An Olympian’s letter to his kids about why he might not be able to come home is exactly why people are protesting the immigration ban
We’re not sure if these are tears of anger, heartbreak or frustration, but suffice it to say: Tissues at the ready. In response to Donald Trump’s immigration ban, four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah wrote a stirring post on Facebook. His letter is just the latest in an outpouring of emotional messages this weekend. For example, Malala Yousafzai also released a statement via Facebook and declared that she is “heartbroken.” Then, John Legend used his speech at last night’s Producer’s Guild Awards to address the immigration ban. But Farah’s remarks hinge on one truly terrifying point: the Olympian isn’t sure if he can come home.
Sir Mo Farah’s response to the immigration ban
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMoFarahGold%2Fposts%2F1369028299785195&width=500
In his Facebook post, Farah explains that he moved from Somalia to the United Kingdom as a young boy.
I was welcomed into Britain from Somalia at eight years old and given the chance to succeed and realize my dreams. I have been proud to represent my country, win medals for the British people and receive the greatest honor of a knighthood. My story is an example of what can happen when you follow polices of compassion and understanding, not hate and isolation.
Somalia is one of the seven majority-Muslim countries included in Donald Trump’s immigration ban.
Currently out of the country
Farah and his family now live in Oregon, but the Olympian is currently training in Ethiopia. His fear? Basically, when he does try to return to his wife and children, there’s a strong chance that he won’t be allowed back. According to a statement from the US State Department, British passport holders who are dual citizens of a country on the banned list will be stopped at the border. That means that Farah’s trip home will likely be affected.
We hope you make it home soon, Mo.
