The Viewer's Forum is a platform where you can share your views with others on any particular current issue.
Please Note - The views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.

Several steps under the US immigration laws have been taken against Pakistanis living in USA, e.g. scanning of fingerprints. How do you view the legal steps?

Views must be focused and to the point to avoid unnecessary editing and should not exceed 250 words. No views without the full name and address will be entertained. 

Please send your opinions at
vf@jang.com.pk

Your Opinion

Since Pakistan helped USA in tracking down terrorists and give his full support to US government to crackdown on terrorism, and instead of appreciation US included Pakistan in top terrorist countries list. It is all very awful and unfair.

Therefore, it is high time al Muslims countries realized and took serious actions against this rigid scanning of fingerprints of Muslims, which makes them degraded.

Pakistan's new Government and President should also take actions against the US discriminatory laws and should called upon the US government to withdraw the INS laws.

Noman Ansari
New York, New York

I fully agree with remarks of Dr. Atiq Rehman. First look back what treatment you get back home and also see what would you do if something of this sort happens, especially when given the powers to handle that?

Your illiterate and ill-trained police can sort you out like a criminal or your Wadera can order rape of complete opposing nation to prove his might.

It is interesting to note that most of the people protesting on this forum are living in US, why you guys don’t go back and enjoy your freedom at home instead of complaining,

I disagree with the new US immigration policy that requires non-immigrant Pakistanis to register, but mostly we are to blame for this.

Our government's lax control gave Pakistani passports into the hands of many non-Pakistanis hailing from countries as Afghanistan and many other Arab countries which are anti-West militants. Many Al-Qaida members are hiding in Pakistan and find friends in Pakistan. But. it is quite possible that these anti-West militants are not all Pakistani citizens.

Therefore, I can understand the nervousness of US in making irrational immigration policies.

This is not about Muslims or non-Muslims. This is about the security of the people of a country that found itself being blown within its own borders with its own planes in its own air by the people who took full advantage of its liberal visa policies for visiting and education purposes.

Ali Khan
Bellevue, WA 98007
Akhan22360@msn.com

Let them do their own work. But now we need to do something and get together for betterment on either side..

Goraya. Flushing
New York

Many people have been defending the new regulations enforced by the US government. Their approach to the issue is simplistic since they have failed to understand the motive behind the discriminatory regulations.

If the government is really serious about curbing terrorism and preventing any terrorist attacks in future, then registration of  visitors and students will not be effective at all.

Terrorists do not care whether their fingerprints are with the INS. Most of the people who carried out terrorist attacks were ready to die for a cause which they thought to be just.

Hence, it can be said with certainty that even if a detailed record pertaining to them had been with more than one agency, they could not be dissuaded from killing themselves and others as well

Professor Mukhtar Ali
Orlando, Fl


I think that we are a bunch of hypocrites. We want our government to become anti-American and want America to forcibly become pro-Islam. We want to boycott America and American goods; but when America is giving us a chance not to visit USA, we are hysteric. We want America not to come close to us but when she goes anywhere near India we start crying. We must accept that we are confused people who do not know what we want.

Fayyaz Alam
United Kingdom
fayyaz101@aol.com

We as Pakistanis have never set a good example while living in US. But at the same time, we just have to make sure that whatever the agencies do for the security purposes.. it should not be an act of prejudice against the Muslims alone, specially towards Pakistanis.

We, the people living in North America should know how to make our voices heard when faced with a situation like this.

We the Muslims, asked for to get our fingerprints scanned, now will have to pay for it for several years to come.

Raja M. Ahmed
Chicago, USA

Now it's too late to complain, because Pakistani rulers since 1948 are taking dictations from Americans. And, every time Americans took an advantage from the situation and then back to the same old song. 

I think Americans have right to do whatever they like to do just to protect their country.  They are only asking for registration and scanning of fingerprints.

I think we deserve this treatment.

It's their country. We should not have any problem with Americans imposing the laws for entering into the US. I lived in the US from 1977 to 1987. Like us, common Americans are good people. If Pakistanis living in the US do not like the new rules, they should come back here. We need them. Good, human resources are always a blessing for any country.

Javaad Ali
Lahore

We Pakistanis wherever we go do not present the real image of our
culture and traditions. We fight with each other and take pride. We conspire
against each other and take pride. We sell each other for our gains and take pride.

So if we are being treated as pries, it is our own fault. If you want to become respectable first respect yourself and others and see results.

S. A. Choudhry
London

I got extremely amazed and somewhat puzzled when I went through an article on the ' viewers column" by Mr. John Mathew from India.

