Issue How should we identify suspected terrorists at home? Starter "As you know, law enforcement officers and federal agents have been acquiring information that may be helpful in determining the persons responsible for the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Furthermore, they are pursuing all leads that may assist in preventing any further attacks. I am asking that you assist us in this important investigation. Your name was brought to our attention because, among other things, you came to Michigan on a visa from a country where there are groups that support, advocate, or finance international terrorism. We have no reason to believe that you are, in any way, associated with terrorist activities. Nevertheless, you may know something that could be helpful in our efforts. In fact, it is quite possible that you have information that may seem irrelevant to you but which may help us piece together this puzzle. Please contact my office to set up an interview at a location, date, and time that is convenient for you. During this interview, you will be asked questions that could reasonably assist us in the efforts to learn about those who support, commit, or associate with persons who commit terrorism. While this interview is voluntary, it is crucial that the investigation be broad-based and thorough, and the interview is important to achieve that goal. We need to hear from you as soon as possible-by December 4. Please call my office… between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm any day, including Saturday and Sunday. We will work with you to accommodate your schedule." Text of letter sent from U.S. attorneys to approximately 560 men from Middle Eastern countries residing in the eastern half of Michigan, complying with an order from U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft (November 26, 2001) Focus Questions What would be your reaction if you received this letter? What would you do in response? Do you see this letter as a form of racial or ethnic profiling? Do you see this as a necessary action in prosecuting America's domestic war on terrorism? Why or why not? Suggested Resources “The New Face of Racial Profiling: How Terrorism Affects the Debate” by Rutgers Law School Professor Sherry Colb “Arabs Fear That Cooperation Could Be Costly,” USA Today news story on intention of U.S. Justice Department’s intention to question Middle Eastern men in the country on temporary visas. “U.S. Attorney Says Terrorism Probes Are Fair,” Detroit News, comments from U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins. Immigration and Naturalization Service website providing general information and requirements for temporary visitors to the United States. More resources for this topic Starters for this topic: 1  2  3  4  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.