What does the CLRA mean for the Arab-American community?
The Civil Liberties Restoration Act (“CLRA”) seeks to counter the civil liberties violations committed against our communities in the name of national security. Some government measures taken in the aftermath of September 11 attacks on our nation were necessary tools to respond to and protect our country from terrorist threats. However, many others violated and continue to violate the basic civil rights of our community. No terrorists were caught, and we are not safer as a result. The CLRA will restore minimum due process rights, the right to privacy, the right to be free from unreasonable searches, seizures, and imprisonment. Of special importance to the Arab-American community is the fact that the CLRA will eliminate the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (“NSEERS”), a highly discriminatory and ineffective policy, which has severely affected our community. Countless Arab and Muslim men who voluntarily complied with Special Registration were detained and or deported and
