The Washington Post recently ran a story that highlights the barriers that many foreign nationals with Muslim names are facing when they attempt to enter the United States. Foreign nationals entering the United States must pass certain security database watch lists before they are allowed to enter the United States. These databases use powerful algorithms and will compare an applicant’s name with those of known terrorists.
Unfortunately, too often applicants must endure extended period of anxiety as the database checks can take a significant period of time. This is especially true for foreign nationals who have names similar to those of terrorists who also have common names. There also does not appear to be any ability for a human override to the security database procedure.
Isn’t there a faster way for the security database to be checked? Isn’t there a way to override the system when it is obvious that an innocent John Smith is not the same as the terrorist John Smith?
The admin processing is very unfair. My fiance and I have been waiting 6 waits now (this is nothing compared to the wait that some others have had to endure). At the interivew, he was told he has passed and provsionally his visa been accepted but a small check remains and the embassy will get back to him within 2 weeks. Now, week 6 and nothing. He has had 3 other security checks within the last year. I understand that some checks are necessary and needed for everyone’s welfare & safety in the U.S but 4 in the same year? SERIOUSLY? Not to mention that our life has been in limbo w/o plans and the heartache. We need a better system to utilize tax dollars and find better ways to enhance the process.