First and foremost, the debate is purely on a Pakistani issue. By the way, who is this John Matthew popping his nose un-necessarily in Pakistani politics. His contribution is grossly disgraceful for all of Pakistanis when he utters that" the US authorities should attach microchips to all Pakistanis entering the US so that police could trace them out easily.

N.M. Abbasi
Lusaka, Zambia

It feels like US has a knack of  pointing guns towards friends and foe alike.

Muslims and particularly Pakistanis residing in US are facing the treatment, which they don’t deserve because of the support of the Pakistani government of their resident countries in the anti-terrorism war.

The incident of 9/11 brought the new thought in America "The Muslims are terrorists" but before making any comments on this thought.

Remember….! Pakistani Government can't help you in taking out of problems in USA. Give voice to your speech, It's American citizens whose votes count and that can make difference. Only taking part actively in political process is the only solution. There, hence, should be some Muslim representatives in Congress and Senate which makes difference in thoughts and we need to bring Islam in our actions.

This shows that Pakistan is in the list of terrorism sponsored countries (unofficially) in the mind of US government just like the other countries in Group1, Group2.

I think US will extend this registration requirement to other immigrants as well and non- US born Muslim citizens in the near future. INS is deporting a student (just arrived in USA one month ago) on valid F-1 status visa, because his sister was illegal in USA.

These laws reflect clear-cut discrimination against Muslims. Pakistan treats Americans like VIPs. Even, during the anti-terrorism war of USA, Pakistan cooperated to the fullest extent. But Americans treat Pakistanis like 3rd class citizen.

Its a big shame for us. I am also a student in USA but unfortunately I have been treated here like a terrorist. Nobody want to hire us, No body want to keep relations with us because of wrong image portrayed by US media. Every body looks at us as suspected.

I believe the president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, can help solve the problem facing Pakistani expatriate in USA. Otherwise, he should discontinue cooperation with USA if they keep their policies like this against us.

Rehan
Masschussets, USA

I think that U.S.A is doing right.

Since it is their right to keep a record of all the foreigners living there. It is not discriminatory treatment against Pakistanis

I think that Pakistani Govt. should pressurize America to take Pakistan out of the list. We have helped them so much and this is what we get in return.

Dr. Atiq sahib, I say you come and live in USA and you will see the difference against up people. Just sitting in Canada and passing some remarks will not do. You don’t know anything about Pakistan living in United State, they have to go through a lot because of this.

Shahid
USA


Let’s face the facts. Most of us are dangerous people. If I were an American I would have definitely support this new immigration act.

In our own country there are countless religious factions who are preaching lame reasons to innocents to hate USA. These idiots are the reason the US government has to implement this law. I admire General Musharraf for taking such a bold step in the country like ours to support the US.

Actually, these people don’t hate us they are just protecting themselves from us. It’s only us who are inviting to take such repulsive steps against us.

I agree with Dr Atiq Rehman.  I have travelled all over the world and I think the airport authorities in Saudi Arabia treat Pakistanis like animals.  They have their immigration officers walking like cowboys around the airport ready to throw people in Jail. 

Now, lets talk about Pakistanis being their fingerprints scan and photographed. I mean what is the fuss about.  Have you forgotten how passport authorities treat us in Pakistan.  And to top it all, so many of these federal secretaries, after living a privileged life in Pakistan at the expense of the poor people of Pakistan have now immigrated to Canada and the US and are trying to exploit the benefits here.  Lets not criticize the Americans.  Lets look at ourselves in Pakistan first, then look at how we are treated in UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Asim Ali
Canada

Like Iran, Pakistan must also treat the US visitors in the same manner as they are doing with the Irani and Pakistani visitors. They do not deserve any friendly attitude from us. It goes without saying that US is the biggest terror for the humanity and are most unreliable creature. Pakistan should not bog down.

Syed Hussain Akbari
Toronto, Canada
akbari_syed@hotmail.com

Being an independent nation we should give US a befitting response for these discriminatory law against Pakistanis residing in US for years.

Syed Khurshid Zia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Regarding new American policy of registration, I feel it is good, provided it is taken in a good sense. I mean whatever they say that they are doing it for the sack of security for their people, and to check that we (Pakistanis) are not involved in terrorism in America. That is fine.

Usman Niaz
London, Uk

I think all the countries have full right to impose/implement any law or regulations to safeguard its citizens or countries from any potential danger or threat.  If the immigrants are going to USA is subjected to checking and fingerprinted, there is no harm in doing so. 

t is incumbent on the Pakistan Govt. to nab such agencies that run shabby business of minting money from the innocent people and showing them the way of paradise to enter USA easily.  ALL  the illegal immigrants have the fear to be interrogated and; hence; are crying for SOS.

