PAKPAC wishes its readers a happy and safe July 4th

PAKPAC wishes its readers a happy and safe July 4th holiday. We take this opportunity to remind our legislative leaders that work is still needed to improve civil liberties and rights of minorities in this country, thus fulfilling the dreams of the founding fathers.

At this time of rejoicing, let us also not forget about the millions of people who are ruled by dictators, proxy leaders, or tribal and religious chiefs in the world. We as free citizens of a super power need to pool our resources to win freedom for them.

News

Take Action for Swat IDP's on World refugee day

On June 20, the United States joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international community in marking World Refugee Day. In her message to the international community Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remarked about the situations of the IDP’s from Swat. She said “Supporting refugees is not only the purview of governments and NGOs. It’s a job for all of us. Last month, the Obama Administration announced more than $100 million in aid to support the waves of refugees fleeing the fighting with the Taliban in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. At the same time, we created a new way for all citizens to help. By texting the word “Swat” to the number 20222 on your cell phones, you can make a $5 donation to UNHCR to support refugees. It’s an easy way to make a real difference in their lives.”

It is upon us not to forget the misery and hardship of Swat IDP’s. With passage of time the world is getting more and more unaware of their problems. We need to keep pushing US Administration and lawmakers that more is needed from US and other Countries to step forward and help these IDP’s return to their homes.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen awarded Hilal-e-Quaid e Azam

President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred Pakistan's second highest civilian award of Hilal-i-Quaid-e-Azam on Congressman Chris Van Hollen in recognition of his strong support for Pakistan in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat representing Maryland 8^th district, was born in Karachi in 1959 where his father was serving as US diplomat. Hollen has always supported democracy and rule of law in Pakistan.  He cosponsored Afghanistan-Pakistan Security and Prosperity Enhancement Act (Bill # HR 1318) known as Reconstruction of Opportunity Zones (ROZs), which entailed creation of specialized zones in the border areas including Fata for duty-free export of selected products to the United States.

Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington had recommended the conferment of award on Hollen. Under the rules, civil awards are announced only once a year on August 14 for investiture on the following Pakistan Day, 23rd March. On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President, however, relaxed the rules to enable conferment and investiture of the awards at any time.

Community Action

Action needed for final passage of bill for US economic assistance to Pakistan

On June 24^th US Senate unanimously passed “Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009” Bill # S 962, commonly known as Kerry Lugar Bill. This bill calls for significantly increased and restructured US assistance to Pakistan. This legislation marks a distinct change in the philosophy and structure of US assistance to Pakistan. Earlier in the month the US House of representatives passed a similar bill called the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement (‘PEACE’) Act, bill HR 1886, sponsored by Congressman Howard Berman. There are some differences in the two bills which need to ironed out before they are sent to the President. Both these bills will now go to a Senate-House conference committee, mainly made up of members of Foreign Relations committees of the two chambers. In the next few days PAKPAC will be asking you to call members of Senate-House conference committee to modify the language of the bills to make it most effective for both US and Pakistan.

PAKPAC has conducted an in house review of both bills and have presented their findings in a simple report. You can find a copy of the report here.

The following few items we feel are counter productive to US-Pakistan relationship and need to be modified.

Kerry Lugar bill includes a provision barring sales and exports of major defense equipment to Pakistan if Pakistan is not complaint with US counterterrorism / counterinsurgency expectations. The hosue version of the bill restrict financing for F-16 fighters, and Legislation includes language and restrictions that requires rigorous oversight and auditing (“ fully accountable, contingent upon Pakistan ending support for terrorist groups, and should meet India's national security needs ”)

Obama’s proposed Healthcare reforms

Congress and the White House have made health care reform one of their top priorities. President Obama's proposal for health care reform includes health insurance exchange program that includes "public option" (where low-income patients can choose their own doctors but the government will assist with the expense) and increasing primary care medical services to promote prevention treatments and reduce unnecessary medical procedures.

Recently, there has been a flurry of activity and bill drafting happening in Congress. Three committees in the House of Representatives have presented a discussion draft of health care reform legislation that includes a requirement that all individuals obtain health insurance; a health insurance exchange; a public health insurance option; and improvements to Medicaid and Medicare. The Senate has also been working on the "Affordable Health Choices Act," which includes provisions addressing the choice of coverage options; reduction of health care costs; prevention; modernization of health systems and long term care and services. Negotiations have been underway in the Senate to cut costs within the proposal by reducing subsidies for low-income uninsured populations.

One of the most pressing issues affecting South Asians is health care. In fact, approximately 20 percent of South Asians lack health coverage plans leaving affordable health care out of reach for many community members. In addition, linguistic and cultural barriers prevent many limited English proficient South Asians from being able to communicate effectively with health care professionals and obtain emergency assistance when needed. PAKPAC supporters are encouraged to contact Congress and express support for health care coverage for all, funding for culturally competent and lingustically accessible health care services, and ensuring access to Medicare and Medicaid for non-citizens.

