'I Fear for My Safety and That of My Girls'

This interview is part of Broadly's Voices Against the Ban series. You can read more of these voices here.

Broadly: Why do you oppose Trump's immigration restrictions?

Rusul, 31, Toronto: As people of color and Muslims we've felt the impact. Today, we spoke to a black American who told us a story about coming back from a trip overseas and getting stopped by customs and having his bag searched on that one trip. And he had a Quran in it. Not because he's Muslim, but because he wanted to learn about the religion. And they looked at him and said, "You're not Muslim.. why do you have this?" And after explaining it to them, they said, "So, you're not a Muslim. OK. You're free to go."

It's something that he'd have never, ever felt, and that anxiety is the same anxiety we live with everyday and especially when we travel at the airport. Trump's ban brings to light our experience since 9/11.

How do these new restrictions impact you or your family?

Safety. Six Muslims were killed in Quebec. And I fear for my safety and that of my girls.

We're Iraqi. Like I said, we've been impacted in our home as a result of the war led by America, as well as the repercussions that was associated with 9/11. But we're going to overcome. Our family is looking at alternatives. Leading scientists and scholars are boycotting conferences in the United States. The real question is: How is this impacting them, not us? We'll find international alternatives, and still work with our brothers and sisters, colleagues and friends in the movement and doing the work to create impact, while spreading the message and advocating for voices across the internet

Do you have any additional comments about the new immigration orders?

This is an opportunity to network across a movement that has massive support. There are political realities, and that's the nature of the West's polarizing political climate from administration to administration. We have to overcome this narrative and build local and international support communities to provide safety for each other.

This interview has been edited and condensed.