Shafaqna English- A British student was deported from the US for being Muslim.
Laith Al-Ani was interrogated and then detained for 14 hours by US Customs and Border Protection at Orlando International Airport, The Guardian reported on Monday.
The case has been raised with the UK Foreign Office by Anneliese Dodds, Al-Ani’s local MP.
It comes as Muslim and Arab organizations raise concerns over the treatment of travelers to the US.
Al-Ani, 20, said he had booked a one-week visit to Florida costing $3,380. He had hoped to visit the state’s famous theme parks and meet a California-based relative.
But upon arrival in Orlando, his electronic devices were seized and social media accounts investigated.
Al-Ani said he was questioned about his relatives, neighbors, hobbies and travel history before authorities escorted him on to a British Airways flight back to the UK.
He was then given a document bearing his signature that said he had rescinded his entry application.
“I would never have signed it if I understood,” Al-Ani said. “I’m autistic. I’m vulnerable. I’m legally disabled. I have a heart disorder. (The official) doesn’t care. He’s just nonstop interviewing me, nitpicking every single thing you can imagine.
“I felt like I’d been kidnapped. I was threatened with handcuffs. He’s profiled me because I’m Muslim. I count myself lucky I wasn’t shot, deported to another country or beaten.”
Source: Arab News