PAKPAC Press Releases

PAKPAC applauds President Obama first interview with Pakistani Newspaper

Washington DC June 23^rd: President Obama gave his first exclusive one on one interview to Pakistani journalist Anwar Iqbal of DAWN newspaper. Read Complete interview. PAKPAC applauds Mr. Anwar Iqbal for his efforts to secure this interview and for the relevancy of questions asked.  PAKPAC welcomes US President Obama remarks on US-Pakistan relations, US Relations with Muslim world, and role of Pakistani-American Community.

The airing of this interview which came on the eve of Pakistan's T20 Cricket Championship victory has had a strong positive impact on the Pakistani-American community. For once Pakistani-American Community sensed the sincerity and understanding of the issues by a US President. The interview was well received by the Pakistani-American community

US President Barack Obama believes the Pakistani state is strong enough to win the military offensive against the extremists. He believes that nobody can or should push Pakistani government, and the government should be accountable to people of Pakistan through a democratic process.  US has no desire to seize Pakistan’s nuclear weapons or send US troops inside the country. US President is interested and remains open to a visit to Pakistan in future. 

On US relationship with Muslim world President Obama reminded that Morocco was the first country to recognize United States.  ‘And just as the United States at times has, I think, not fully understood what’s happening in Muslim communities, sometimes there have been countries that haven’t understood the rich history of Muslims in America. Islam has an extraordinary tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and that tradition is being distorted and being warped’ he added.

US President Obama recognized the efforts and contribution of Pakistani-American community, who he said are thriving and doing great work as physicians, lawyers, business people.

PAKPAC has and will continue to serve as bridge builders between the people and policy makers both in United States and Pakistan. We believe that for the stability of the region of South Asia and the world, it is critical that United States and Pakistan remain engaged in dialogue, friendship and coordination of efforts in strengthening each other

Archived Press Releases

Fundraiser

Event for Senator Dodd

PAKPAC President Saud Anwar is holding a fundraiser for Senator Chris Dodd on Saturday Aug 29th at 5 PM in South Windsor Ct. For more details call 860 478 2992

Spotlight

PAKPAC is starting a section to spotlight young adults of Pakistani heritage who are successful in their field of business and are making a meaningful contribution to the community welfare.  Please provide us with information about such individuals by emailing to info@pakpac.net

Spotlight on Naureen Rahman

Our first spotlight is on Ms. Naureen Rahman daughter of Dr. Aquilar & Rukhsana Rahman of Potomac, MD. Naureen is currently working as a Refugee Offices in USCIS, where her responsibilities are to conduct site interviews of refugees seeking asylum in USA, in particular refugees from Muslim countries.

Naureen earned a degree in International Affairs, History, and Global Systems from George Mason University, a law degree from Catholic University, and an LLM from George Washington University, School of Law, in International and Comparative Law. She clerked for Chief Judge Eugene Hamilton at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and worked at the Institute for Human Rights and Development in the Gambia, West Africa. Thereafter, she served at corporate counsel for U.S. Bioservices Pharmaceutical company. In 2002, she opened Millennium Attorneys, focusing on property, trusts, immigration, corporate and family law. In 2007, Ms. Rahman joined the Arlington Asylum Office and transferred to the Refugee Affairs Division in 2008. Ms. Rahman speaks Urdu, Hindi, and literate Arabic See the USCIS publication about Naureen’s work.

PAKPAC conducts a seminar on “Future of Advocacy of Pakistani American Community in US”

PAKPAC BOD Zafar Tahir conducted a hands-on seminar workshop on July 4^th for participants to the AAPNA summer convention in San Francisco. Items covered in the seminar were how to identify issues and start grassroots level groups to effectively campaign for the issues of interest. The seminar was well received by the participants. Find a complete copy of the seminar here.

PAKPAC  President Saud Anwar hosts  an event for Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)

PAKPAC had a meeting with Senator Chris Dodd along with many members of the Pakistani American community of Connecticut on Thursday 1^st of July. Senator Dodd. Senator Dodd is Chair of Senate Banking Committee, and acting Chair of Senate Health Committee, he is also a member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The meeting was held at the residence of Drs. Saud and Yusra Anwar. Other community members present included Tariq Farid, Dr Shams Akhtar, Zaheer Sharaf, Romana Haider, Dr. Angabeen Khan, Dr. Mustapha Kemal, Aamir Moiuddin, Dr. Sohail Kayani, Naeem Khalid, Mary Khalid, Mrs. Bushra Anis,  Dr. Anis Rahmaan and Dr. LalaRukh Mufti

The meeting lasted for about 2 hours. The community members had discussion on the challenges of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pakistan. The acute need for ongoing support was stressed.  The community stressed on the need to work with the people of Pakistan by improving on some aspects of the Kerry Lugar Bill and removing some of the restrictive and poorly articulated parts of the Berman Bill. The short sighted restraining and minutiae base oversight defeats the essence of the bill which was initially envisioned by then Senator Biden, Obama and Senator Dodd and Senator Lugar.

Comprehensive conversation was held to share the fact that the Pakistani American community does not feel that the US relations with India and Pakistan are a zero sum game. However, the community feels that the security and stability of the India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka need to be looked at collectively and policy views should be based on the region and not at the risk of destabilizing one for stability of the other.

