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Bahraini Princess Fights to Stay in America
Not Your Everyday Fairy Tale 
The forbidden love of Princess Meriam Al-Khalifa and U.S. Marine Jason Johnson
made headlines around the world. Now hear about the risks they took to be together,
and why Meriam's life could be in danger.
Meriam is from the tiny island nation of Bahrain, in the Persian Gulf. She first met Jason, a young Marine stationed on the island, at a Bahrain mall. A friendship began, and they continued seeing each other until their first kiss was observed by the secret police. At that point, Meriam's family forbade her from seeing Jason. Not only was he not part of a royal family, he was not Islamic. Meriam considered ending the relationship, but Jason refused to give up. Their Great Escape Through secret communications, they devised a plan. In November 1999, Meriam scaled the walls of her home and left for the airport with Jason. When they arrived in Chicago, Meriam was jailed for three days for entering the United States illegally. She was granted temporary asylum and then released into Jason's custody. Two weeks later, they married in a Las Vegas chapel. Jason also paid a price for his part in the escape. He was court-martialed and demoted for using false documents to smuggle Meriam into the country, and was later honorably discharged from the Marines. Happily Ever After? Since Jason is no longer a Marine and Meriam is no longer a princess, they've had to start their lives over again. For the first time in her life, Meriam has had to do things like wash dishes and do the laundry. She says she "enjoys doing it." Jason and Meriam have been happily married for over a year, but a dark cloud hangs over their future. Meriam is still fighting to stay in the United States. They say Meriamhas received death threats, and they fear for her life if she is not granted asylum.
Fighting for Women's Rights 
For 23 years, Jean Sasson has lived in Arab countries, fighting the
restrictive cultural traditions and human rights violations against women.
Jean will be testifying about the possible consequences Meriam faces if she is sent back to Bahrain. She says Meriam's family is obligated to punish her severely to restore family honor. Jean also points out that because the story has been in the news, and because she is royalty, Meriam's actions are considered to be even more disgraceful. Meriam's family has publicly stated that they want their daughter to return to Bahrain and that no harm will come to her, but Jean feels this is just a ploy. She believes that if Meriam is forced to return to Bahrain, she could be killed.
From the show Bahraini Princess Fights to Stay in America |
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