward by filing mandamus cases in Federal Court on their behalf.

CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Saadia Pervaiz, 312-212-1520, spervaiz@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Hannah Faris, 312-212-1520, hfaris@cair.com