CAIR - U.S. Muslim Travelers Warned of 'Forced Exile'

[islamirama]

ACTIONALERT

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Advisory: U.S. Muslim Travelers Warned of 'Forced Exile'​

American Muslims face denial of due process, pressure to become informants​

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[FONT=&quot] [/FONT](WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/9/10) -- CAIR today issued an advisory to American Muslims -- whether citizens, permanent residents or visa holders -- warning of the risk of "forced exile" when traveling overseas or attempting to return to the United States. Muslim travelers are urged to know their legal rights if they are placed on the so-called "no-fly list."

In the past few months, CAIR has received a number of reports of American Muslims stranded overseas when they are placed on the government's no-fly list. Those barred from returning to the United States report being denied proper legal representation, being subjected to FBI pressure tactics to give up the constitutionally-guaranteed right to remain silent, having their passports confiscated without due process, and being pressured to become informants for the FBI. These individuals have not been told why they were placed on the no-fly list or how to remove their names from the list.

SEE:[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Cases of American Muslims Barred from U.S.[/FONT][/FONT] (CAIR)
[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]American Man in Limbo on No-Fly List[/FONT][/FONT] (NY Times)
[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]U.S. Muslims Facing Problems in Return from Abroad[/FONT][/FONT] (Wash. Post)

FBI agents have reportedly told a number of individuals that they face being stranded outside the United States longer, or forever, unless they give up their rights to legal representation or to refuse interrogations and polygraph tests. But even those who submitted to interrogations without an attorney or to the "lie detector" tests remain stranded.

CAIR cooperated with the ACLU on its recently-filed lawsuit challenging the lack of due process in placing travelers on the no-fly list.

SEE:[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]ACLU Files Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional 'No Fly List'[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]"We ask President Obama to review this disturbing new policy that denies American Muslims their constitutional rights and due process of law," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

He said American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. And as Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right to due process and to re-enter their own country.

If you know of any criminal activity, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.
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Know Your Rights if Placed on the No-Fly List:

[IMPORTANT NOTE: Before traveling overseas, obtain the cell phone number of an attorney who would be available for consultation if you are barred from returning to the United States. Finding an attorney once you have been stopped or detained is much more difficult. Provide the attorney's contact information to those scheduled to pick you up at the airport.]

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1) Understand that agreeing to an interview with FBI agents is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any questions from law enforcement officers. You must however provide them with a passport or other official identification.

2) You may choose to have an attorney accompany or represent you for any interview or questioning. CAIR strongly recommends that you consult with an attorney before being interviewed by law enforcement agents. CAIR may provide legal assistance or can refer you to an attorney.

3) Stay calm. Do not get into an argument with law enforcement officers.

4) Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and that lying to an agent or officer is a criminal offense. Also note that an FBI agent is permitted to lie to you in the course of an interrogation.

5) Should you decide to speak to agents without an attorney despite the risks, note that you may set the conditions of the interview, including choosing when and where the interview is to take place, whether a third party such as a family member is present, which questions to answer, and refusing to sign any documents. You may cancel the interview at any time. Take detailed notes during any interview.

6) Be sure to get the names, agencies, badge numbers and business cards of ALL agents or officers. Similarly, make a note of the name, agency, contact information, and supervisor of any other government employees, including embassy staff.

7) Contact your attorney and CAIR to report the incident and to discuss your next legal steps. If you believe that your civil rights have been or are being violated, you may file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and with the Department of State. CAIR can help you with this process.

8) To file a civil rights complaint with CAIR-PA, please visit: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay....om%2Freport%2F

9) If you have Internet access, file a complaint with DHS TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program) by going to: www.dhs.gov/trip

10) Have your spouse or other family members contact your elected representatives to seek assistance.
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[/FONT]MORE RESOURCES:

"[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]FBI Interview: Knowing the Law Can Protect You[/FONT][/FONT]," by Ahilan Arulanantham and Ranjana Natarajan. InFocus News, February 2007.

Video: "[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Got Rights: Protect Yourself and Your Family at Home and at the Airport[/FONT][/FONT],” by Muslim Advocates.
[Please note: The points outlined above are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about this material or about a specific case, please consult with an attorney.]
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[Precious Star]

this is a live issue.

I don't live in the US but whenever I pass through it or travel to it, I am always "randomly selected" for a special security check.

Anyway, for those who are interested, google "Maher Arar" to read a horrible story.

 

[Just a Guy]

this is a live issue.

I don't live in the US but whenever I pass through it or travel to it, I am always "randomly selected" for a special security check.

Anyway, for those who are interested, google "Maher Arar" to read a horrible story.

:salam2:

I got randomly selected once too, but this was long before I knew anything about Islam.

I wonder if I was travelling with a Muslim friend if they would still search us both or just them and not me.

 

[alf2]

When my husband comes to see me, he is always selected for extra screening. We think its because he doesnt have a Visa yet and they're scared he's going to skip on his visa and stay here illegally.

But when I ask him who all was in the detention center with him, he says darker skinned individuals. So its like 15 "non white" people and him. -.-

But this whole drama makes me rethink traveling abroad.

