Community Alert

PAKPAC position on the New Airport Security Screening Standards

The Transport Security Administration has made effective new screening standards. These standards are going to be implemented to all United States and international air carriers with inbound flights to the United States.

These directives increased the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandate threat based and random screening for passengers in US bound international in flights.

The Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee has some serious concerns regarding these new directives. Such directives may lead to the development of an environment leading to racial and religious profiling and also national origin profiling for people of Pakistani heritage 

In the current directive, passengers traveling from 14 countries will be subject to heightened security screening.  Pakistan is included amongst these countries.  Such standards will clearly lead to targeting of passengers from Muslim majority countries and increase the scrutiny based on national origin, ethnicity and religion.  Such measures lead to promotion of a mindset that people of such heritage are threats to the security of United States.  

It is well known that profiling in such a manner leads to alienation of communities, which can serve as the most critical part of the support and intelligence for our country. It is also well understood that communities, which are profiled are less likely to forthcoming with sharing critical information with law enforcement agencies.

The apparent rationale for this heightened security, as well as, special directive is attributed to the security lapses and understanding for the Christmas day terrorist attempt.

This focused profiling leads to a false sense of security and waste of critical resources of the law enforcement agencies in chasing wrong targets.  We would like to strongly suggest and help the US government recognize the terrorists actually do come in all shape, sizes and colors.  They are not of one specific ethnic background, faith or national origin.  We are aware of Adam Perlman, an American, as well as, Germaine Lindsay, who was an Afro-Caribbean and Richard Reid, who is of British and Jamaican descent who would all be missed by the current directives. We are well aware of evangelical Christians, who have been involved in terrorist activity in the murder of a physician performing abortions and Timothy McVeigh would not have fulfilled the recommended profiling that is being suggested.

We are also aware that the unfortunate and knee jerk directive of the National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS) and all the efforts and resources surrounding it and the fact that it had zero yield in preventing any terrorist attack. It did however lead to alienation and worldwide poor perception and an anti American sentiment which we still have to deal with. Such activities should have been lesson enough for our government to shy away from such poorly sought policies.

It is also quite clear that our enemy is well aware of the type of knee jerk reflexes that we exhibit and has used this to their advantage.  Such profiling helps them recruit people in other parts of the world and also leads us to misdirect our resources in inefficient sites while they change the expected profile to the next one to try and harm us for their hate-based agenda.

PAKPAC recommends that rather than targeting of few countries, we need to have an across the board heightened security for flights coming to United States from any and every part of the world.  We must not rely on individual characteristics, appearance, national origin, ethnic profile or religion and names, but should rely on heightened security on every individual with focus on assessing behaviors, which are the best known ways of identifying terrorists. 

We look forward to working with our government in DC to help better understand best ways and insight that we feel is the way to move forward and not allow the terrorists to erode the very basic values of our society, which makes America the best country in the world.

If you have been affected by the new screening standards, share your experience by emailing us at ed@pakpac.net and provide the following info

Dates of travel; origination and destination; airline & flight no.;

Whether you were subject to a full body pat down or body scan and search of all physical belongings; and

All other questioning or searches that took place upon your international departure or arrival in the U.S.

Besides others,  following Organizations have also called for similar reforms in  TSA methods

ADC  ACLU  CAIR  ISNA MPAC MUSLIM ADVOCATES SAALT

Announcement

PAKPAC appeal for help for Haitians

The recent earthquake in Haiti has left tens of thousands dead, and many more injured and wounded. Thousands are sleeping in the streets and in makeshift shelters, waiting for international aid to arrive.Aid workers estimate that more than three million people are in desperate need of food, water, medicine and shelter, just so they can survive.

ISNA, Islamic Relief USA, and many other organizations are collecting donations for help, Islamic Relief has launched a $1 million appeal to help the victims, and is preparing a shipment of $1 million worth of much-needed supplies. Former Presidents Bush and Clinton have also started a fund for this purpose. Please help the people of Haiti by donating to an organization fop your choice. Donations to ISNA or Clinton-Bush Fund can be made through the provided links.  

