DOCSLIB.ORG

U.S. Rmmigration and Customs Enforcement

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
U.S. Rmmigration and Customs Enforcement qf!ice o/the Chie/Counsel U.S. Department ofHomeland S{~curity 970 Broad SLn~et, Room II 04B Newark, N.J. 07102 Tel. No. (973) 645·2318 Fax No. (973) 622-7997 u.s. rmmigration and Customs Enforcement July 29, 2008 Immigration Judge Riefkohl 970 Broad Street, Room 1135 Newark, NJ 07102 Re: Mohammad Qatanani A76-133-969 Dear Immigration Judge Riefkohl: Attached please find a copy ofthe Department ofHomeland Security's trial brief(Tab A). Also, as you will recall, at the individual hearing, you requested a copy ofthe report prepared by FBI Special Agent Alicea following his February 7, 2005 interview ofthe respondent. Unfortunately, I was not able to secure that document, but I was able to obtain Special Agent Philpott's report ofthe same interview, and it is attached hereto (Tab B). ;p:~ Alan Wolf Senior Attorney www.dhs.gov Qf}7ce o/the Chie/Counsel U.S. Department ofHomelllnd S(~c!lrity 970 Broad SLn:et. Room II 04B Newark, N.J. 07]02 Tel. No. (973) 645-23] 8 Fax: No. (973) 622-7997 u.s. rmmigration and Customs Enforcement July 29, 2008 Immigration Judge Riefkohl 970 Broad Street, Room 1135 Newark, NJ 07102 Re: Mohammad Qatanani A76-133-969 Dear Immigration Judge Riefkohl: Attached please find a copy ofthe Department ofHomeland Security's trial brief(Tab A). Also, as you will recall, at the individual hearing, you requested a copy ofthe report prepared by FBI Special Agent Alicea following his February 7, 2005 interview ofthe respondent. Unfortunately, I was not able to secure that document, but I was able to obtain Special Agent Philpott's report ofthe same interview, and it is attached hereto (Tab B). ~w Alan Wolf Senior Attorney www.dhs.goY { Index ofAttachments A- DHS Trial Brief Pages 1-21 B- Special Agent Philpott's Report ofInvestigation Pages 22-29 www.dhs.gov UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW IMMIGRATION COURT: NEWARK, NEW JERSEY ------------------------------------------------------------------------X IN THE MATTER OF MOHAMMAD QATANANI, A76-133-969 IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------X DRS TRIAL BRIEF The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) respectfully submits this brief in support of its position that the respondent is ineligible for adjustment of status under INA §245. The status of an alien who has been inspected and admitted or paroled may be adjusted to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence ifthe alien makes an application for such adjustment, the alien is eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is admissible to the United States for permanent residence, and an immigrant visa is immediately available to him at the time his application is filed. INA §245(a). The respondent is ineligible for adjustment of status because he is not admissible to the United States. The respondent is not admissible because: 1) he has by fraud or willfully misrepresenting a material fact, sought to procure a visa, other documentation, or admission into the United States or other benefit provided under the Immigration and Nationality Act, see INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i), and 2) because he has engaged in terrorist activity, see INA §212(a)(3)(B)(i)(I). The fact that the respondent has not been charged with being being deportable from the United States pursuant to INA §237(a)(4)(B) is ofno consequence to his inadmissibility under INA §212(a)(3)(B)(i)(I), since deportability has been established as charged in the Notice to Appear, and therefore the respondent bears the burden ofproof as to eligibility for the requested relief. See 8 C.F.R. 1240.8(d). In addition to the two above grounds of inadmissibility, the respondent is ineligible for adjustment of status because he is deportable under INA §237(a)(4)(B). See INA §245(c)(6). An alien is deportable under INA §237(a)(4)(B), inter alia, if he is described in INA §2l2(a)(3)(B). The respondent is further ineligible for adjustment ofstatus because he has been employed in the United States without the authorization of the DHS. See 8 CFR l245(b)(1 0). These grounds of inadmissibility and ineligibility will be further addressed below. The respondent shall have the burden of establishing that he or she is eligible for any requested benefit or privilege and that it should be granted in the exercise ofdiscretion. If the evidence indicates that one or more of the grounds for mandatory denial of the application for relief may apply, the alien shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance ofthe evidence that such grounds do not apply. 