On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, ADC Michigan met with the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Janet Napolitano, during a community stakeholders meeting.  Consistent with ADC Michigan’s ongoing efforts to engage in active and constructive dialogue at all levels of government, Regional Director, Imad Hamad, along with Advisory Board Chairman, Attorney Nabih Ayad, joined several other community leaders to discuss issues of concern within the Arab American community.  The focus of the meeting was the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which will take effect next week, as well as other issues at the U.S./Canada border.  Under the WHTI, travelers returning to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean must have a passport, passport card, or other federally approved document to enter the country.

The meeting also included representatives from ACCESS, who joined ADC Michigan in stressing the importance of fair practices at ports of entry. During the gathering, Napolitano pledged further cooperation with ADC to address issues that may arise related to racial profiling during border stops.

“It was very reassuring to hear Sec. Napolitano set the tone for the implementation of this new initiative,” stated Hamad.  “She was consistent in stating that this initiative will be carried out with the utmost professionalism, and stressed firm but fair practices.” 

“The DHS secretary continuing this active engagement is another attestation of the commitment to advance their partnership with stakeholders in Michigan and across the nation,” Hamad continued.

The WHTI is set to begin on June 1, 2009.  For more information, visit: Get you home.