Do they target people coming from certain countries? Like if you are coming back from Pakistan, are they more likely to target you than if you were coming back from France?

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

First, why do we Muslims buy into the racism and define other human beings as " dark skinned people". I was reprimanded on this site for using the word cracker. Which is not a racist term but a term that describes the lowly status of a group of white southerners. Lets refrain form that.

Second, Why would it amaze anyone that dark skinned people are always the subject of interrogations.

If they feel they can get away with it they will. They select single females because they think they can sexually intimidate them.

We know that TSA and Homeland Security do not hire anyone with intelligence. Because anyone with intelligence could not work for such agencies.

My 14 year old was detained for possibly carrying a bomb. He had a wooden turtle and a shoe shaper. Along with candy. An employee for the TSA and any branch of Homeland Security must have flunked kindergarten twice.

 

[alf2]

Assalaam walaikum,

First, why do we Muslims buy into the racism and define other human beings as " dark skinned people". I was reprimanded on this site for using the word cracker. Which is not a racist term but a term that describes the lowly status of a group of white southerners. Lets refrain form that.

Its not me buying into racism, its more like...most Americans seen Muslims as a race rather than a religion.

Second, Why would it amaze anyone that dark skinned people are always the subject of interrogations.

I wasn't surprised, merely an observation.

If they feel they can get away with it they will. They select single females because they think they can sexually intimidate them.

I've heard this happens with foreign women who dont know English.

We know that TSA and Homeland Security do not hire anyone with intelligence. Because anyone with intelligence could not work for such agencies.

My 14 year old was detained for possibly carrying a bomb. He had a wooden turtle and a shoe shaper. Along with candy. An employee for the TSA and any branch of Homeland Security must have flunked kindergarten twice.

Actually, the TSA can protect people from threats and dangerous individuals. But they have this "Muslim haze" stopping them from seeing the real dangers.

I've considered working for the TSA before.

 

[Shak78]

:salam2:

When I lived in Tennessee and would fly back to visit my mom if I flew out of Atlanta I would get pulled aside for "special screening" every time but oddly when I would fly out of Nashville I never got pulled aside. Needless to say I flew out of Nashville for the remainder of my time in Tennessee.

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

I am glad you pointed that out. That Muslims are seen as a race. It makes sense. The whole camel jockey, sand _igger, towel head. Most Americans are racist ignoramuses.

What is sad is when Muslims in the US buy into the racist system.

As to the women who get pulled over. It has nothing to do with English. It has to do with youth. Trust me no-one would pull me over. The TSA fools like to beautiful young women.

Sister, do not work for the TSA. That is giving into the police state. Why would you want to take away the rights of citizens because of the likes of fools like Dick Cheney and his Zionist thugs.

 

[alf2]

Assalaam walaikum,

I am glad you pointed that out. That Muslims are seen as a race. It makes sense. The whole camel jockey, sand _igger, towel head. Most Americans are racist ignoramuses.

What is sad is when Muslims in the US buy into the racist system.

As to the women who get pulled over. It has nothing to do with English. It has to do with youth. Trust me no-one would pull me over. The TSA fools like to beautiful young women.

Sister, do not work for the TSA. That is giving into the police state. Why would you want to take away the rights of citizens because of the likes of fools like Dick Cheney and his Zionist thugs.

Im training to be a nurse. But I did want to be in the TSA because as I said - I do believe there are real threats and dangerous people coming into the country or travelling the country. But the TSA is seeing anyone of color as a threat, or a woman with her hair covered. They aren't seeing the REAL threats because they dont fit into their color or religious bias.

But I dont want to be in the TSA anymore. I saw one of them beat a woman over her head with a baton because she didnt want to give up her half empty water bottle she was trying to drink. Thats not something I want to be a part of.

:salam2:

When I lived in Tennessee and would fly back to visit my mom if I flew out of Atlanta I would get pulled aside for "special screening" every time but oddly when I would fly out of Nashville I never got pulled aside. Needless to say I flew out of Nashville for the remainder of my time in Tennessee.

LOL! Im sorry for your experience in our airport (Hartsfield International in Atlanta) I actually tell everyone to avoid this airport if they can. I am 100% convinced everyone that is employed there has no brain at all.

Whenever someone flys into our airport, i make sure they have my cell number and to call me if ANYTHING goes awry. I also bug everyone with a uniform on if I dont see the person I'm picking up within the hour.

 

[Just a Guy]

:salam2:

See, that's the thing. At least where I live, Islam is seen as "an Arab thing", so the common misconception of Muslims is brown skin, dark hair, brown eyes, beard. Which could also describe almost any Latino I have met.

I totally mindfreaked some members of another forum by announcing that I was a white Muslim. Their reaction was what I expected. I am now a traitor to my race and to my country in their eyes.

 

[Precious Star]

We don't get pulled over and questioned because "we" are dark-skinned.

I am selected based on my passport, in all likelihood because of my name.

they don't actually see me at the time I am selected. and i don't look dark-skinned in my picture.

actually something similar happened to me during a connection through Paris, where my name was called on a loudspeaker and i was asked to verify my passport and identification.

i don't think any of this is random, and esp after what happened to Maher Arar. apparently he is still on the US terror alert list

 

[ShahnazZ]

First, why do we Muslims buy into the racism and define other human beings as " dark skinned people". I was reprimanded on this site for using the word cracker. Which is not a racist term but a term that describes the lowly status of a group of white southerners. Lets refrain form that.

