By CAIR Staff
Nov/Dec 2023
Travel in the United States as a Muslim has become a challenge for many . Muslims are often subjected to the discriminatory behavior because of the color of their skin and are disrespected on account of their faith.
The introduction to CAIR’s watchlist report states in part: “For more than twenty years, the FBI has detained, surveilled, harassed, and destroyed the lives of innocent Muslims. The public record amply documents how this abuse, inflicted via always-expanding FBI powers, led not to a reduction in terrorism, but painful, farcical, and often dangerous abuse of Muslims…It has long been clear to the Muslim community that the FBI’s list is nothing more than a list of innocent Muslims…Of the watchlist entries we’ve reviewed, we estimate that more than 1.47 million of those entries are aboutMuslims – more than 98 percent of the total…”
It is important to know that as an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel. It is illegal for law enforcement officials to perform any stops, searches, detentions, or removals based solely on your race, religion, national origin, sex, or ethnicity.
If you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, you should:
- Ask for the names and ID number of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write down this information.
- Ask to speak to a supervisor.
- Politely ask if you have been singled out because of your name, looks, dress, race, ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
- Politely ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
- Write a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure to include the flight number, date, and the name of the airline.
- Contact CAIR to file a report. If you are leaving the country, leave a detailed message with the information above at 202-488-8787 or at www.cair.com.
It is important to note the following:
- A customs agent has the right to stop, detain and search every person and item.
- Screeners have the authority to conduct a further search of you or your bags.
- A pilot has the right to refuse to fly a passenger if he or she believes the passenger is a threat to the safety of the flight. The pilot’s decision must be reasonable and based on observations, not stereotypes — a move initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union.
No-Fly List and Selectee List
Individuals experiencing difficulties during travel at airports, train stations, or U.S. borders may be on either the no-fly or selectee list. It is very difficult to determine if you are on one of these lists.
You may be on the selectee list if you are unable to check in online or at airport kiosks and have to line up at the ticketing counter instead. You should eventually be permitted to fly.
The no-fly list, on the other hand, prohibits individuals from flying at all. If you are able to board an airplane, regardless of the amount of questioning or screening, then you are not on the no-fly list.
If you are constantly subjected to advanced screening or are prevented from boarding your flight, you should file a complaint with DHS TRIP at www.dhs.gov/trip. Most people who file with DHS TRIP are not actually on a watch list and that service can resolve most problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties traveling, you should contact CAIR to file a report at 202-488-8787 or www.cair.com.
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