Khaled Almilaji, MD, a Syrian refugee, withdrew from Providence, R.I.-based Brown University School of Public Health in an effort to bypass President Donald Trump's travel ban to select Middle Eastern countries, which goes into effect June 29 at 8 p.m. EST, according to The Guardian.
Dr. Almilaji and his wife, Jehan Mouhsen, MD, moved to Rhode Island in 2016 so he could pursue a master's degree at Brown. Following an aid mission to Turkey in January after President Trump's initial travel ban took effect, Dr. Almilaji found he could not return to the U.S. because his visa had been revoked "without reason," according to the report.
Dr. Almilaji said lawyers told him if he re-entered the U.S., he would most likely not be able to leave, jeopardizing his ability to help the Syrian people. After six months of "living in limbo," Dr. Almilaji decided to move to Toronto, where he would be able to travel freely oversees and continue his humanitarian work.
"I [couldn't] abandon my dedication to those who are suffering inside Syria just for a degree I'm pursuing," he said. "If it [would] not serve me and my people, it's in vain."
Brown University officials reportedly tried to get Dr. Almilaji's visa renewed, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Officials then reached out to the University of Toronto, asking the university to consider admitting Dr. Almilaji. The university accepted him and waived his tuition, while private donors offered to cover the couple's living expenses, according to the report. Dr. Almilaji said he remains in contact with faculty and classmates at Brown.
Dr. Almilaji reunited with his wife in June after six months of separation. Shortly after moving to Toronto, he was recognized by Canada's head of state, alongside two other founders of the Canadian International Medical Relief Organization. He was also a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, an award presented by Canada's governor general, who represents Queen Elizabeth II.