Arab and Muslim Men Wait Longer for Visas
Posted Nov 30, 2001

According to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), since October / November 2001, there is now an additional security check required for nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) for males from certain Middle Eastern and Islamic countries. NIVs are temporary visas, for example, B-1 Business visas, B-2 Tourist (Visitor) visas, F-1 Student visas, and H1B Temporary Worker visas.

In order to help people intending to study or work in the U.S. plan for additional waiting time when they apply for the NIV, we have summarizes the information released in the news media on this subject. DOS believes that this information may be classified but the news media has obtained information and has disseminated it. The delays are expected due to increased security checks. Those affected will be checked against terrorism databases maintained by the F.B.I. The change in visa procedures represents a shift in anti-terror policy toward emphasizing prevention.

The increased security checks would apply whether the applicant is applying in the home country or elsewhere. Officials have said that the new security procedure could take up to 20 days. Applicants must now complete a detailed questionnaire on their backgrounds, including questions about any military service or weapons training, previous travel, and whether they ever lost a passport.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has indicated that the new rules are temporary. "Those who come to the United States, we're going to check on to make sure that we are safe," Mr. Powell said. "We want people to come to our shores but at the same time, we have to protect ourselves. This will be a temporary measure for a number of countries."

The DOS waiting period will apply to men aged 16 to 45 from the countries listed below, so basically this appears to be a profiling policy. The countries affected are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Applicants should be prepared for the additional waiting time, and for tighter restrictions in general. The review is based upon country of birth, rather than citizenship. Applicants should check their subjection to this requirement, as the list may be subject to change.

We applaud and understand preventive measures to save lives in the long run, as long as the measures implemented are fair and within our constitutional framework, which this measure does appear to be.