OPINION
GUEST COLUMN
How do I feel as a Muslim in America now? By Muhammad Salar Khan, finance coordinator of the Muslim Student Association
COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD SALAR KHAN
Muhammad Salar Khan is the finance coordinator for the Muslim Student Association at OSU, and is working toward his master’s in public policy.
I
n the name of God, infinitely merciful and compassionate! Not all messages are exciting! Today, I woke up to read few messages blinking on my phone screen. My friend in Pakistan, who recently applied to a master’s program in the U.S., was extremely worried about his visa application. When he asked about my plans for returning to Pakistan, I responded that I will see him in June (In’sha’Allah). I am now completing my master’s degree at OSU and he would then like me to do my Ph.D before going back to Pakistan. He thinks earning both advanced degrees in the United States would be the
best course to follow for my career. What he suggested to me was not surprising at all. He was doubtful if I could make it back to the U.S. for further study once I am done with master’s, especially in light of the recent executive order on immigration issued by President Trump. This is how abstract situations such as anxiety, uncertainty, ambiguity and insecurity are personified. In some ways, we know these situations exist only when we truly face them. I vividly remember the day when my mom kissed me on my forehead, my Dad hugged me tightly and my family and friends extended good wishes for a safe and rewarding journey with all their hearts. Yes, that was the day when I was leaving my sweet home and dear homeland for the “land of opportunity.” I had high hopes, noble intentions and great ambitions to serve humanity. Hey, hey! Rest assured, my friend! I still have high hopes and great dreams. While the immigration entry interviews almost scared me to death, nonetheless I managed to catch my flight just before the plane had taken off. After wandering in Chicago O’Hare International Airport for few hours and later stretching feet in Phoenix Sky Harbor for an hour, I was warmly received by my American friends, Randy and Hannah Dilday, at Portland International Airport. Let be honest. Randy and Hannah were just slight acquaintances. In fact, they were Facebook friends who I had never met in person. For a sensitive being like me, this kind gesture was enough to rekindle my hopes. Call my immigration experiences better or bitter. I would say small acts of kindness later in the day wiped away those harsh moments that clouded my excitement. I remember a masterpiece by the American songwriter Joe Ely: “Well I left my home out on the great High Plains Headed for some new terrain Standin’ on the highway with my coffee cup
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A’ Wonderin’ who was gonna pick me up I had my hopes up high--I never thought that I Would ever wonder why I ever said good-bye I had my hopes up high.” You think I am digressing. Yes, you’re right. But how can I do away with my memories? If not, then please bear with me. With an auburn beard and fair complexion, usually I take these features for granted. From the East to West Coast, traipsing across the States, people ask if I am from “Florida” or “Seattle.” While I very proudly say that I am from Pakistan and I am in the U.S. for a master’s degree through a U.S. State Department Fulbright award, my immediate and natural response is “I am from Oregon.” You will agree that love for one’s birthplace is natural. So is the love of the soil where you aspire and, in turn, are inspired. While it’s often hard to find “halal” and “zabeeha meat” in the U.S., yet there is a plethora of options of seafood and other tasty food, if not Pakistani then Mexican, Mediterranean, Mongolian or even Indian food. Did I say “I love all food”? When I pray, all I need is a clean space, neat clothes and an immaculate heart among other things. When I go to party, I find all sort of parties, not to mention “halal” parties. When I play, I play my foosball, watch your football, practice my soccer and look out for good badminton players. In Pakistan, I only met people from few countries. In the U.S., not only I have developed a memorable relationship with Americans, I also have built a unique repertoire with people from the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and East Asia. I have worked on improving my Arabic; not that I took Arabic courses, but just becaUSe I met so many Arab people. Just today I met people from as many as 20 countries. I ate American waffles, relished Pakistani “Karahi” and finished my day with Indonesian “Chai.” Interesting, isn’t it? This is America! This is
why they call it melting pot of cultures. While my friend in Pakistan is worried about his visa, people in America, whether citizens or immigrants, also worry about the recent happenings! From legal documents and texts such as the U.S. Constitution, Bills of Rights and Declaration of Independence, I have learned that immigrants are part and parcel of the American society. My personal observations only reinforce this view. This is the beauty of American society: an endless range of ideas continually float across the country. On one hand, there are restrictive and insular ideologies; on the other hand, there are people upholding receptive and open ideologies. Following President Trump’s executive order, a few friends approached me asking if Muslims have been banned from the United States. Regardless of the reasons and logic behind this order, to the extent that the countries on the ban-list are Muslim-majority countries, one may rightfully call it a religiondriven ban, as suggested by Pope Francis. But, at the same time, it is a ban on refugees who could be Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike. This is even more of a shock for me! If you were to ask me for a ban, I would have come up with a ban against discrimination and injustice. With a couple of Ph.D admission offers in hand (thanks Almighty!), I am worried too! But, as always, I am also hopeful! At least I am overjoyed to see the overpowering response by American people supporting the weak and vulnerable. Just as a few people are striving to erect walls, even more are striving to bridge the gaps. People, in this hour of need, love not hate is needed more than ever! Khan’s column can also be found on the blog he manages, “Tried & True Folks.” Khan’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of the Baro or Orange Media Network.
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