The short story...
Nabil Bayakly, resident of the US since 1979 and father of four (American citizens born in US)--perfect record with visa, professor faces deportation after registering with NSEERS.
Dr. Bayakly even helped the FBI translate bioterrorism documents after 9-11.
THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN AMERICA!
The Long story...
(summarized letter from my good friend)
I first met Nabil Bayakly at a peace march last spring. He's a thoughtful but cheerful guy from Lebanon who just can't get into starting wars. I ran into him again during the planning of the Immigrants' Rights Freedom Ride Rally in September.
He spoke eloquently then, asking whether, if we don't defend victims of the state, anyone will come to our defense when we become the victims.
Under the Patriot Act, Nabil may well be deported in the next few weeks. It is hard to believe that his outspokenness was not a factor
in this. It is even harder to believe that deporting him will make anyone safer.
We're busy people, we don't have infinite time. You might not have the time to write a letter in support of Nabil (see below). Then
again, it might be the most important thing you can do this week.
Think about it.
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You will find background about Dr. Bayakly and his case below.
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What you can do to help:
1) Write a letter to Judge Charles Pazar, who will hear Dr. Bayakly's case on October 27th. A sample letter is at the end. Please make certain that your letter takes a respectful (NOT aggressive or belligerent) tone, as attacking the judge could easily backfire on Nabil and hurt his case.
2) Come to Dr. Bayakly's hearing on Monday, October 27th. It's at 8:30 a.m. in Immigration Court on the fourth floor of the federal building, 167 N. Main--Memphis TN.
Background:
Dr. Bayakly has lived in the United States and held valid visas in the country since 1979. He has lived in Memphis since 1991, and has played an extremely important role in the interfaith
community here. To many non-Muslims, Dr. Bayakly is the "face of Islam," spreading increased understanding about his religion to people of other faiths. He is a continual voice for peace and justice, including workers' rights.
Despite the fact that Dr. Bayakly has kept up his visas, earned a doctorate in biology and taught Arabic and biology at the University of Memphis, has four children (ages 1 to 11) born in Memphis who are U.S.citizens, he is now under threat of deportation.
In January of this year, he registered under NSEERS and was arrested and held overnight, despite having letters of recommendation from the Memphis Mayor's Office and NCCJ. His deportation hearing will be held October 27th.
Sample Letter to Judge Pazar
Judge Charles E. Pazar
167 N. Main, Rm 460
Memphis, TN 38103
Dear Judge Pazar,
I respectfully request that you allow Dr. Nabil Bayakly to remain in this country and in our community, with his wife and children. As I'm sure you're aware, Dr. Bayakly has lived in the U.S. since 1979. He has always held a valid visa, and did not have any difficulties with his immigration status until he registered with the INS under the Special Registration Act.
During his time in Memphis, he has played many important roles in our community,from spreading understanding about the true teachings of Islam to people of other faiths, to teaching Arabic and biology at the University of Memphis, to helping the FBI translate bio-terrorism manuals after September 11th.
His four children were all born in Memphis and are U.S. citizens. It would be an extreme hardship on his family if he were deported and separated from them. I hope that you will do everything you can to keep him in Memphis, which is now his home.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your name and address
Send a copy of your letter to the Mid-South Interfaith Network at the
address below:
Rev. Rebekah Jordan
Mid-South Interfaith Network for Economic Justice
3035 Directors Row, Building B, Suite 1207
Memphis, TN 38131
(901) 332-3570
(901) 332-3532 (fax)
msinterfaith@yahoo.com