After the Last Border:Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America

Laila’s husband Malek returned to Daraa to assist his family’s flight to Jordan. In Ramtha, Hasna missed home and was angered with the Jordanians’ portrayal of Syrians. She confronted a store owner over it and walked away frustrated. She had to navigate running water only one day a week and dangerous snakes and spiders.

Committed to the education of her daughters, Hasna was upset to learn that Rana would only be able to continue schooling if she obtained refugee status. To file for that, Hasna worried, was to admit that things would not change in Syria and to beg. When Jebreel visited, he was adamantly opposed to it and the couple fought. Out of school, Rana got in a fight with some local boys. Hasna then immediately filed the application and, once processed, returned Rana to school.

The family received word, after three months, that Malek and his family would soon arrive. That night, Malek called and informed Laila that he was being detained at the border. Yusef, Laila, and her son rushed there on a motorcycle. Laila pleaded with the guards to allow him into Jordan, but they refused.