8 CFR §l240.8(d). DHS further submits that even if the Court were to determine that the respondent was eligible for adjustment of status, his application should nevertheless be denied as a matter ofdiscretion. This position will also be further discussed below. 1. THE RESPONDENT IS INADMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO INA §2l2(a)(6)(C)(i). The respondent is inadmissible to the United States pursuant to INA §2l2(a)(6)(C)(i) because he has by fraud or willfully misrepresenting a material fact sought to procure a visa, other documentation, or admission into the United States or other benefit 2 provided under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The respondent willfully made at least two material fraudulent misrepresentations on his application for adjustment of status (I-485) which he signed on March 25, 1999, and which was filed with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in April 1999. The application directs the applicant, in relevant part, to: Please answer the following questions. (Ifyour answer is "Yes" on anyone ofthese questions, explain on a separate piece of paper. Answering "Yes" does not necessarily mean that you are not entitled to register for permanent residence or adjust status.) 1. Have you ever, in or outside the U.S.: b. been arrested, cited, charged, indicted, fined, or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance, excluding traffic violations? 4. Have you ever engaged in, conspired to engage in, or do you intend to engage in, or have you ever solicited membership or funds for, or have you through any means ever assisted or provided any type ofmaterial support to, any person or organization that has been engaged or conspired to engage, in sabotage, kidnapping, political assassination, hijacking, or any other form of terrorist activity? The respondent answered "no" to both questions. Additionally, the DHS submits that the respondent made further material misrepresentations at his May 16, 2006, adjustment of status interview before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The misrepresentations made at the USCIS interview were detailed in the September 11, 2007, affidavit from Professor Amos Guiora, and in his testimony before the Court. A. Contrary to Respondent's 1-485 assertion, he was arrested, indicted, and imprisoned. 3 The DHS has submitted evidence that establishes that on December 12, 1993, in the Shechem Military Court, in the West Bank, the respondent was convicted of 1) Membership in an Illegal Association, to wit, Hamas, in violation of Regulation 85(1) of the Defense (Emergency) Regulations, 1945, and 2) Performing a Service for an Unlawful Association, also in violation of Regulation 85(1) ofthe Defense (Emergency) Regulations, 1945. DHS submitted 3 documents establishing the respondent's criminal conviction in the military court system. These documents are 1) the May 3, 2005 letter from Osnat Hershler addressed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2) the verdict and criminal record, and 3) the Indictment and Protocol. 1. May 3, 2005 Letter In his May 3, 2005 letter, with the Subject being noted at top as being "Mohamed Qatanani," Osnat HersWer, Superintendent Liaison Officer with the Israel Police Intelligence Department Special Operations Division stated, "Please be informed that the aim subject is in possession of ID. Nr. 995600459. In 1993 he was convicted for membership in an illegal organization and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment, 12 months imprisonment suspended for 3 years." U.S. Department of State Officer Thomas Rhodes certified the authenticity ofthis letter on February 15, 2007. This letter reasonably indicates the existence of a criminal conviction. See 8 CFR §1003.41 (d). In the first instance, it should be noted that the ID Number noted in the letter, 4 995600459, is the same as that on the Identification Card that the respondent produced in Court during cross-examination on June 2, 2008, and which he submitted to the Court by cover letter dated June 13, 2008. The reliability of the letter's information is further buttressed by the fact that the Department of State authenticated the letter. Moreover, /J Professor Guiora testified that the Israeli National Police is charged with maintaining // criminal history information. 