With all due respect, how is defining someone as "dark-skinned" a racist term? If you're talking about individuals from a purely observational point of view, you don't know their names, you don't know what countries they're from, but you notice they all have similar skin tones and are being interrogated and you feel those skin tones are factors in their being harassed over other individuals, if you were to describe them to someone else in describing that they're being harassed is related to their skin color, how would you describe them?

I recall you being reprimanded for using the term "cracker". Just like you once reprimanded me for describing an African American as a Black individual. Just like you do not understand why some would consider "cracker" a racist term, I didn't understand how you considered the term Black a racist term.

In the end, irrespective of whatever race they are, when a person is solely defined by their race, it can appear as racist. However, the sister was merely pointing out an observation that clearly had a correlation with the skin colors of individuals (as begins the racism so evident in this country sometimes). I for once do not see how else she could have worded it.

 

[islamirama]

Do they target people coming from certain countries? Like if you are coming back from Pakistan, are they more likely to target you than if you were coming back from France?

They are told to target specific people on purpose. These include dark skinned, young ones (especially girls), muslim names, alone individuals and anyone that questions authority.

The whole idea is to make people sick of being groped into believing that it's better to have bio scans than this treatment. It's all planned...

If they feel they can get away with it they will. They select single females because they think they can sexually intimidate them.

They pick low life thugs of the street to hire, if you have HS degree, i very much doubt they'll hire you. Sexual intimidation is their favorite. Even female TSA will grope you and squeeze breasts, slide their hands down or in between areas only your GP would.


check out all these deeds here :

http://forum.netmuslims.com/showthread.php?12152-TSA-Rants

and them virtual strip scanners aren't all that great either, not unless you like to strip down and stand naked in front of someone.

Virtual Strip search scanners at Airports

 

[ShahnazZ]

Do they target people coming from certain countries? Like if you are coming back from Pakistan, are they more likely to target you than if you were coming back from France?

I definitely believe so. When my brother was coming home from Karachi, his country of visitation and his last name kept him held up in Immigration for 6 hours.

However, because he's so optimistic and void of the paranoia that I usually exhibit, he assured me he was sitting next to a bunch of Germans as well

 

[islamirama]

With US beating the drum to attack Pakistan next, don't be surprised Pakistanis being target for anything next. There are already reports that US will allow female immigrants in but not male. Pakistani origin men that have applied for their wives visa have gotten it in months where as pakistani origin girls that are applying for their back home husband are waiting years with no word.

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

Shahnaz,

We live in a country that has all kinds of racists terms everywhere.

What happens is this: When we use the terms of those who are running the show, the white majority, we in essence take on their ideology. They are the ones who denote people by color. When a white person calls someone dark skinned trust me that is saying a whole lot.

Think of this and this is all I need to write: If I were to write that I was detained with 15 whities and me..this website would probably shut down. There are many immigrants who make the mistake of taking on the language of the White man. When they take on the language they are also taking on the culture and its prejudices.

Does that shed any light?

 

[Tabassum07]

:salam2:

I've seen cases where people are coming from the US, but having troubles going back. An aunt of mine came to India with her few-months-old-daughter from the US a year ago - she still hasn't been able to go back.

 

[Just a Guy]

Assalaam walaikum,

Shahnaz,

We live in a country that has all kinds of racists terms everywhere.

What happens is this: When we use the terms of those who are running the show, the white majority, we in essence take on their ideology. They are the ones who denote people by color. When a white person calls someone dark skinned trust me that is saying a whole lot.

Think of this and this is all I need to write: If I were to write that I was detained with 15 whities and me..this website would probably shut down. There are many immigrants who make the mistake of taking on the language of the White man. When they take on the language they are also taking on the culture and its prejudices.

Does that shed any light?

:salam2:

There is also a reverse trend here. I see a lot of young white middle-class guys talking and acting like ghetto black youth. I'm not sure when this trend started. I know that when I was in high school in the early 90's, even the black guys laughed at a white guy if he tried to talk and act like them.

I blame the media for sensationalizing the gangster lifestyle that is a matter of survival for young minority children in urban communities. Middle-class white society is obsessed with the struggle of life and death in the inner city. I still consider that a form of racism, though sadly most of these white kids think they're just "being cool".

 

[alf2]

:salam2:

I've seen cases where people are coming from the US, but having troubles going back. An aunt of mine came to India with her few-months-old-daughter from the US a year ago - she still hasn't been able to go back.

Was she a citizen or a visa holder?? Oh gosh :tti_sister:

 

[Astrugglingsoul]

:salam2:

I've seen cases where people are coming from the US, but having troubles going back. An aunt of mine came to India with her few-months-old-daughter from the US a year ago - she still hasn't been able to go back.

that's weird. never heard about this kind of scenarios before
hope your aunt will be able to go back soon. ( wait isn't her few months old daughter an US citizen? then why are they doing that?)