Public Service Announcement from PAAIA – Know Your Rights When Traveling
Washington, D.C. — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) has received concerning reports from Iranian American travelers who — upon returning to the United States, including from Europe — have experienced prolonged or repeated questioning at US ports of entry. Individuals report being singled out individually or as part of a group for additional scrutiny based on their place of birth being Iran. These reports also assert that some US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials are asking for second passports and invasive personal questions.
PAAIA has reached out — as part of its mission of representing the Iranian American community — to units across the U.S. government. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department agree that CBP officers are authorized to question travelers and inspect belongings to determine admissibility. Yet, both agencies of the US government remind citizens and law enforcement that there are limits to what is appropriate and lawful. Travelers should not be subjected to undue scrutiny or discriminatory treatment based on national origin or ethnicity.
If you have repeatedly been referred for secondary screening, denied entry, or believe you were treated unfairly or discriminated against, we highly recommend you follow one or a combination of steps available:
- File Redress if you are repeatedly stopped or denied entry:
Submit a redress inquiry through the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
- Report Discrimination:
If you believe you were questioned beyond a reasonable scope or targeted due to your Iranian heritage, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civic Liberties
- Contact the TRIP Team:
For questions or additional support, you may also contact the DHS TRIP team via email – TRIP@tsa.dhs.gov
If you do not report violations or suspected violations of law, nothing can or will be done. We cannot stress enough the importance of reporting any incident.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
You have rights when interacting with CBP or other federal authorities. All travelers are encouraged to review the comprehensive Know Your Rights Guide developed by one of PAAIA’s long standing partner organizations: the Iranian American Bar Association (“IABA”) that has made the guide available in English and Persian.
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PAAIA will continue to monitor developments and provide timely and accurate updates. Please share this information widely with your family, friends, and others in your local community.