2. Verdict and Criminal Record With respect to the verdict and criminal record, Chief Inspector Liat Lev-Ary certified these documents on September 7, 2005. Ms. Lev-Ary attested that she is authorized by the laws of Israel to attest to the records, that the records are true copies of original official records which are recorded or filed with the Israel National Police and which set forth matters required by law to be recorded or filed and reported. U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer Tom Rhodes verified Ms. Lev-Ary's attestation on October 12, 2007. The documents have been certified in accordance with 8 CFR §1287.6(b), which specifies that: (1) In any proceeding under this chapter, an official record or entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, shall be evidenced by an official publication thereof, or by a copy attested by an officer so authorized. This attested copy in turn may but need not be certified by any authorized foreign officer both as to the genuineness of the signature of the attesting officer and as to hislher official position.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Intelligence Assessment HAMAS Sympathizers
    Jon S. Corzine UNCLASSIFIED/LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE Richard L. Cañas Governor JULY 24, 2008 Director Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness Intelligence Assessment HAMAS Sympathizers in New Jersey: Supporting Terrorism Abroad Key Findings • HAMAS, a terrorist group based in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and Syria, draws financial backing from supporters and sympathizers in New Jersey. • HAMAS has no known operational capabilities in New Jersey. • HAMAS supporters engage in both legal and illegal methods of fundraising in New Jersey and globally. • Pro-HAMAS propaganda being disseminated in New Jersey could spur violence by local “homegrown” or “lone wolf” extremists. Background The Palestinian statehood issue remains a popular and unifying cause throughout the Arab and Islamic world, and a high agenda item for militant jihadists. HAMAS is one of the principal terrorist groups involved in this conflict and uses violence in the form of terrorism to further its cause. The organization has long been designated by the US Department of State as a terrorist group. According to the State Department’s 2007 “Country Reports on Terrorism,” HAMAS receives funding from Iran, sympathetic supporters in Arab countries, and from the Palestinian diaspora around the world, including in the United States.i HAMAS, acronymic for Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamia, which translates in English as the Islamic Resistance Movement, is the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan).ii It was founded in 1987 by Sheik Ahmad Yasin and considers itself a “nationalistic religious” movement.iii HAMAS’ basic tenets include liberating all of pre-Israel “Palestine” through jihad and imposing rule by Shari’a (Islamic) law.iv Over the years, the group has firmly embedded itself amongst the Palestinian people, providing them with basic social services and leading the military charge against Israel, both efforts which have earned HAMAS a strong indigenous constituency and group longevity.
    [Show full text]
  • View / Open Campbell Oregon 0171N 12919.Pdf
    CONSTRUCTING JERUSALEM: A PALESTINIAN DIGITAL DISCOURSE by IAN LAWRENCE CAMPBELL A THESIS Presented to the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program and the Department of Global Studies and the Graduate School of the University of OreGon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the deGrees of Master of SCienCe and Master of Arts DeCember 2020 THESIS APPROVAL PAGE Student: Ian LawrenCe Campbell Title: ConstruCtinG Jerusalem: A Palestinian DiGital DisCourse This thesis has been aCCepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of SCienCe deGree in the Conflict and Dispute Resolution ProGram and the Master of Arts deGree in the Department of Global Studies by: Diane Baxter Chairperson Galen Martin Member Seungahn Nah Member and Kate MondloCh Interim ViCe Provost and Dean of the Graduate SChool OriGinal approval siGnatures are on file with the University of OreGon Graduate School. DeGree awarded DeCember 2020 ii © 2020 Ian Lawrence Campbell iii THESIS ABSTRACT Ian LawrenCe Campbell Master of Science and Master of Arts ConfliCt and Dispute Resolution Program and Department of Global Studies DeCember 2020 Title: ConstruCtinG Jerusalem: A Palestinian DiGital DisCourse The followinG interdisCiplinary researCh investiGates diGital communication using a constructivist interpretation for conflict analysis. President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel formed the basis for the research inquiry of Palestinian digital modes of response. International law remains relevant to the baCkGround understandinG of this research, albeit outside the scope. Data from pro-Palestinian media, translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (M.E.M.R.I.) and Palestinian Media WatCh (P.M.W.), provided the sources for digital content analysis.
