From Deseret News archives:
For Muslims in U.S., nightmare continues
For some of the estimated 7 million Muslims in America, however, the nightmare continues. Here are two of their stories:
Asif Iqbal
Asif Iqbal does not want to hijack an airplane. He just wants to board one without hassle.
But Iqbal, a Pakistani who has lived in the United States since 1994, has a post-Sept. 11 problem. His name is on the Transportation Security Administration's "No-Fly List." When the software consultant and ardent Texas Longhorn fan tries to board a plane, he usually is stopped, suspected of being a Middle East terrorist.
Iqbal said it wouldn't be such an ordeal were he an infrequent leisure traveler. But his job requires him to fly an average of twice a week. Every time he tries, his name pops up on the screen. Airline officials call security. When they finally clear him, fellow passengers look at him in fear. It is an exercise in humiliation.
Iqbal, who lives in Rochester, N.Y., believes he landed on the list because of another man named Asif Iqbal — a Briton imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay. It is little comfort to know why the mix-up has occurred.
When Iqbal, 30, is inevitably cleared during his airport visits, "they don't announce it," he said. The people in line still don't know what the fuss was about and remain suspicious. The embarrassing part is sitting on a plane with these guys. It's a pretty difficult position to be in."
By now, some airlines recognize him. Iqbal is a frequent flier with Continental Airlines, so he can fly that airline from Rochester with less trouble. He also frequently travels with US Airways and Delta. Each, he says, handles the security alert in a different manner.
In July, the TSA came up with a new program of passenger verification that involved three forms of identification and a passport. Iqbal filled out an application, which got lost, then another. Finally, a phone call: He had been cleared for takeoff. He received a letter from TSA saying he was not a terrorist.
Then, in mid-July, Iqbal flew from Austin, Texas, to Rochester. When he was questioned, he presented the letter to airline employees. But the TSA manager at the Austin Airport had never seen such a letter before. Security came out again. He had more trouble in Montgomery, Ala., Aug. 8, he said. That time, he was detained until 10 minutes before his flight.
Chris Rhatigan, a spokeswoman for TSA, said those mistaken for someone on the list should work with the department's ombudsman to be removed. "People who are on the list are individuals who pose or are suspected of posing a threat to civil aviation or international security," she said.