We being Muslims should be model for other communities of the world.  We should not indulge in any nefarious activities, which may bring about a bad name to our dear motherland as well as to our religion (Islam).

It was a point of contention for most Pakistanis when the Americans started their policies of racial profiling and arrests without trial.  It should be noted that no such cries are made when the same policies with even worse consequences are enacted against the maulvis within our own country.
How can we preach what we ourselves do not practice ?

Samir Ahmad
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
samirahm@sas.upenn.edu

 
That step is the right step in the right direction, because the reason behind these rules
and laws are the misuse and misbehaviour of the people living in USA. Because in any country if
any body has made rules and regulation that is mainly due to the misuse of facilities provided to them.

Pakistan is deemed the epicenter of terrorism in the world. That is why, USA authority has made special rules and regulations against the people of Pakistan only.

Irfan Ali
Karachi


We as US-friends since our independence did support US on every ground. Our foreign policy remained inclined to US since its inception. Either it's a war against USSR or war against terrorism, we stand with US. What we got and still getting in favors?

India tilted towards US in the mid of last decade, got huge American investment especially in software industry. Every year around 1,50,000 students are coming for higher studies, getting better jobs.
It's hard to understand that why Pakistan is included in the list of few countries for necessary registration with INS.

This marginalized us Pakistanis in US. Can our Government as strong ally of US can do something to save the interests of Pakistanis living in US?
 
Zaman
Lamar University Beaumont, Texas

Well, our Government can’t do anything and the US authorities have conveyed that to our ambassador here. Our worthy President can only brag about being a key ally to US and nothing else.

In fact, its not a matter of being an ally, its more a matter of blocking the people who can sneak into this country for evil intentions.  These people have already ruined our image and, so we have to face the consequences. For US they have to protect their country and people and we must understand this.

If we see the list of the countries in the special registration, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia have US bases and they are allies too but they don't have any objections. 

I would certainly agree to some of the points Dr. Atiq has made. The treatment you get at Saudi ports is really bad and the experiences one have in Pakistan that might be worse. But there is a point, I would disagree to the some points Mr. Atiq made in his letter carried in this VF section. Mr. Atiq, if you know the new registration system, you have to come to the local INS office each year for identification and you'll be questioned (Believe me, what I have heard, generally they are not as polite as they are on the ports). There lies the bad part. It has been in the papers here what has been done with Irani nationals as they went to a local INS office. Recently, three techies from Silicon Valley were detained because they showed up late and for the past few weeks.

Shocking to know, only in California thousands have been detained who were on either illegal status or visa irregularities. We might have no sympathies for the people who are on illegal visa status, but if you see who is to be blamed for, it would come out 50 percent on the person and the rest to the authorities who intentionally create loopholes for the people to stay here as illegal immigrants.

I would also like to comment on the remarks of Mr. John Mathew who suggested a micro chip for each Pakistani here to be fitted into them. Well, if you were a good science student, you would have known that there is always a cause for every effect and the cause for the hatred you are talking about are the discriminatory policies. Terrorism should be condemned in its every form, be it the 9/11 carnage or the carpet bombing killing of innocent civilians in Afghanistan or that of children in Palestine. For you, the lives of westerners may be important but I believe everyone must be given the right to live. 

Our president should take this matter very seriously and pressurize the US government to keep Pakistan’s name off the Immigration and Neutralization service (INS) list.

If he can’t do it, he should step down from the president’s chair. He is our leader not a government seller. Needless to say, he helped the US government in its war against terrorism. Now its time to show his power to protect his own people.

Tahir Saleemi
Brooklyn NY

Pakistanis and Muslims in general deserve it.  I am surprised the US government has not imposed ban on the entry of Pakistan and other Mid East countries to the US.  United States government has every right to protect it's citizens. 

The people whose fingerprints are being scanned are just visitors and they should abide by the law.  If they don't, then they  violate the laws of the land and have to be treated accordingly. 

Zahid Ayub
Texas 

I think the discriminatory laws initiated against Pakistanis are the products of those illegal immigrants and legal students who created an image of ragged Mullahs.

During my postgraduate studies I found my friends from Pakistan creating a distinct identity by getting associated with the conservative religious groups and attending their gatherings. They enjoyed American bashing for every event in the world, people with very little knowledge were invited as guests. They never tried to be thankful for the host hospitality.

Nearly 70 to 80 percent Pakistani students used to drop out of the school and start working off the campus without any legal papers or permission, and give lame excuses for not attending the classes. However, I was surprised at their motivations of going to Friday prayers and attending religious congregation, collecting money for charity. I admire them for these works even though many of them were hypocrites.

