Chicago lawyer finds mission in helping Iraqi Christian refugees

Robert DeKelaita, himself from Iraq, has helped hundreds gain asylum in the US.

from the April 28, 2008 edition

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"These are my people. I don't even have to ask them what they've been through," he says.

DeKelaita's family left Iraq in 1973. He learned English in the Chicago public schools, and earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Loyola University. He sees dozens of asylum cases every month.

More than 235,000 Iraqi refugees, most in Syria and Jordan, are seeking resettlement, according to the United Nations. Just 2,631 Iraqis were admitted for resettlement in the US last year. This year, 819 Iraqis have been admitted.

Anaam Merza Khoshaba sat wringing her hands outside a Chicago courtroom.

Ms. Khoshaba fled Iraq in 2001. While a refugee in Jordan, she married an Iraqi American Christian. The marriage gave her entry into the US. But a 2004 divorce left her in legal limbo. She missed the deadline for filing for asylum.

DeKelaita emerged from the courtroom and told Khoshaba she would be granted an exception. He had persuaded the judge and the government lawyer that she deserved a second chance because she was employed and law-abiding.

Khoshaba wiped her eyes and brought a small gold medallion of the Virgin Mary to her lips in gratitude.

Last November, Ibrahim's case was more complex. A government lawyer said all Iraqis face possible harm, not just Christians. Christians, DeKelaita countered, are targeted because of their faith.

Ibrahim was granted asylum and released.

For DeKelaita, victory was bittersweet.

"I wish he could go back to his homeland," he said, "and prosper."

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