2 days ago
Palestinian with valid US immigrant visa held at Houston Airport since 5 July
The Houston chapter of the civil rights organisation, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), on Monday demanded the immediate release of a 22-year-old Palestinian man who has been reportedly confined for nine days at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Muhanad J M Alshrouf has been held in a secondary screening room since entering the country on 5 July on a valid immigrant visa. His father is a US citizen, and Alshrouf spent years going through the immigration process to obtain his visa.
Alshrouf has not had any access to legal counsel, a change of clothes, proper food, or shower facilities during this time.
Maria Kari, attorney and executive director of legal non-profit Project TAHA, said Alshrouf's treatment was "unlawful, unjust and profoundly inhumane".
"Airports are not detention centers. Yet Muhanad has been subjected to an unconscionable confinement, forced to wear the same undergarments for over a week. Is this the dignity America offers its newest residents? Every American should be outraged,' she added.