Does the United States have it in for South African Muslims?
Apparently, some South Africans think so, judging from the heated commentary that has appeared about decisions by U.S. authorities to deny entry to several South African Muslims and other actions, both multilateral and bilateral, related to support for international terrorism. This smacks, some say, of a concerted campaign against South African Muslims. Let me set the record straight as unequivocally as possible: First, the U.S. government in no way seeks to discriminate against Muslims, be they from South Africa or anywhere else. Second, religion is not a factor influencing whether a person qualifies for a U.S. visa or is allowed into the United States. As an African-American who grew up in the Old South and personally experienced the hateful oppression of segregation, I have no time whatsoever for discrimination, be it based on race, ethnicity, religion or anything else. I do not work for a President who condones or participates in such discrimination. So, then, what is going on? Fir
