A family from Tennessee is in the midst of a travel ordeal that has them wondering if this is what the “new Great America” looks like. During a Spring Break trip to the sacred city of Mecca, Sabrina Sadaf Smith took to Facebook to share the shocking news that her 17-year-old daughter, Zulaika Johnson, was barred from boarding their flight back to Atlanta.
“Today, as we were about to head home, my beloved daughter, my sweet Zulaika, was unjustly denied entry into her own country,” Smith posted. “In this so-called #America, a citizen can inexplicably be turned away simply because border patrol refused to validate her U.S. passport. How did we end up here, where a devoted family like ours can face such treatment by our own homeland? Is this really what America has become?”
Zulaika was born in the U.S. and is a high school student in Knoxville, making this situation all the more perplexing. While President Trump’s controversial travel ban—which was ultimately halted by a federal judge—targeted six Muslim-majority countries, Turkey, where the family was traveling from, was not among them. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) weighed in, stating that the airline mishandled the situation by failing to provide necessary security information prior to the family’s departure.
In the meantime, Smith has been keeping her community updated through social media. In one of her posts, she expressed hope for their next flight attempt, adding, “If you believe in the power of prayer, we could use it to ensure we get home safely.”
Unfortunately, their attempts to meet with the U.S. consulate have been thwarted, as appointments are fully booked until March 31st. “We’re trying to leave on the 22nd, but it’s looking grim,” she noted.
Knoxville’s Mayor, Madeline Turner, is also stepping in to assist the family. “I reached out to Senators Martinez and Cole, as well as Congressman Duncan. They’ve all promised to lend their support,” Turner said. “Sabrina has expressed her gratitude for the help, and we’re all rooting for them to get home soon.”
For more insightful tips on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. If you’re looking into fertility options, don’t miss the fertility booster for men.
In summary, a Tennessee family is facing a frustrating and confusing situation as their daughter is denied reentry into the U.S. after a trip abroad. With the mayor’s support and a social media outcry, they hope to resolve this disturbing issue soon.