I think educated Pakistanis should work hard to change this stereotype image by bringing fresh liberal minded people to various forums to reflect the true Pakistani spirit. Task is really daunting.

Sunil Panda
USA

After the current situation of the US immigration directives, the responsibility of this predicament rest squarely upon the political naiveté of the US citizens of Middle Eastern and Pakistani stock. They were so darned and stupid in helping the rightwing bible thumpers candidate to the white

Mahmud
Orange, Ca

The inclusion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the list of those ill-fated 21 countries, whose nationals and citizens are required to undergo mandatory but humiliatingly so-called "Registration Process" is highly unjustified, critical, illogical, unwarranted, irrelevant, uncalled for and inhuman.

It is surprising as well as bewildering that why India, the biggest terrorist state in the world after Israel and USA is not included in the list although two of its citizens were caught by the FBI Agents on the American soil with stuff falling into category of terrorism and evidence last year after the tragic WTC attacks of 9-11?

On the other hand, no Pakistani citizen is accused nor arrested by the US Security agencies inside America since 9-11 for indulging in any kind "terrorist activities" directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly, knowingly or unknowingly.

Why then this discriminatory attitude towards the Islamic Republic's Land and People, whose government is the biggest supporter and ally of the US government since its birth in 1947 in general and in its ongoing "War on Terrorism" since day one in particular?

It is interesting to note that initially, Armenia was also included in the list of the said countries whose citizens were required to get themselves registered with INS but hats off to the able and dedicated Government of Armenia in general and its brave, enlightened and awakened People both inside and outside its territory in particular, within less than 48 hours, the US State Department was forced to withdraw its name from the list.

There are lots of lessons to be learnt from this single, unilateral, faithful, disciplined, effective and result-oriented action of Armenian people and their government only for those who understand, which has resulted in turning the tables on the so-called "Super Power of the World".

History is testimony to the fact that in case of the so-called "Iron man Commando General" of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it took President Bush just a "Short Mid Night Telephone Call" last year to force him to bulge under pressure and take a one hundred and eighty degrees turn in the name of "National Interest" which in fact were only "Self-serving" and to protect and promote his own "Vested Interests" against the wishes of more than 85% of the masses.

The main reason why the Bush Administration has included the name of only Muslim countries in the said list except North Korea? And, it is very simple and straight forward to understand in terms of its real aims and objectives.

All these countries are unfortunately run and led by corrupt, unscrupulous, dictatorial, autocratic, UN-elected, self and clan serving, ineffective and paper tigers leaders notorious for subjugating the rights of their own people on their own soil. Therefore, the hawks in the Bush Administration knew very well that come what may, to save their thrones and extend their illegal stay in office, they would never ever show any solid resolve and protest like the Armenians did in this case.

Therefore, they felt free to do whatever they want to do against the ordinary people of these hapless and helpless countries including putting them in the X-ray camp in Cuba without any charge or violation while their rulers are busy playing flute in their fortress like castles of residence.

Is there any change in the offing somewhere or across the horizons? I leave it up to the educated readers of your columns to decide.

Engr. Aamir A. Salaria,
Missouri, USA
AamirSalaria@aol.com

No choice but just to act upon. One must mould himself for the traditions, living of the part/World like the traditions of that part otherwise leave that part/country, e.g. if you live in US so live like US citizens not a Pakistani.

There's a lot to write but it'll just hurt myself own and others who read. The simple first we must decide who we are, what's our religion (see yourself before saying Muslim so don't say), what's our goal but the country where a Governor itself is a criminal, where a PM is a defaulter, where only personal interests are most important and keep on top instead of the nation’s interests, where corruption is cemented into our roots, where Maulvis have spread their own religion/Islam just for their own benefits, where Generals have big bungalows, foreign bank accounts, luxury cars, where people have no thinking power then it is better to keep silence.

So better to keep looting this country brutally and to say yes sir to big powers.

Kashif Siddique
Sialkot

US like any other country in the world has every right to enforce measures to protect its citizens & the country. There is no doubt that the freedom & hospitality of USA was exploited by the terrorists who triggered 9/11 carnage.

Pakistan is the frontline state & a close US ally in the international war against terrorism. Action not words! Pakistani authorities have handed over about 500 al-qaeda suspects to US. Most Pakistanis living in US are law-abiding.  I suggest that Justice Department should reconsider the decision. Instead the Pakistanis living in US on non-immigrant visas, should register with Pakistan Embassy. I am sure Pakistanis living in US will always respect the law of the land. 