Community learnt about the views and thanked Senator Dodd for his support on the civil rights support of all Americans.  The community thanked him for his recent successful efforts in leading and passing the laws about Credit Card abuse, law giving the Food and Drug Administration sweeping power to regulate tobacco which will help young people avoid the smoking habit.

PAKPAC & other Community members hold an event Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD-04)

Dr. Aquilur Rahman, Tufail Ahmad, Montgomery County Muslim Council and PAKPAC hosted an event for Congresswoman Donna Edwards on Friday June 26^th at the home of Dr. Aquilur & Rukhsana Rahman. Many members of her district attended this event. Congresswoman Edwards reiterated the need of US support for Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate extremism from its region. She welcomed the shift in US aid from military to economic assistance. Congresswoman Edwards was receptive to the idea of an oversight body to manage and monitor US economic aid to Pakistan. She was asked to play an active role in Pakistan caucus and Pakistan related issues, a group of her supporters plan to have a follow-up meeting with her to explore this further. For a question by PAKPAC BOD Dr. Parvaiz Shah, followed by Dr. Rahman she was asked about upcoming health reform bill, she acknowledged the lack of liability reform in the bill, and assured that it would be addressed in a later bill to make the health care reform more comprehensive. Congresswoman Edwards is a strong supporter of minorities and small business, and Mr. Shakeel Siddiqui requested her to help small businesses to be able to bid for large government contracts independently. In a question posed by Mr. Nayab Siddiqui and followed by Mr. Tufail Ahmad she expressed her strong support for the nomination of Muslim candidates for positions within Obama Administration.

PAKPAC thanks President Obama for reaching out to Muslim world

PAKPAC President Saud Anwar wrote a letter of thanks to President Obama thanking him for reaching out to the Muslim world with his speech in Cairo. PAKPAC BOD Rafat Mahmood delivered the letter at a meeting in White House. A copy of the letter is at PAKPAC website.

Immigration

USCIS Eliminate National Name Check Backlog, improving Citizenship process

USCIS announced that, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it has met all milestones set forth in a joint business plan announced April 2, 2008, resulting in the elimination of the FBI National Name Check Program (NNCP) backlog.

The final goal of the business plan was to achieve a sustainable performance level by the NNCP of completing 98 percent of name check requests submitted by USCIS within 30 days, and the remaining two percent within 90 days.  This performance level will become the new standard. 

As is the case with all security checks undertaken by USCIS, any information provided by the FBI through these checks may require further evaluation and may need additional interaction with agencies outside USCIS to obtain updated or additional information.  This could result in additional delays in processing and is not governed by the processing goals contained in the joint business plan. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov. Attached is updated information about processing times for Citizenship applications.

USCIS Announces Resumption of Premium Processing Service for  Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

USCIS announced that it will resume Premium Processing Service for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(f)(2). After an evaluation of its I-140 backlog reduction efforts and increased I-140 adjudicative efficiencies, USCIS has concluded that it is now able to provide Premium Process Service for this benefit.

USCIS will accept Premium Processing requests for Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, involving EB-1 Aliens with Extraordinary Ability, EB-1 Outstanding Professors and Researchers, EB-2 Members of Professions with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability not seeking a National Interest Waiver, EB-3 Professionals, EB-3 Skilled Workers, and EB-3 Workers other than Skilled Workers and Professionals. 

Information about the expanded Premium Processing Service, including what classifications are eligible to request such processing, is available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center toll free at 1-800-375-5283

Civil Liberties

Report on Racial & Ethnic Profiling in US

Since September 11, 2001, new forms of racial profiling have affected a growing number of people of color in the U.S., including members of Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities. The Obama administration has inherited a shameful legacy of racial profiling codified in official FBI guidelines and a notorious registration program that treats Arabs and Muslims as suspects and denies them the presumption innocence and equal protection under the law. A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union and Rights Working Group, was submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The report can be accessed here. PAKPAC supports the findings and recommendations of this report, the report highlights profiling practices by law enforcement and government officials that have affected African American, Latino, Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asians living in the United States. It also offers recommendations to the United States government on how to come into compliance with international human rights law.  PAKPAC asks US congress to pass End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) without exemptions for immigration enforcement. PAKPAC also asks President Obama to issue an executive order prohibiting racial profiling by federal officers and banning law enforcement practices that disproportionately target people for investigation and enforcement based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex or religion. The order should include a mandate that federal agencies collect data on hit rates for stops and searches and that such data be disaggregated by category

Future Activities

Census 2010

US is conducting its census in year 2010. There will be plenty of local job opportunities prior to this census. We need to take part in this Census so that we are correctly accounted for. We must provide accurate information about our ethnicity, religious beliefs, and biographic information. For those of us who migrated or are descendants of immigrants from Pakistan must declare themselves as of “Paskiatni heritage”.

Upcoming Seminars at Think Tanks

To get information about future seminars and events relating to US-Pakistan relations, please visit the following websites

Atlantic Council

Brookings Institution

Heritage Foundation

Middle East Institute

SAIS