Arab-American Civil Rights League Calls for Investigation Into ‘No Fly’ and ‘Watch’ Lists

posted on: Jan 25, 2014

The Arab-American Civil Rights League is calling for a U.S. House Judiciary Committee investigation into the nation’s “no fly” and “watch” lists.

Nabih Ayad, chairman of the league, spoke at a press conference Thursday about the impact of the lists on human and civil rights, as well as on international business.

He said there are issues from the discrimination Arab-Americans and others face as a result of the lists

Ayad said the lists are unconstitutional and illegal and violate due process, and he compared them to a Third World country’s tactics.

As a result, his organization has started a hotline, 1-844-CANT-FLY, for Arab-Americans impacted by the FBI, the Department of Justice and the Terrorist Screening Center.

Ayad said the ACRL has been contacted many times by those who feel discriminated against by the lists and has, in some cases, filed lawsuits on their behalf.

He said complaints have ranged from everyday Arab-Americans to those more influential in the business world and even those who have traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Barack Obama.

Ayad said attempts to call attention to the situation — including telling Michigan politicians such as U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-14th District) — have not yet yielded results,

The airport harassment Arabs and others must deal with brings humiliation and embarrassment, he said.

David Komer
Heritage Newspapers