H MIR
Houston, Texas

What I think is nothing bad about it, I am crossing border every day for work & Education I have not faced any problem in getting my fingerprints scanned. Because, I believe it they a re mustering information for every person.

Therefore, the new immigration concerned laws are now way bad.

Ibrar Ahmed
Windsor, Canada


I think the Americans have legal/moral right to scan fingerprints of Pakistanis in
order to protect their citizens.

Chaudhry Younis
Toronto, Canada.

on the first place every country has a right to get secured against any sort
of possible risk to their security and public. If any sort of clear discrimination is being experienced by our people then they should get united on the issues and should have the dialoug. Apart, Pakistani government should support them on really strong basis.

Abid Siddiqui
Dallas, TX

I am a student here and have no problem with the new laws. What happened on Sep 11 and afterwards was very frightening and affected our Muslim community too. If we can stop such a thing by taking few precautionary measures, I am ready to be a part. 

Amin Sabir Muhammad  
Tulsa, Oklahoma

I think we (Pakistanis) are taking it wrong. This measure taken by U.S. state department to register all foreign visitors to United States with Immigration Services is in early stage. Eventually all other foreign visitors will  have to go through this procedure.

In a few weeks we will see more countries added into this list. By 2004 they have to complete this process. In my opinion all of us should co-operate with the authorities here in U.S. If anyone thinks that he is being discriminated, he should contact Muslim organizations or The Attorney General.

Waqar
Boston

These all steps are ridiculous and stupid ideas .

Umer
New York

I think US has the right to do whatever they want in their country because it is their country. The Government of Pakistan has no right to interfere with any other country.

Mian Umar  
Toronto, Canada

I  think  US has every right to do whatever they like within their country, and if someone feels it is injustice, they can file a complaint and also sue the  authorities. I also think that Pakistani government should start doing the same thing for any US citizens living in Pakistan, so they can have a taste of this as well, also we should make the American governament realize that Pakistan is a Key ally in their 'so called' war on terrorism, and we (Pakistanis) deserve some appreciation for that.

Arjamand Qureshi.
California, USA

I don’t want to comment on what USA is doing to Pakistan & its people. I just want to ask the readers of this column to pay attention to an Indian speaking against the Pakistanis. The way Mr. John Mathew has written about Pakistanis once again justifies the creation of Pakistan. This is the Indian mentality, which still don’t accept Pakistan.

Mohammad F. Zaman
Dhahran, Saudi Aramco

I think it is about time for all Pakistanis living in US to mobilize themselves politically. Instead of crying foul among ourselves we should write to our political leaders in US (i.e. congressmen, senators, political pundits etc.) and remind them about the efforts Pakistan as a nation made after September 11.  We should also remind our US political leaders that Pakistani establishment took enormous risk by helping United States.

Therefore, by implementing this law, of what sort signal US is sending to Pakistani nation?

Fahd Ahmad
New York

I disagree with the US immigration policy of requiring non-immigrant Pakistanis to register. Our government's lax control gave Pakistani passports into the hands of many non-Pakistanis from Afghanistan and Arab countries, who are anti-West militants.

Many Al-Qaida members are hiding in Pakistan and find friends in Pakistan. It is quite possible that these anti-West militant Al-Qaida members who are not Pakistani citizens may be given Pakistani passport out of sympathy and who knows these misguided people may travel to US to do harm.

Therefore, I can understand the nervousness of US in making irrational immigration policies liking scanning of finger prints of immigrants and other foreign residents. |

Shaukat Khan
Alaska USA

What scares me is not the law. it's the response of our community. We haven't established a joint platform until now from where we can initiate a movement against the discriminatory laws of US immigration division.

Its time for us all to get united on a single platform and try to improve our image. So that such events do not repeat for Pakistani people.

Talha
USA

Why we are crying now its to late it is a shame , they are imposing all laws for Muslim nations only, WHY????????

It gives impression that Muslims are now deemed as terrorists. That is not fair. Anyway, that is their country they can do whatever they want.

Rashid  
Canada

It is about time that Pakistanis go home and be treated badly by their own insecure security forces (manawan case).

or go back and help improve the lot that we left behind.There is no need to complain.

Shujat Zulfiqar  
Montreal


I do believe that the United States has the right to scrutinize those whom they let in their country. But scanning of fingerprinting of only the males member of the family upon arrival in the U.S and reporting to local INS offices every month  is a step in the wrong direction.

Muhammad Ali
New York, USA

I think we as a nation should think deep inside that why this is happening. Although, this may seems unilateral but from majority of people ( US Citizens ) living in US is the right thing.

