Syrian musician in limbo after travel ban

A Syrian musician who was allowed to legally immigrate to the United States on account of his “extraordinary” abilities, and who recently toured with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, is now wondering whether he can return to his Brooklyn home.
Kinan Azmeh, a clarinet player who has called the US home for 16 years, said Sunday he does not have a “plan B” if he is not allowed to return.
Azmeh, who flew to China three weeks ago to perform with Ma, was caught in travel limbo after President Donald Trump issued an order last Friday to refuse entry to citizens of Syria and six other Muslim-majority nations, including travelers holding valid visas and residency permits.
He was granted a green card three years ago through an EB-1 visa, for applicants who can demonstrate “extraordinary ability” in science, business, or art.
The 40-year-old is currently in Beirut on the last leg of his tour before he will attempt to return home later this week. He also performed with Ma in Denmark.
“I have my apartment. You know, 16 years is not a short time, you accumulate lots of stuff,” he said. “But what is not replaceable is all the friends who are incredibly supportive.”
He said he was flooded with messages of support in the hours after the executive order, which is being challenged by civil rights attorneys in federal courts. Several judges have granted injunctions against the order, but lawyers say border control officers at several airports still have not granted them access to detained travelers. They say they are afraid the deportations will continue.
Azmeh said he was “positively surprised” by the support shown by demonstrators at US airports.
“I am holding onto the optimist in me,” he said.
Azmeh grew up in Damascus, Syria, before coming to the US to pursue his doctorate in music. He stayed in the US for years on a student visa, before applying for permanent immigration status three years ago.
“It seemed like the natural step,” he said. “New York is where I developed my musical skills, and where I grew as an artist.”

Source: Arab News