DHS Scraps Nationality Based Profiling In Screening Policy
UNITED SIKHS Applauds the Step; Concerns Remain on Continued Profiling of Sikhs April 2, 2010, Washington, D.C.: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new measures to strengthen aviation security. These new measure supersede the 3 month old security policy aimed at heightened security procedures for the citizens of and travelers through 14 countries. The superseded policy, put in place as a response to the Dec 25 terrorist attempt, used national origin as a basis for enhanced screening of travelers. The new measures announced by Secretary Janet Napolitano focus on intelligence based threats along with multiples layers of security.
While announcing the new measures, Sec. Napolitano stated, ““The terrorist threat to global aviation is a shared challenge and ensuring aviation security is a shared responsibility. I commend our many partners around the world who have taken steps to increase their own security measures through deployment of new technology, enhanced information sharing and stronger standards to keep air travel safe.” To read more about the new measures, please click here.
UNITED SIKHS welcomes this step from the DHS to strengthen aviation security in the right direction. UNITED SIKHS has been advocating for a fair screening policy which does not lead to profiling based on national origin, race or religion. However, Sikh passengers continue to report being subject to secondary screening at a very high rate. Kashmir Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director said, “While we appreciate DHS’ decision to rescind the policy that discriminated against national of 14 countries, we do hope that DHS and TSA will also work on solving the long ongoing issue of racial profiling by TSA and Border officials. UNITED SIKHS has filed many complaints at the TSA and we look forward to working with TSA to solve all problems faced by the Sikh community during travel.”
UNITED SIKHS urges all Sikh travelers to continuously report their experience at airports so that this issue can be given the importance it deserves. To report your experience while traveling, please click on the link given in the box. For more information on how you can help, please contact law-usa@unitedsikhs.org.
To read previous press releases on this effort, please read UNITED SIKHS, and UNITED SIKHS.
Issued by:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
888-243-1690