The people involved in WTC were seemingly muslims. Not Christians, not Jews nor Hindus. Now the countries named in the list except for North Korea has been breeding ground for terrorists especially Pakistan. Religious hatred has grown tremendously over the period of time e.g. Shia vs Sunni, Deobandi vs Brailwee etc.

Now, what can we do with these INS new laws? Perhaps nothing at this time as its too late but our government has to push hard on this subject to the government of US. The embassy should set up distress lines. Lot of people will go in jail and perhaps deported.

Tariq Sharfuddin
NewYork, USA

The Pakistani nation should not be surprised for being singled out and scanned their fingerprints.

We have helped US through thick and thin. We have fought wars for them (Russian- Afghan war). We have sacrificed our own citizens to please Uncle Sam. Pakistan has done what no nation in the world has done for US. However, in return we have been slapped with sanctions and Military aid to our foes.

It is high time we realized the days is not much far when the US won’t need us any more.

Mekael Kakakhal
Ryerson University  
Toronto Ontario.

The steps taken by the US immigration authorities clearly demonstrate that the American President was serious when he announced to launch a crusade against Muslims. The steps are not only a humiliation but against Muslims.

I wonder how an American nation, who declares themselves to be champions of human rights, can introduce the measure which ridicule humanity. 

Khalid Saeed
Oslo 

United States is Americans' own home. They can and must take any action and measures to secure their country. They can and should make any law in connection with their security.

Ashraf Moghal
USA
ashrafmogh@aol.com

Most of the out of status Pakistanis in US, now facing deportation have been living there for years and have been paying taxes and contributing towards Social Security fund. While it is the right of the US government to deport them, I believe the US authorities should pay back these people any social security contribution that these people have made.

Can Pakistani officials dare to raise this issue with the US administration. 

Muhammad Ahmed Mufti
Toronto, Canada 

I am not sure why there is a big fuss regarding the registration process. Mr. Rumsfeld had made it clear that by 2005 every national of the world regardless of religion or race will be fingerprinted and registered. Initially they will start with 15 countries or so and then they will add other countries into the list. I went to the United States from Canada and at the border the US immigration officers were very polite (politer than Pakistani and Arab counterparts) and they explained that this is the new rule and we just have to be fingerprinted and photographed. After fingerprinting and filling up the forms he just shooked my hand and welcomed us.

I have been living in North America for more than ten years and I never have been treated like criminal here. In Pakistan it happened frequently that I was stopped by police while traveling by bus and was subjected to rude behavior and body search. What you call it?  I think you can call that like treating like criminals. But you never heard anyone protesting. During ten years of my stay my body have never been searched in the USA..

How about persons visiting Saudi Arabia from Pakistan, Bangladesh? Saudis were also treating us like criminals on airports but there was no protest. So, before we criticize USA, we should look into ourselves.

Dr. Atiq Rehman
Canada

These new laws are not just for Pakistani it's, but for all the Muslims in America. It's just beginning.

Actually, such laws are being taken to get rid of Muslims, because Islam is fastest growing religion in North America. And, they know that later or sooner there will be Islam everywhere in the world including USA. 

Therefore, it is high time we stood united against these unfair and discriminatory laws.  

Atif Raja
Atlanta, USA
 

I feel it is normal to scan fingerprints, as it is a right of every government to take security measure against any potential odds to safeguard its people.

M J Raza, Mesaieed
Qatar
 

Treatment to overseas Pakistanis all over the world is not fair rather discriminatory. This can be better understood by the treatment meted out to a group of Pakistanis in Nairobi in the recent past. However, instead of blaming others we should accept the responsibility for whatever due to which we are suffering from repugnant behaviours of other nations to the Pakistanis people anywhere in the world.

The influential people run recruiting agencies, loot the simple folk, get their and their parents hard earn money and land them in tremendous difficulties and earn bad name for the country. 

Truly speaking, any Pakistani national who is visiting US with legitimate visas/documentation and for lawful business or intention, he or she should not feel any kind of concern or fear for being asked to register themselves for security purposes.

We have to abide by the law of the land. There is nothing wrong to follow and fulfill legal requirements irrespective of the fact that where are we living or what country are we visiting. For, those who come to US or any other country with fake papers or documentation, they must be some kind of fear or concern to get themselves registered with INS, etc.

I think the people who break laws, use unfair means to enter into a country, use fake IDs or documentation or get involved in illegal and fraudulent activities, then these people earn very bad name for their country.

Hence, being Muslims we must be very fair, honest, straightforward and good caring citizens and above all role models for others. Because our religion –Islam-is a religion of ethics, peace, prosperity and tolerance.

