SUPPORT THE FAMILY OF NURUL AMIN SHAH ALAM

GOAL: To raise as much as possible to protect, support, and reunite his family.

NOTE: The family has NOT authorized anyone to speak on their behalf at this time. They will be holding a press conference soon to share official information. We kindly ask everyone to remain patient and wait for their formal statement. This fundraiser is intended solely to provide financial support to the family during this difficult time.

HIS STORY

Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a refugee reaching for the American dream.

In February 2026, Nurul was found deceased following a series of tragic events. Buffalo was meant to be a place of refuge and new beginnings. Instead, circumstances unfolded that left a mostly blind man who spoke no English alone and exposed to freezing winter conditions.

Nurul was a stateless Arakan Rohingya refugee from Myanmar (Burma). The Rohingya — a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from Arakan State — have endured decades of persecution, denial of citizenship, and violence. In 2017, more than 700,000 were forced to flee, creating one of the largest refugee crises in the world.

Nurul survived displacement and years of uncertainty.

He and his wife spent 20 years in Malaysia, raising their five sons while waiting for safety and stability. In 2014, they applied for resettlement in the United States. After ten years of waiting, he was approved.

In December 2024, he arrived in Buffalo, New York, hopeful that he could build a peaceful life and eventually reunite permanently with his family.

WHAT HAPPENED

In February 2025, Nurul went out for a walk and became disoriented just a few blocks from his home. He wandered onto the wrong property, and police were called.

Because Nurul was mostly blind and did not speak English, communication during the encounter may have been difficult. He was arrested, and subsequent legal proceedings followed. Local law enforcement contacted federal immigration authorities, initiating a process that resulted in his continued detention.

After nearly a year in local custody, a plea agreement was reached. With his health declining and his charges no longer considered a risk, his family made the painful decision to post bail, believing he would be processed and released from immigration custody shortly thereafter.

Following his release, Nurul was transported to a location several miles from his home late at night. Without a phone and unable to communicate in English, he was separated from his family. When they were unable to reach him, a search began.

Four days later, he was found deceased. Authorities indicated that exposure to cold weather was a contributing factor.

The full circumstances surrounding these events are still being clarified.

After surviving genocide and statelessness for most of his life, Nurul passed away before fully experiencing the stability he had hoped to build for his family.

THE FAMILY LEAVES BEHIND

Nurul Amin leaves behind a grieving wife and five sons.

Two sons with his wife are in the United States. His other three sons remain in Malaysia.

His dream was simple: to reunite his children, sit together at one table again, eat his wife's home-cooked food and live without fear or uncertainty. He hoped to spend his days with family and serve his community.

Instead, his family now faces overwhelming grief, legal matters, and financial instability.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Donate if you are able

• Share this campaign widely

• Offer community support and connections

• Support efforts that promote family stability and family reunification

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

We are raising as much as possible to ensure his family has stability and support moving forward. Your support will help:

• Secure trusted attorneys to handle estate matters and related legal proceedings

• Navigate complex administrative processes

• Pay for travel, interpretation, translation, and required documentation

• Support immediate living expenses such as rent and groceries

• Assist with efforts related to family reunification

WHY THIS MATTERS?

Nurul was not just a refugee. He was a loving father. A devoted husband. A man who believed deeply in the promise of safety, dignity, and opportunity.

Buffalo has long been known as a welcoming city for refugees. This loss has deeply affected members of the local refugee community, many of whom have also experienced displacement and hardship.

At this moment, the focus is not on assigning blame, but on supporting a grieving family and ensuring they have the resources needed to move forward.

By standing together, we can help provide stability, compassion, and hope during an incredibly painful time.

**100% of funds raised will go directly to his wife, Fatimah Abdul Roshid, to support her and their children during this difficult time. This GoFundMe was set up by her son, with the love and support of friends and family, to help them in any way possible.