    [Show full text]
  • Field Guide to Useful Infidels by Islamist Watch December 27, 2016 in This Article
    A Journalist’s Manual: Field Guide to Useful Infidels By Islamist Watch December 27, 2016 In This Article Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Ben Affleck 3 Christiane Amanpour 4 Karen Armstrong 5 Max Blumenthal 6 John Brennan 7 Chris Christie 8 Morris Dees 9 Matt Duss 10 John Esposito 11 Glenn Greenwald 12 Martin Indyk 13 John Kerry 14 Grover Norquist 15 Leslie Wong 16 James Zogby 17 Countering Useful Infidels and Their Organizations 19 Executive Summary Americans have lived with the threat of attack by jihadi groups for nearly four decades. Despite this clear and present danger, some non-Muslim commentators, politicians, and other public figures challenge the idea that Islamism, a radical political ideology with ambitions of global conquest, has anything to do with this violence. We call such persons useful infidels (a variation on “useful idiots,” a term widely attributed to Lenin). Useful infidels employ various methods. Some seek to redefine the threat by arguing that ISIS killers should not be described as Muslim terrorists out of fear that doing so would provide “the type of Islamic legitimacy that they are so desperately seeking, but which they don’t deserve at all.” Others seek to distract from the Islamist threat by claiming there is a deluge of anti-Muslim hate crimes or non-Muslim threats of violence where few exist. Some cooperate with Islamist groups, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Others focus on depriving law enforcement of the necessary training and resources to recognize and counter Islamist threats. Or they legitimize Islamists as the only representative and acceptable face of American Islam, to the detriment of moderate Muslims, who are ignored and powerless.
    [Show full text]
  • ABC, NBC Join Ban of Reagan's FFRF Ad
    Vol. 32 No. 3 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. April 2015 But CNN airing wins raves ABC, NBC join ban of Reagan’s FFRF ad A 30-second TV spot recorded by Ron Reagan for the Freedom From Religion Foundation has now been banned by the three major networks: ABC, NBC and CBS. However, FFRF has run the ad on Coming soon CNN in late March and early April to This is a depiction of a billboard that will be going up in Madison, Wis., in mid-April. See page 5 to read about FFRF’s TV great success, welcoming hundreds of ads against Wisconsin’s ballooning use of taxpayer funding of private schools, which are almost all religious schools. new members and hearing from thou- sands of interested viewers. The ad says: Hi, I’m Ron Reagan, an unabashed ning the ad, CNN viewers gave it rave a long time!” (Gainesville, Fla.); “I atheist, and I’m alarmed by the intrusion reviews: thought I was the only atheist in Amer- of religion into our secular government. “Where have you been all my life?” ica!” (E.Z., Elmhurst, N.Y.); “Brilliant!” That’s why I’m asking you to support the (Andrew, Johns Creek, Ga.); “That (Ron, Nevada). Freedom From Religion Foundation, the is literally the best commercial I’ve “The censorship of this ad and of nation’s largest and most effective associa- ever seen!” (J.T., Akron, Ohio); “This Ron Reagan’s ‘unabashed views’ by tion of atheists and agnostics, working to is the best thing that has happened so many major networks really shows keep state and church separate, just like our to atheism since Richard Dawkins!” the heavy hand of religion upon this Founding Fathers intended.
    [Show full text]
  • V the Campus Groups Mobilize Over 2008 Election Students Hopeful for Upcoming Season Band Holds Annual Plaiding Ceremony
    / ^ V THE U b s e r v e r The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Marys VOLUME 43 : ISSUE 8 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 NDSMCOBSERVER.COM E lectio n 2 0 0 8 Campus groups mobilize over 2008 election College Dem, GOP clubs Nonpartisan ND Votes '08 support their candidates helps register new voters By KAITLYNN RIELY By KAITLYNN RIELY Associate News Editor Associate News Editor No matter who wins the presidential Since the beginning of the fall election this fall, there’s going to be a semester, NDVotes ’08 has regis­ big celebration at Notre Dame. tered 91 new voters and added 410 “We’ll have the biggest party that people to its database, senior Notre Dame’s ever seen,” Edward Yap, Mallory Laurel, a co-chair for the the president of the Notre Dame College nonpartisan education campaign run Republicans, said. “Regardless of who­ by the Center for Social Concerns ever wins, we’ll have tons of fun at it.” (CSC) said. But Yap is hoping for a victory by the At the CSC’s opening picnic last Republican ticket of Sen. John McCain week, the NDVotes ’08 table was of Arizona and Gov. Sarah Palin of “just swarmed the entire tim e,” Alaska. He said the club might look into Laurel said. booking an off-campus location to “I think, because this election in watch the election returns Nov. 4. particular is so exciting and monu­ Across the political spectrum, Notre mental, more people are interested Dame College Democrats co-president in registering to vote,” Laurel said.
