of Beirut. Tina testified that despite being terrified
while in Beirut, they were safe at their friends’ home.
        In June 1988, the Berris went to the United States in order to escape these threats. Using his
business contacts in the United States, Sami obtained a non-immigrant visa for business. Tina
entered the United States as a non-immigrant visitor for pleasure. Sami reentered Lebanon after that
for the purpose of transferring money he had in Lebanese bank accounts. According to stamps on

        1
         The Berris share the same last name as Nabi Berri, leader of the Amal party. According to Sami, as far as he
knows, they are of no relation toone another.
No. 05-4045           Berri et al. v. Gonzales                                                  Page 3


his passport and his testimony, it appears that he went back to Lebanon from the United States on
July 29, 1988, then went to Syria and reentered Lebanon in early August, and then came again to
Lebanon from the United States in October 1988. His final entry into the United States was in
November 1988. During his travels to Lebanon, he did not