UNITED SIKHS Successfully Fights a Watchlist Case
UNITED SIKHS recently achieved a significant victory in a visa case, enabling a Sikh mother to meet her son in critical need. It also highlighted the flaws in policies implemented post-9/11, particularly the ‘Watchlist’ system designed to enhance border and homeland security.
However, concerns arise from existing statistics indicating inaccuracies in certain watchlists, notably the Department of State’s Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS), with unclear standards for inclusion.
UNITED SIKHS has observed a surge in complaints related to travel restrictions, including visa revocations and indefinite stays under “administrative process.” While endorsing the need for a protective border control system, UNITED SIKHS has identified arbitrary visa decisions that affected Sikhs, pointing to the inaccurate assessment of cases in watch list system.
A poignant case unfolded recently, when a Sikh mother planned to travel to the United States to donate a kidney to her son, a medical student who was forced to discontinue studies due to kidney issues. To their utter shock, her existing US visa was revoked without adequate justification, adding urgency to her son’s critical need for a kidney transplant.
UNITED SIKHS’ ICHRA department took swift action, advocating on behalf of the mother and son, ensuring that relevant US government agencies acted urgently. Ultimately, the mother was granted permission to travel to the US to donate her kidney, saving her son’s life.
The son expressed his profound gratitude. “I want to express my sincere gratitude for helping us attain my mother’s visa and giving our family hope. We are grateful to Dr. Henok Gabisa and whole United Sikhs Team. With my mom getting a visa, now I can get the transplant done and soon can live a normal life and make it worth living it. I can start studying back again and can finish my med school,” he stated. “Your generosity and thoughtfulness is a reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion in our world. Your willingness to go above and beyond to help me during this challenging time means more to me than words can express. I will always remember your kindness and generosity, and I hope to one day have the opportunity to pay it forward and make a difference in someone else’s life, just as you have done for me,” he said.
The heartfelt testimony reassuringly reflects our commitment to safeguard human and civil rights and the profound impact on lives.
UNITED SIKHS remains dedicated to ensuring individual liberties are recognized, respected, and protected. The commitment of ICHRA to making a difference in people’s lives serves as a testament to our organization’s mission which is to continue to uphold the values of kindness, compassion, and the belief that every individual deserves the right to liberty.
Dr. Henok Gabisa
Director, International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)
UNITED SIKHS