    [Show full text]
  • Islamists with Direct Ties to Terrorists Lobby Congress Cynthia Farahat
    Islamists with Direct Ties to Terrorists Lobby Congress Cynthia Farahat meforum.org Introduction For the past three years, Islamists with ties to terrorist operatives have been meeting with members of Congress. Every spring since 2015, the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of national and local Islamist organizations, has hosted1 an annual lobbying2 event titled “Muslim Advocacy Day” in Congress, at the Capitol Visitor Center’s Auditorium. Over the course of several days, Islamists from across the United States visit congressional offices to lobby for their national and international agendas. The next Muslim Advocacy is scheduled3 to take place on May 7-8, 2018. The annual event is a serious lobbying effort. The 2017 lobby day, hosted by the USCMO and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), connected national, regional and state Islamist organizations and community members with their elected representatives in Congress. CAIR reported4 that 400 delegates from 30 states had met with some 230 elected officials and congressional staff. Among the delegates at the 2017 Muslim Advocacy Day were many Muslim Brotherhood leaders directly linked to violent Islamists. USCMO’s own leadership includes an Islamist once accused by the U.S. government of funding terrorism conducted by al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Several leaders in the delegation have elsewhere hosted Muslim Brotherhood operatives convicted of terrorism by a U.S. ally. The Muslim Brotherhood in America clearly defined its goals in a 1991 document titled “The Explanatory Memorandum,”5 which outlined the Muslim Brotherhood’s strategic goals in North America. Federal prosecutors introduced this memorandum as evidence during the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) terror financing trial in 2008—the largest terror financing case in U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of State FOIA Log 2017
    FOIA Log - Cases Received Between 1/1/2017 and 12/31/2017 REQ_REF REQ REQUESTER SUBJECT RECEIVE CLOSE GRANT EXEMPTIONS FEE CATEGORY NAME ORG DATE DATE CODE DESC F-2017-00002 Leal All records relating to the 12/30/2016 02/27/2017 No Records ALL OTHER Oteiza, border crossing card issued to Located Lourdes (b) (6) . (Oglesby) F-2017-00003 Tabangay-Fel Tabangay I-130 immigrant visa petition 12/30/2016 ALL OTHER Vigilla, Law Offices filed by (b) (6) April on behalf of (b) (6) (b) (6) F-2017-00004 Monarrez, Immigrant visa petition and non- 12/30/2016 01/06/2017 Cancelled ALL OTHER Carlos immigrant visa records regarding (b) (6) (b) (6) F-2017-00005 Monarrez, Any and all documents related 12/30/2016 01/06/2017 Cancelled ALL OTHER Carlos to (b) (6) (b) (6) concerning detentions at the border crossing International Bridge Brownsville, TX F-2017-00006 Cardenas Immigrant and Non-immigrant 12/30/2016 01/06/2017 Cancelled ALL OTHER , visa records for (b) (6) Norberto (b) (6) records F-2017-00007 Arocha, B1/B2 non-immigrant visa for 12/30/2016 01/06/2017 Cancelled ALL OTHER Ana (b) (6) (b) (6) F-2017-00008 Emmel, Special reports produced by 01/03/2017 ALL OTHER Benjamin the Rapid Response Unit (Public Affairs) from calendar years 2015-2016, described in DAA-0059-2013-0008-0001 F-2017-00010 Miller, Third party passport request 12/29/2016 01/17/2018 Cancelled ALL OTHER Michael regarding (b) (6) (b) (6) REQ_REF REQ REQUESTER SUBJECT RECEIVE CLOSE GRANT EXEMPTIONS FEE CATEGORY NAME ORG DATE DATE CODE DESC F-2017-00011 Cabrera, Cables, files, and documents
    [Show full text]
  • Books on Islam and the Muslim World
