Finally in December 2003, special registration in the INS ended. After violating rights of 83,000 people in twenty-five countries the U.S. still hasn’t found terrorist, but is so proficient in terrorizing its own citizens. Sheik claims that the Patriot Act equals discrimination and that racial profiling does not help.
Rathod, from the South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow, is a civil rights attorney in Washington, D.C. He knows the effects of the Patriot Act well as he deals with cases of victims of the Patriot Act continuously since late 2001. In particular, he concedes that the law targets particular communities in the United States. Actions by U.S. Homeland Security have had twenty-five men integrated, 100 individuals in Los Angeles have been detained, people have been put in refugee camps, and numerous other acts have been made as well that defy civil liberties of American citizens. Many Pakistani men are coming to the U.S. for a better life but instead they now face harsh conditions, sometimes no better than their native country, by the very government that so passionately seizes other countries into their hand in the name of democracy. Rashod also noted that the U.S. government has marginalized immigrant communities. So, SAALT is starting a nationwide voter registration program to have south Asians vote on a block. By electing candidates that are opposed to the Patriot Act, their voices can be heard more clearly.
In response to the infringement of basic rights of individuals in the United States, the students who attended the Patriot Act Forum are ready to step up and take action to make it clear that the Patriot Act must be removed from the books. So, the various organizations are ready to emplace a petition to make a resolution that is a part of the national student action to oppose the patriot act. UIC will be only one of the many institutions will be a part of this movement. In months to come, UIC will witness incredible protest against the many injustices facing our country and worldwide. In fact, this Friday, other groups on campus are holding another Forum. In a few short months, during the celebration of Asian American Awareness Month the South Asian Progressive will be hosting an event, which depicts the pros and cons of globalization.
