Runaway Princess Gets Green Card

S A N  D I E G O, May 24, 2001 -- The Bahraini princess who

fled her country with a U.S. Marine was granted permanent

residency in the United States on Thursday after arguing she

would be persecuted if she returned, her lawyer said.

Meriam Al-Khalifa arrived in the United States about a yearand a half ago with Jason Johnson, then a Marine stationed inBahrain, where she is related to the royal family.

The couple's love affair and flight from the Gulf countrywas the subject of a TV movie. They have since married.

The princess sought asylum in the U.S., claiming that shefeared for her safety because she had violated strict royaltradition by dating a non-Muslim.

Her lawyer, Jan Bejar, said he and U.S. immigration officials negotiated thearrangement, which was granted Thursday morning.

‘Extremely Happy’

"She continues to be an alien but can live permanently inthe United States," said Bejar. "She wasextremely happy. I think she has found peace finally."

Bejar added that the princess has no desire to return toBahrain.

Johnson has received an early discharge from the Marinesand the couple is living somewhere on the West Coast.