    Books On Islam And The Muslim World Halalco Books 155 Hillwood Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 532-3202 Fax: (703) 533-1234 or (703) 542-3212 [email protected] www.halalco.com CATALOG 2017 CATALOG 122815 H HOLY QUR’AN SEERAH: Books On/About The Qur’an . 44 Life Of Prophet Muhammad . 101 CONTENTS Color-Coded For Tajweed … 48 Some Aspects Of His Life ….104 Dictionaries & Concordances 49 Qaidahs & Reading Aids … 49 Shia-Sunni Perspectives …… 106 99 Names Of Allah ………………. 1 Qur’an In 30 Parts …………. 50 Sufism & Mysticism ……………. 106 Qur’an In Arabic Only …… 51 BIOGRAPHIES Qur’an In Uthmani Script… 51 Companions & Family ……… 1 Qur’an In Multi-Colors ……..51 <<<<<<<>>>>>>> Prophets & Others .. ……… 3 Qur’an In Zipper ………… 51 Selections/Partial Translatns.. 51 BOOKS IN OTHER LANGUAGES: Arabic (Separate Catalog) Tajweed Books …………….. 53 French (Separate Catalog) Transliterations …………… 53 Spanish (Separate Catalog) Halalco Urdu (Separate Catalog) HOLY QUR’AN TRANSLATIONS: Abdullah Yusuf Ali …………54 Books BOOKS ON OR BY: In The Shade Of The Qur’an .. 54 Ahmed Deedat …………….. 7 Marmaduke Pickthall ……….54 Your One-Stop Source Allama Iqbal (Poet) ……….. 7 Mohsin Khan (Noble Qur’an) 54 for all your shopping Harun Yahya ……………….. 8 Sayyid Abul Aala Maududi …55 Ibn Arabi …………………… 9 Other English Translations ….55 needs Ibn Sina (Avicenna) … … … 10 Tafsir Ibn Kathir …………… 56 Imam Al-Ghazali ……………. 10 In Other Languages …………57 Exotic Groceries Baklava, Cookies, Dates & Ready To Eat Foods Jalaluddin Rumi ……………. 12 Halal Marshmallows & Beef Sticks & Jerky Malcolm X …………………. 13 IBADAH & WORSHIP ………… 58 Du’a & Supplication ………. 58 International Gifts Shaikh Abdal-Qadir Al-Jilani . 14 Azan Clocks & Watches, Henna, Fasting & Ramadan ………… 60 Keychains & Dolls Children’s Books (Separate Catalog) Hajj & Umrah ……………….
    [Show full text]
  • Mosques in America
    MOSQUES IN AMERICA A Guide to Accountable Permit Hearings and Continuing Citizen Oversight By Karen Lugo, Esq. Constitutional Law Specialist RLUIPA Analyst and Litigator This book may be reproduced, distributed and transmitted for personal and non-commercial use. Contact the Center for Security Policy for bulk order information. For more information about this book, visit SECUREFREEDOM.ORG Mosques in America is published in the United States by the Center for Security Policy Press, a division of the Center for Security Policy. ISBN-13: 978-1540729170 ISBN-10: 1540729176 The Center for Security Policy 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 201 Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone: 202-835-9077 Email: [email protected] For more information, visit SecureFreedom.org Book design by Bravura Books Cover design by J.P. Zarruk TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ...................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 3 1: City Hall and Mosque Building Projects ......................................................... 11 2: Unique Mosque Application Controversies ................................................... 15 3: Religious Discrimination: Preference for Mosques? ...................................... 21 Case One: Al Farooq Youth and Family Center .................................................... 22 What Went Wrong? ........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Erdogan's Long Arm in The
    ERDOGAN’S L ONG ARM IN THE US: Turkish Influence Operations Among American Muslims Ahmet S Yayla TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Background 5 United States, Erdogan and American Muslims 8 President Trump and Erdogan 9 Erdogan’s Intelligence in the U.S. 2010 Onward 10 Executive Summary 11 Groups and Individuals in the United States Working Closely with Erdogan Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) Introduction 12 Personnel and Budget 14 Historical Evolution of Diyanet under the AKP 16 Imam Hatip Schools (Religious Vocational Schools) Mosques and Foundations and Diyanet’s “Spy Imams” Overseas Turkey Overseas 17 International Spying Imams of Diyanet 24 The Turkish American Community Center (TACC): American operations 26 Diyanet Center of America (DCA) 29 Functions of DCA 30 Coordination of the Turkish-American Mosques 32 Affiliated Diyanet Institutions Activities Events, Training, and Panels 34 Friday Khutbah (Sermon) Invitations 35 Turkish American Religious Foundation (TARF) 38 ForumUSA – AKP Influence Operation 40 Turkish Heritage Organization (THO) 41 Funding 42 Establishment of the THO 45 The FBI Probe and Warnings about the THO Activities 47 Structure, Hierarchy, Links to Erdogan Family and Espionage 55 THO and Turkish Diplomacy/Bureaucracy in the U.S. Anti-Semitism and Hostility towards the U.S. 56 The Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) 57 Terrorism Connections: al-Qaeda and IHH 59 Close Ties with Turkish Bureaucrats and Institutions 61 Ties with U.S. Organizations 64 Muslim Groups and Individuals
