Iraqi man smuggled across Texas border granted asylum


http://www.kxxv.com/global/story.asp?s=7006066

Associated Press - August 30, 2007 1:25 PM ET

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - An Iraqi Christian who used migrant smugglers to enter the United States has been granted political asylum and will be allowed to stay here.

Immigration Judge William Peterson granted Aamr Bahnan Boles' request in Harlingen yesterday. He heard testimony about brutality Boles could face if deported to Iraq before granting the political asylum request.

Boles escaped Iraq and went to Syria, Moscow, Cuba, then Guatemala before making his way through Mexico to the Texas border near Brownsville. There, he was captured with two other young Iraqi men as they swam the Rio Grande in April 2006.

The three claimed asylum, saying they were subjected to brutality and threats in Iraq because of their faith.

Boles served a six-month prison sentence on a charge of illegal entry while the FBI investigated his claim. In January, he was released and has been staying with a relative in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Prosecutors didn't object to Boles' asylum request. He says he hopes to use his new legal status to help his family escape Iraq.


Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com