Muhammad Yunus,
New York
 

The Muslims residing in United States should get together and take joint legal steps agsinst any discriminatory treatment of US government and convince them that such steps will only lead to mistrust, repugnance, hatrd and feelings of disrespect against the each other.

As far as the Pakistani government is concerned in particular and the other governments in general, they should also apply the same rules to American citizens.   

Jawaid Z. Hasan
Saudi Arabia 

Whatever the steps government of Pakistan will take against the decision of US government, it will be useless. Because, the US government will make it happen.

Zaib
London

This is all about a game of blame. We blame US for racism, and they charge us with acts of terrorism. But, if we take analyze the situation honestly then we will find that most of the people, who have been detained or deported were on visa violations and on illegal status.

Whereas the image of Pakistani nation is concerned, we have destroyed it much earlier. Our government even doesn't care about our own people living inside Pakistan, so how can they take care of the people living outside. They hand over nationals to foreign countries for investigation, and say we even don't know about the matter. But, if Pakistani government talks to the US government to give protection to its people in USA, then who cares?

So if Pakistani government fights against the discriminatory laws against Pakistanis living in USA, who cares? Neither USA itself nor any one on this earth.  

Mohsin Nadeem 
Kansas, USA
 

All this is happening because of the weakness of the Government of Pakistan.

Rizwan Hanif
California, USA 

In my opinion, the laws are clear-cut act of discrimination and outrageous. This situation can be analyzed more in view of Pakistan’s unconditional co-operation in anti-terrorism war of USA, wherein Pakistan stood by US as a key ally, and the fact that no Pakistani was found behind the 9/11 carnage. Then, one would come out with a inference that it is all nothing but act of discrimination, violation of human rights and that could lead to hatred, ill-feelings and more.

I, therefore, urge Pakistani government to take immediate action and put pressure on the US government to "delete" Pakistan from the list of the INS. 

Iqbal A. Memon MD
New York, USA

I think Pakistanis should positively comply with these rules. 

They have right to take any security measures to protect their country. If we don’t like it just go back to Pakistan since USA is not Pakistan’s city, where every rule could be changed according to wishes of expatriate Pakistanis living in US. 

M. Ali 
Canada
 

The objection on the measures taken by the immigration department of USA for these legal measures aimed at security is unfair and useless. I think, one should never feel bother by going through the legal laws, for it is right of any country to impose security measures when need arises.

Muhammad Ali Daimee,
Toronto, Canada
 

The US government is doing the right thing. I am a Christian & have gone through this procedure like others and there is nothing wrong with it. If one does not like it why one should bother to come to USA?. It is matter of fact that we will never learn from our mistakes. The people before us have created this bad image of Pakistan. 

Farpuk Zaman
Texas USA
 

This is an extremely serious matter. There are millions of illegal immigrants who are working, making and sending money to their respective countries. Just picking up few countries may be unethical but under new the US laws it will be difficult to fight in US courts.

Zafar A. Bokhari
Chicago, USA
 

This situation should be a shame and embarrassment for our Pakistani government. Being the closet ally in the anti-terrorism war of USA, our government could not even bothered to get Pakistan’s name kept off INS list. It all reflects evidently that Pakistani government is not sincere and careful of its people in USA. 

Arshad
USA


Inshallah these discriminatory measures taken by the USA government will make us go back to Pakistan and build a strong country.

Aziz,
Chicago
 

USA cannot dare behave with this type of attitude with Chinese, Russian or Koreans.  Now, US government does not feel honour for Pakistani people living in USA. They could do whatever they want to do to drive expatriate Pakistanis back to Pakistan. What would one expect form Pakistani heads or leaders as they are like puppets in the hands of the US government for their own vested interest?

Syed Atiq ul Hassan,
Sydney

We, the whole Pakistani nation, have helped United States in its war against terrorism and we are proud of it. We must not be penalized by the INS thourgh registration and fingerprinting of our citizens. 

Wasim Khan
SWEDEN

Remember the restriction of registration is not only for Pakistan but also some other nations like Saudi Arabia are also included. US has the right to impose laws for their security, you don’t like it leave it.

There is nothing wrong with these laws. People have been lying, and cheating for many years on US authorities. Therefore, it is time they considered what it comes to due to their actions.

Naveed Ahmad
Mississauga, Canada

US has every right to save its people from any kind of potential terrorism. If one is not terrorist, then one must not worry. Only terrorists should worry about the laws of the US immigration.

Ashfaque Ahmed Nizamani
Toronto, Canada


Recent legal steps from the US government show clearly that these have been designed for discriminating against Muslims. Pakistan is one of the Muslim countries, which has been shoulder to shoulder with USA against its anti-terrorism war. And, without Pakistani help, it could be very difficult rather impossible for USA to wage war against terrorism.