PAKPAC Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King

History is indeed made up of significant events which shape our future and outstanding leaders who influence our destiny. On January, 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday by coming together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. PAKPAC honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because he showed us the way to mend those broken fences and to move on in building this land rather than destroying it. He led campaign after campaign in the streets of America and on to the governor's mansion - even to the White House - in an effort to secure change.

Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. He also provided this nation with a road map so that all people could locate and share together in the abundance of this great democracy. Dr. King’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing needs---racial injustice, security, social justice so that we can enjoy Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Viewpoint

Why AfPak? – Amina Khan

My attendance at recent events in Washington, DC focusing on Pakistan has reinforced my opinion that now, more than ever, is the time for the Pakistani-American Diaspora (PAD) to be visible, vocal and present. South Asia experts, Pakistan experts, all around Washington DC are in high demand. This was evident at the speech by Ambassador Richard Holbrooke at the Brookings Institute on January 7th.  There were a mere handful of Pakistani-Americans in a room which was packed to capacity, an overflow room which was full, about 5 camera crews, and standing room only at the back.

Ambassador Holbrooke was questioned about the situation in Pakistan, specifically, whether it is worse today than one year ago. He responded by saying that the situation “is what it is today, and not worse.” The road ahead is obviously a very difficult one – with no significant feelings of positivity at the outset.

But the question fundamental to the US approach towards Pakistan should be, why not “Af-Pak-In”…Why is India not involved in this equation? The response is similar to the one Amb. Holbrooke gave above, “it is not.” He clearly stated that there was a “bright line” drawn separating Pakistan and India for US policy reasons.  He also clearly stated that he was not going to answer any questions about India, or Kashmir, because he has an “able colleague” that deals with India – and it’s not him.

This bright line is very problematic. It ignores the reality of the situation in South Asia. It sends a message that the US is concerned only about the threats to stability that affect the global community, but not about the central issue – Kashmir – that is the cause of instability in the region. This decision to compartmentalize US policy also removes US concern over the humanitarian issues in Kashmir.  Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 lives have been lost in Kashmir. The Indian troop presence in Kashmir is three times the highest troop presence in Iraq – is that not an occupation?

Readers Corner

Sharia laws have become a weapon - Shaukat Malik

We cannot name one country with Islamic laws that is a functioning democracy or a benchmark for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness except Turkey.

Muslim majority countries such as Pakistan have a history of thousands of years of customs and folklore shared with India that already plays havoc with the largely uneducated population in the rural areas. Unofficial patriarchal village juries made up of illiterate villagers will hand out and execute primitive punishments along the lines of a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye. Add to this outdated Islamic laws and punishments for, for example, adultery, blasphemy and women’s rights and you have created a living hell for women and minorities.

Because of the Islamization in Pakistan, carried out behind the veil of training Mujahedeen to fight the Soviet infidel, Pakistan has a large number of Madrassas and religious charities that share and support Saudi Arabia’s brand of Orthodox Islam. This was on display during the Lal-Masjid standoff against the Pakistan army in July 2007. These Madrassas and charities openly support the Taliban and al Qaida. It is interesting to note that a majority of the terrorists in prison have received their training in Pakistan.

The recent unrest in Malaysia over the use of the name “Allah” by Christians when referring to God has more to do with fear over losing members of the congregation to the Christian church than to Muslim sensibilities. Separate Sharia laws for Muslims, who make up 60 percent of the population, could open doors for al Qaida types to make inroads into Malaysia’s Muslim population.

