As the invasion of Iraq began, the FBI announced a plan to interview at least 11,000 Iraqis in the next couple weeks. While the interviews are reportedly voluntary, many Iraqi immigrants lawfully in the country are fearful they may be detained or sent back to Iraq for saying something wrong.
The ACLU contacted leaders in the affected immigrant communities to offer confidential free legal assistance to individuals who are contacted by the FBI and asked to submit to an interview. A flyer announcing the availability of legal services has been distributed to mosques, churches, and community centers.
The US government has announced its intention to interview people of Iraqi origin living in the US. This bulletin informs you how to respond in a way that will protect your rights when the FBI, INS/BICE, or police contact you for questioning.
ACLU can provide confidential free legal advice. (206) 624-2184
The Hate Free Zone offers a toll-free help-line to report hate incidents and discriminatory actions. 1-866-HFZONE1
A 24-hour Arab Hotline for Arabic speakers takes hate incident reports and gives referrals to legal advisors. (206) 634-9001
PLEASE CALL FOR HELP—AND LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THE HOTLINE NUMBERS.
Co-Sponsored by American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Arab American Community Coalition, Arab Center of Washington, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington, Hayaat, Iraqi Community Center, Palestinian Heritage Group, Voices of Palestine