CAIR-AZ ASKS FOR MEETING WITH FBI TO DISCUSS DEPORTATION OF LOCAL PHYSICIAN 

(PHOENIX, AZ, 1/20/2006) - The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today asked for a meeting with local FBI officials to discuss the Muslim community's concerns about the deportation of a local physician and his wife who were returning from Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. 

Dr. Nadeem Hassan was in Saudi Arabia when immigration authorities denied his green-card application and revoked his U.S. travel permit last week. Because he was outside of the country when this action was taken, he lost his right to appeal the decision in an immigration court. No criminal charges have been brought against Dr. Hassan. 

Many members of the Arizona Muslim community are concerned that he has been unjustly accused based on his religious affiliation. CAIR-AZ also released an official statement: "It is our hope that by meeting with FBI officials, we are able to gain a clearer understanding of the reasoning behind Dr. Hassan's deportation. He is a respected and prominent member of the community who has not been treated in accordance with his civil liberties".

CONTACT: Nure Elatari (602) 312-2223, E-Mail: director@cairaz.org ; Bushra Khan (602) 262-2247, Email: officemanager@cairaz.org