    [Show full text]
  • Campus Groups Mobilize Over 2008 Election Students Hopeful For
    ---------------------------- ------- ---- -- -~--------------------------------- THE The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's VOLUME 43: ISSUE 8 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBERS. 2008 NDSMCOBSERVER.COM ELECTION 2008 Campus groups mobilize over 2008 election College Dem, GOP clubs Nonpartisan ND Votes '08 support their candidates helps register new voters By KAITLYNN RIELY By KAITLYNN RIELY Associate News Editor Associate News Editor No matter who wins the presidential Since the beginning of the fall election this fall, there's going to be a semester, NDVotes '08 has regis­ big celebration at Notre Dame. tered 91 new voters and added 410 "We'll have the biggest party that people to its database, senior Notre Dame's ever seen," Edward Yap, Mallory Laurel, a co-chair for the the president of the Notre Dame College nonpartisan education campaign run Republicans, said. "Regardless of who­ by the Center for Social Concerns ever wins, we'll have tons of fun at it." (CSC) said. But Yap is hoping for a victory by the At the CSC's opening picnic last Republican ticket of Sen. John McCain week, the NDVotes '08 table was of Arizona and Gov. Sarah Palin of "just swarmed the entire time," Alaska. He said the club might look into Laurel said. booking an off-campus location to "I think, because this election in watch the election returns Nov. 4. particular is so exciting and monu­ Across the political spectrum, Notre !fiental, more people are interested Dame College Democrats co-president in registering to vote," Laurel said. AP John McCain, left, talks with opponent Barack Obama. McCain and Obama are both see PARTIES/page 4 vying for the presidency and have electrified both sides of the political spectrum.
    [Show full text]
  • Unification News
    UnificationUnification NewsNews $2 Volume 21, No. 11 T HE N EWSPAPER OF THE U NIFICATION C OMMUNITY November 2002 IIFWP CONVOCATION 2002 GovernanceGovernance andand thethe RoleRole ofof ReligionReligion inin PeacePeace andand SecuritySecurity GRAEME CARMICHAEL by Gordon L. Anderson, Ph.D. t had been a year since the ter- rorist attack in New York that brought down the World Trade towers. I had landed on Sep- tember 20, 2002 at LaGuardia Iairport and as my cab took me across the Queensboro Bridge I could see the United Nations where US Presi- dent Bush had made his case for enforcing sanctions against Iraq the previous week. Clearly the world had changed since September 11, 2001 and religion, or at least the rhetoric of religion, had become prominent in discussions of global peace and secu- rity. Religion has no geographical bound- aries like the nation-states that make up the United Nations. After World War II, the United Nations had been established with a Security Council made up of great powers with a man- date to keep nations from fighting one another. September 11, 2001 drove home the point that in our global age wars do not have to be fought by nations. Groups of people marginal- ized by the system of nation-states that is entrusted with global peace and security could find other ways to see IIFWP on page 5 National Ministers’ Workshop in Maryland by Rev. Mary Anglin ington DC. These ministers came with The ministers are always so kind to far; so we’ll have to listen.” But this various levels of heart, curiosity, desire members, but sometimes among each comment was said in fun, though per- ho is Rev.
    [Show full text]