Saudis who travel to the US whether for work, study or pleasure should be aware of their rights. It is not unusual for those Saudis who have come to the United States for either work or study to be observed and monitored by the FBI. This is just an aspect of the fallout from 9/11 that one has to contend with these days. And in some cases, the FBI may knock on your door. So what does that mean for a Saudi living in the United States? Does it mean they have been under investigation or in some kind of trouble? Perhaps, but not always. Furthermore, as a Saudi in the US, you do have rights.
To begin with, if someone knocks on your door and claims they are from the FBI and would like to speak with you, they should immediately show you an official identification badge. They will also usually come in pairs of two. If they do not have a search warrant, you are under NO OBLIGATION to speak with them or invite them into your home. It is YOUR CHOICE on what you elect to do. If you are in doubt or wish to have further validation of their bona fides, in addition to having seen their badge, ask for their business card. The identity of any FBI official can also be verified by placing a call to the main number of the FBI at 202.324.3000. This number is answered 24/7.
In many cases the FBI will knock on the door of Saudi nationals stating they are making a friendly call. They know that you are a resident of the Kingdom and why you are presently in the United States. They may state that they wish to learn more about Saudi customs, cultures and traditions and query your willingness to assist them (in an informal, non-official capacity). Again, it is up to you whether you choose to positively respond or not. However be aware that anything you do choose to say will be noted and filed. They may ask additional personal information about you or the area you are from in the Kingdom. They may ask your views and seek your understanding on the relationships of tribes and families and how they interact. At some point if you have been cooperative in routinely answering their questions they may ask a favor of you. Maybe they might need to know more information about another Saudi who is also in the USA and will ask you questions in this regard. Again, without a search warrant or specific official order, you are under no obligation to answer these questions. It is entirely up to you.
If you are in doubt by any questions asked of you, do not hesitate to report the visit and details to the Saudi embassy or consulate nearest your residence. The Saudi official will give you advice. You should not be afraid, timid or wary of saying “No” if you are not comfortable with the questions or requests asked. If they infer that if you do not cooperate that they can make your life in the US difficult that should be reported immediately to the Saudi embassy or consulate. In some cases, the FBI may like to present an image that while your cooperation is voluntary, if you do not cooperate there could be consequences. Saudis who are not familiar with their rights may not question or challenge these statements which allow ‘intimidation techniques’ to happen.
Just to reinforce, the above paragraphs are offered as FYI to those who have not broken or attempted to circumvent any laws but have found themselves the recipients of FBI representatives knocking on their doors. If in the event a Saudi has broken US or international law a different approach within the parameters of appropriate legal action would be taken.
Filed under: America, culture, islam, politics, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, terrorism, travel, Uncategorized
Great post and advice.
Unfortunately, the FBI will try to intimidate the Saudi “student” with insinuations that they may be deported or other forms of intimidation. Armed with their knowledge that most Middle Easterners fear authorities (like Government agents), the FBI will use this to their advantage.
I hope the message goes out to all Saudis who come to this country to study or work. This is the Land of the Free. You and everyone else, have rights! You CAN say NO to the FBI or if you cooperate because you need to prove you are a decent person, do not get too friendly. Everything you say is recorded and maybe used against you at some point in time…
Don’t get intimidated.
ATW
Ya Allah! How frightening!
They should also ask if they are the subject of an investigation. I would want everything to be at least audiotaped. They should be very certain that they have good English skills or ask for an interpreter. It might also be a good idea to make an appointment to speak at a later date so they have time to collect themselves. They may want to have someone with them when they are questioned. If the visit by the FBI or other law enforcement agency is for a legitimate purpose. There should be no problems with any of these requests.
All excellent comments posted by everyone. Thanks for your contributions.
When my Omani boyfriend and I were living together (I know…) Homeland Security came knocking on our door around 7am one morning. He was asleep and I was getting ready for work. They wanted to speak to me and my boyfriend. His brother also lived with us and my daughter. I informed him if he wanted to speak to me he would need to make an appt because I was on my way to my federal job. He came with a partner. A woman. They never bothered me again but came twice to speak to my boyfriend and his brother. I had left my passport out on the coffee table one evening and forgot to put it up. The next day Homeland Security was there and when talking to my boyfriend wanted to know why I had my passport out. Anyway, they wanted to talk to my daughter also but never came around to it. For me, if you want to talk to me make an appt. otherwise don’t bother coming around because I have a life and a job to get to.
Another time my boyfriend, his brother and some friends were doing a cross country trip via car and were in Los Angeles taking pictures like any normal tourist would do. Some cops saw them and took them in. They were held in separate rooms for hours. In the trunk were prayer tapes and the FBI got a translator to find out what was on them. Sometimes I wonder if we have borderline parinoia going on here. I mean, these are just students trying to get a decent degree, learn about American culture and live a quiet life and return home. I understand the need for security but again at what price??
Thanks for sharing Marianna!
I remember one time my spouse and I were going through US customs. The official looked at us funny as we approached the window together. He took my spouse’s passport first. He was very polite but also remarked to my spouse “See…I am being polite to you and showing you courtesy. I hope you do the same to my countrymen when they visit your country.” Well….I could not resist…I put my passport under the window and quipped “yes; I can attest that he has treated Americans well…so well, that he married one!” The official was not sure how to respond after that.
It is a sad day indeed when visitors to the “land of the free” are intimidated and harrassed. On behalf of my country, I apologize to you and anyone else who has had this experience.
Thanks for posting Eco Warrior.
In my own experience I have become acquainted with a fair number of Saudis who received such visits while in the States and it seems by this posting, others are very much aware of this happening as well.
This is the first time I am hearing this. My boyfriend is Saudi and we live together with my son. I would demand, I mean DEMAND to know exactly WHY the questioning is necessary. They have enough technology to derive important background information and therefore should have a premise for knocking on someone’s door. This is obviously a big failure on the part of Homeland Security anyway since FBI agents wouldn’t have to be knocking on doors if Visa patrol had done their jobs. If they were cleared to get into the country, then they are clear, period. If there is suspicious activity while they are in the country, well that’s another story. But without cause is UNAmerican and is not what we stand for in this county.
Obama is not a messiah.
Maria,
they may also knock on doors as a means towards wanting to start a relationship. They may start out very nice and friendly and advise how you can help them. Now whether you wish to speak to them is up to you but the emphasis on my writing the post is to be aware that one has rights.
A great topic and a public service! FYI the Canadian Arab Federation http://www.caf.ca
has prepared similar guidelines for Arabs in Canada being approached by CSIS. Bottom line don’t say, show, or go without legal counsel even in the form of a community advocate (real legal counsel is preferable). In one case CSIS went to a family home, and the trusting younger brothers tried to cooperate, and found themselves arrested. The older one away at med school was contacted first by phone, and said he had to go to class and would speak/meet later. He went to the Dean of Medicine who protected him within his legal rights and never was arrested. (new laws make arrest without charges possible).
http://www.caf.ca/Admin.aspx?AppModule=TxAppFramework.Web.Admin&Command=EMBEDDEDFILE&DataObjectID=701&ColumnID=3581&FieldName=CONTENT&Lang=EN&RecordID=613
Thanks, Chiara. And if anyone has input pertaining to rights and regulations for other countries, it would be good to share them.
[...] And for an earlier post I wrote related to this same topic, please see this link. [...]