The conflict in interpretation between the bible and the Quran over the holy trinity and the oneness of God as stated in the Quran is exploited by Muslim clerics to foment prejudice against Christians. It is clearly stated in the Quran that there is no compulsion in religion and that there must be complete freedom of religion. Muslims Jews and Christians are all children of Abraham and people of the book. A believing Muslim must submit to the will of God. It is God’s will that decides our religion at birth. Read complete article

LINKS

US News

Congressional News

Pakistan News

World News

Events & Activities

PAKPAC and Civil Rights groups to hold an Advocacy Day about Patriot Act Reform  

PAKPAC is partnering with a group of Civil Rights organizations to hold an Advocacy Day about reforming Patriot ACT on Wednesday Feb 3^rd in Room B339 Rayburn Building, Capital Hill, Washington DC. The advocacy day will include a morning briefing, meetings with your congressional representatives, and an afternoon debrief over lunch. 

With three provisions of the PATRIOT Act set to expire at the end of 2009, the Congress voted in December 2009 to renew the expiring provisions for 60 days. Now, with calls emerging to demand even more authority to monitor and spy on Americans of all walks of life, we must demand that Congress uphold our Constitution and protect our rights.   .

Please join us in Washington DC, on February 3 to limit the PATRIOT Act provisions. Please sign up for the event and look for additional email’s from us providing further details.  Hotel arrangements have been made for out of town guests.

Please request for a meeting with your Congressional Representative on Feb 3^rd, and show them  that  just how important it is to you, their constituents,  that they stand up for your constitutional rights.

2010 Year of Census: - Your loss for not participating

PAKPAC is partnering with the Census Bureau to get the word out about Census 2010. A count of all persons living in the United States, irrespective of their country of citizenship. Read FAQ about Census 2010. Households should complete and mail back their questionnaires upon receipt starting February 2010. Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person. Census is quite an undertaking and it is important for all community members to be represented. PAKPAC is planning a number of informational resources to educate community members about the Census and how they can get involved and Be Counted!

News

PAKPAC starts monitoring 2010 mid term elections.

On Tuesday, a small number of Massachusetts voters are expected to go to the polls and elect a new senator to fill the seat of the late Ted Kennedy. The Democrat contender is state Attorney General Martha Coakley and the Republican is state senator Scott Brown. The result of this special election will set the tone for political campaigning for the rest of the year. PAKPAC will be monitoring close races in US Senate, House of Representative, and State Governors.  Various polls are listed to help you understand which way US voters are leaning during the mid term elections.

The partisan playing field for the 2010 Senate elections is even, with the Republicans defending 18 seats and the Democrats also defending 18. Pundits believe that Republicans may increase their presence in Senate by a minimum of two.  

At this point in time, 25 U.S. Representatives are voluntarily retiring from the House at the end of their current term. Most non-partisan pundits predict that the Republicans will gain seats in the 2010 elections, but expressed doubt that the Republicans could retake control of the House in 2010. Check ratings for tough house races.

One close election that PAKPAC will be following is for first term Congressman Eric Massa representing New York District 29.  Congressman is a supporter of PAKPAC activities. Congressman Massa is a Navy veteran and former Pentagon aide, so that helps, but the Republicans will be after him hammer and tongs in 2010 since he got only 51% of the vote in 2008. Corning mayor Tom Reed (R) is a likely opponent.

There are 37 states that will elect governors in November 2010, with a near-even partisan split: The Democrats are defending their hold on 19 of those seats, while Republicans are the defenders in 18 states, including Utah, where there is a special election. State budget problems, greatly exacerbated by the recession, are creating political difficulties for incumbents of both parties. Read a complete breakdown of governor races.

Community Action

Call Congress to include Healthcare Reform for  immigrants

US Congress after Martin Luther King Day will start negotiations to resolve differences between the Senate and house version of the healthcare bill. The two bills differ in several aspects in terms of immigrant access to health care. The House bill allows undocumented immigrants to participate in the health insurance exchange by using their own money; subjects all immigrants to the individual mandate; and increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health services. The Senate bill bars undocumented immigrants from participating in the health insurance exchange; and excludes undocumented immigrants from the individual mandate.

