WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- Federal officials have decided not to deport an elderly Arab woman because of her failing health, a Washington-based Muslim advocacy group reports.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations said Zeinab Ashour, 80, may now live with her son, Osama Aly. She arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan airport from Cairo, Egypt, five days ago but was refused entry.
According to the immigration officials, during her last visit, Ashour failed to fill out a form explaining why she was returning to Egypt.
But when immigration officials tried to deport her, Ashour clung to the railings of the plane.
Later her son filed a lawsuit, seeking judicial intervention. U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., also supported the move.
Immigration officials Thursday informed her son in view of her failing health and old age, federal officials had decided to let Ashour stay in the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman James Michie told reporters in Detroit Ashour could stay and continue the process of applying for permanent resident status.