But, the USA law establishment authorities are not ready to recognize Pakistan as allay. They are following their own interest without caring the positive return to Pakistan and any country that extended its moral support for anti-terrorism war. I think that we should take this seriously both on government and individual level and should prove to the entire world that we can work together for our beloved country's interests.   

Shahbaz Malik
Sydney Australia

I think there is nothing wrong with this US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) law. The laws are basically to track only those people who are involved in illegal activities or over staying in USA, this is the right of USA government to check the people of any nation they want to. If someone feels its injustice, they can leave this unjust country and go back to Pakistan.

Haroon Nasri
New York

It is a very poor show by USA and sooner they stop better it would be for the good relations of two countries.

FM Endrabi
Lahore

Strong leaders may only speak strong words. I haven't heard a single comment
from President Musharraf so far on this issue.

As the most important and needed alley of US against terrorism, we
must take action to stop this Injustice.

M. Ahmad
United States


Though these legal steps are flagrant violation of human rights, but let these killers try to protect themselves from the reprisal. I am sorry to say but our brothers and sisters living in USA will have to bear it all. We couldn’t manage to bridle USA at first place from committing genocide of Muslims in the world.

Now the repercussions will definitely occur. Therrfore, it is hight time we united and joined hands against the anit-Islam and Muslim policies of USA.

Hassan Ijaz
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

It is a correct step by the U.S. authorities.  For, they need to protect their own country against future terrorist attacks. At least they have right to track down those who did terrorist attaks on them and the group behind it with the help of finger printing, etc. 

From Pakistan, only Gen. Musharraf is supporting Bush and its war on terrorism; everybody else is strongly opposed to U.S. and England.  They all have total hatred for the West charging them with fighting against Islam and Muslims.  So it is possible terrorists from Pakistan may enter the U.S. in the garb of professionals or workers and slowly start their nefarious activities.  In fact the U.S. should not stop with just finger printing.  They should attach microchips on every Pakistani so that the Police can track them constantly.

John Mathew
India


I supposed American government has a complete right to impose the immigration laws and regulation to obstruct the terrorism in their country, but it doesn’t meant that it should be confined to any individual, country. If it is so than it shows the clear-cut discrimination and bias against particular sect, country, etc. 

Azhar & Rafay
Karachi


I think that U.S. government is trying to forcefully deport the Pakistani peoples and there is no secure future for Muslims and especially Pakistanis in America and Pakistanis will have to vacate the America in near future. Actually illegal residents and Pakistani students who go there and leave the studies build this image of Pakistani community.

I don’t know why the US is taking such steps as they issue visas to Pakistanis after the full investigations. Secondly the list of countries they have given for registration are all Muslim countries except South Korea.

I wanted to ask that why only Muslims should undergo such difficulties. Why not this registration law is applicable on the non-Muslims? By taking this step there are over one hundred thousand Pakistanis in the US and they all are going to get mentally tormented by the discriminatory laws. They are living there for years and have all business setup over there and if such laws are going to be applied on them, then it will breed hate and repugnance for America in their hearts.

Shakir kaleem
Karachi

Why feeling repulsion for the latest immigration laws introduced by US government? We asked for it. To retrieve the last favorable situation, we have to work together towards one goal to our better and positive image that should prevail in the entire world. And, we should start thinking as "WE" not "I".

Yes this is very bad for Muslims especially Pakistani Muslims, because history witnesses Pakistan is allied of US against terrorism.

I think Pakistan should take a decision and start dialogue with US government about this issue that has dealt a hard blow of troubles to the Pakistanis living in USA.

And, the imposition of the laws against only Muslims in the USA is flagrant violation of human rights. If the US government deems this is an important for security purpose, then the not only Muslims but every immigrants should undergo the laws.

Khalid,
Toronto, Canada


As far the security in USA is concerned, they can take all the security measures, But the issue here is that why these laws be for only Pakistanis in USA. Every other people of any religion, caste, creed should be considered for the laws. Because, only Pakistani peoples are not currently residing in USA but diverse nations are living in USA..

I think its time for us Pakistanis to come back home  and prove the world that we can build a strong nation without living in US. The way president Musharraf helped USA at least they shouldn’t do like this to Pakistanis residing in USA.

Waleed Sheikh   
USA

Its a very bad development for Pakistanis living in America. It gives a bad name to the Pakistani Community. Pakistan is a ally not a foe of America. It should be treated also that way!

Send this page to a friend!

The News International Pakistan