PAKPAC asks its members to contact Congressional leaders including include Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV); Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA), Sen. Steny Hoyer (MD), Sen. Dick Durbin (IL), Rep. George Miller (CA); Rep. Charles Rangel (NY), Rep. Henry Waxman (CA); Sen. Max Baucus (MT); Sen. Tom Harkin (IA); and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT).to ensure that all Americans, including immigrants, are treated fairly and can access quality and affordable health coverage. Call these offices and ask them to support the following:

• Eliminating the 5-year waiting period for legal immigrants seeking Medicaid
• Removing the restriction on undocumented immigrants from buying health insurance at full cost in the exchange
• Providing funding to support service-providers that assist immigrants in accessing health care

Immigration

USCIS Issues Guidance Memorandum on Establishing the “Employee-Employer Relationship” in H-1B Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance to adjudication officers clarifying the requirements to establish an employer-employee relationship to qualify for the H-1B ‘specialty occupation’ classification.  The memorandum addresses scenarios involving independent contractors, self-employed beneficiaries, and beneficiaries placed at third-party worksites.

An employer who seeks to sponsor a temporary worker in an H-1B specialty occupation is required to establish a valid employer-employee relationship.  USCIS has defined such a relationship to hinge on an employer’s right to control the means and manner in which the work is performed.    

The guidance memorandum lists a variety of factors to be considered when evaluating the petitioner’s right to control the beneficiary, including the manner and extent to which the petitioner actually supervises the beneficiary; the petitioner’s right to control the beneficiary’s daily work and work product; and the petitioner’s right to hire, pay and fire the beneficiary.  Accordingly, adjudicators must review the totality of circumstances when making a final determination of whether the employer-employee relationship exists.

The guidance memorandum does not change any current requirements for an H-1B petition, such as the requirement that beneficiary come to the U.S. to work temporarily in a specialty occupation; that the beneficiary is qualified for that position; and that a Labor Condition Application (LCA) specific to each location where the beneficiary will be working be filed with the Department of Labor

For more information on the H-1B nonimmigrant program and current Form I-129 processing times, visit www.uscis.gov

Civil Liberties

Report on Anti-Terror Lessons of Muslim-Americans

In the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and subsequent terrorist attacks elsewhere around the world, a key counterterrorism concern is the possible radicalization of Muslims living in the United States. Yet, the record over the past eight years contains relatively few examples of Muslim-Americans that have radicalized and turned toward violent extremism. This project seeks to explain this encouraging result by identifying characteristics and practices in the Muslim-American community that are preventing radicalization and violence.

This research resulted in a number of related findings:

1. Increased Anti-Muslim Bias.

2. Low Numbers of Radicalized Muslim-Americans..

3. Practices of Muslim-American Communities Prevent

4. Radicalization. These practices include the following:

• Public and private denunciations of terrorism

and violence..

• Self-policing

• Community-building

• Political engagement

• Identity politics.

Research findings suggest that radicalization in the United States can be minimized by taking the following steps to reinforce successful anti-radicalization activities of Muslim-American communities and create a more positive environment for Muslim- Americans:

1. Encourage Political Mobilization

2. Promote Public Denunciations of Violence.

3. Reinforce Self-Policing by Improving the Relationship Between Law Enforcement and Muslim- American Communities.

4. Assist Community-Building Efforts.

5. Promote Outreach by Social Service Agencies.

6. Support Enhanced Religious Literacy.

7. Increase Civil Rights Enforcement

Read Complete report

Future Activities

PAKPAC Directors to meet with Director National Intelligence

PAKPAC Directors Amina Khan and Irfan Malik will attend a roundtable meeting with Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair on Tuesday Jan 19^th to discuss the  recent Christmas Day attempted terrorist attack and the fallout for American Pakistanis from this incident.

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