News

The last time my relatives in
Iran sat before a U.S. consular officer in an effort to obtain a visa to
visit the United States - their second unsuccessful attempt - I waited
anxiously by the phone and in front of my computer for word on the
officer's decision. Those feelings of hope and suspense may soon be
futile if Congress enacts the Stop Terrorists Entry Program (STEP) Act
of 2010, because Iranians and other targeted groups will not be allowed
to enter the country at all.

Intended to curb potential
terrorist activity and strengthen national security, the act is a
blanket prohibition on the ability of certain groups to immigrate to and
visit the United States. As such, it is unnecessary, unfair and
ineffective for achieving its intended result.

Introduced by Rep. J. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., in response to the
November shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, and the Christmas Day attempted
bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner, the STEP Act would amend the
Immigration and Nationality Act to bar the admission of aliens into the
United States from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism -
Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria - as well as Yemen. It would also prevent
transfer of Guantanamo Bay prisoners to facilities within the United
States. The act, though, makes a leap in judgment, assuming nationals of
countries designated as state sponsor... >>>