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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
New travel ban sparks concerns among immigrants in metro Atlanta
The Brief The expanded travel ban affects citizens from 19 countries, with Eritrea and Somalia facing full bans, impacting immigrant communities in metro Atlanta. The ban does not cancel existing visas but denies entry to citizens from affected countries without a visa, raising concerns about family separations and community fear. Eritrea's inclusion in the ban is due to high visa overstay rates, a rationale not used in previous bans, highlighting issues with asylum claims and legal immigration processes. CLARKSTON, Ga. - The Trump administration's latest travel ban is now in effect, impacting citizens from 19 countries across the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Central Asia. While some countries face partial restrictions, others, including Eritrea and Somalia, are under a full ban. SEE ALSO: Trump announces travel ban on a dozen countries: Here's what to know Local perspective The order does not cancel previously issued visas, but citizens from the affected countries who do not already have a visa will be denied entry into the United States. The White House has defended the move as a national security measure, but critics say it is sowing fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities—especially in metro Atlanta, which is home to significant populations from several of the banned nations. What they're saying Omar Shekhey, executive director of the Somali American Community Center in Clarkston and a Somali immigrant himself, recalled the last time Somalia was included on the travel ban list. "Families were separated, people were trying to see grandchildren graduate and could not make it. It was depressing," he said. Now, with Somalia once again under a full travel ban—this time designated as a "terrorist safe haven"—Shekhey said his organization is urging caution. "I'm afraid. We are advising our community not to travel anywhere," he said. "You want to see your mom, you're not coming back." Immigration attorney Jack Kuck agrees with Shekhey's advice. He spent the day fielding calls from concerned families seeking guidance. Eritrea, a country not included in previous travel bans, has now been added to the list. Federal authorities cited high visa overstay rates, particularly among students, as a key reason. "The theory was not used in the last travel ban," Kuck said. "They looked at the most egregious overstay rates for countries and said you can't come in for any reason." He added that visa overstays are often linked to asylum claims, which are legal under U.S. immigration law. Despite the administration's stated rationale, Shekhey believes the ban unfairly targets Somali Americans and separates them from their families. "Every person has a root, a connection. You can't leave your family," he said. "I tell you one thing—we condemn any act of violence." The Source FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart spoke with Omar Shekhey, executive director of the Somali American Community Center in Clarkston, for this article.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Honoring Georgia's fallen: A traveling memorial wall pays tribute to 876 officers
The Brief A memorial wall in Georgia lists the names and images of 876 Georgia law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The wall was built by longtime police officer John Ivey, who wanted to find a way to honor his fellow officers. He takes it across the state so others can honor and remember the officers. COBB COUNTY, Ga. - It's National Police Week, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Here in Georgia, there's a wall dedicated to those who died in the line of duty. What they're saying Every time an officer dies in the line of duty, it hurts John Ivey's soul. He's worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He built a granite wall to honor their lives. "It's in honor of every fallen officer in the state of Georgia we lost since Dec. 11, 1839. There are 876 fallen heroes that are on our granite memorial," said Ivey. The wall is made up of granite panels with the names and images of the officers. "I hand etched everything on there," said Ivey. He says putting a name on the wall is always hard, but it's even harder when it's someone he knows. "You know their names, you know their story. It's emotional. I was there with quite a few of them," said Ivey. Ivey takes the wall to various events across the state so as many people as possible can honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Local perspective Theresa Hand visited the wall when it was displayed in Cobb County. "All the people on this wall are heroes," said Hand. Hand got emotional when she saw the image of Atlanta Police Officer Sherry Lyons Williams, who was killed in 2001 during a drug raid. "She and I served in the military together. She was a dedicated officer," said Hand. Ivey says when he sees the reactions from families and friends, he knows the work he's put into the memorial wall is worth it. "They give you a hug and say thank you, because they're never going to be forgotten, and that's our goal," said Ivey. What you can do Georgia's Fallen Heroes Memorial is a nonprofit. Ivey hopes to use it to raise money for the families through the sale of items and donations. You can find out more on the website, The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with John Ivey about the Georgia law enforcement remembrance wall.
