GRSJ224/ Changes in Immigration Policies after 9/11

Introduction

The World Trade Centre (WTC) in Lower Manhattan, New York City and three other locations in the United States of America were attacked on the morning of September 11, 2001. Thousands of people were involved in this tragedy and numerous individuals witnessed it first handed. Millions around the world watched these attacks in real time on news channels, therefore making the 9/11 attacks one of the most witnessed terrorist acts of modern time. Thereafter, the United States of America have been at war against forms of terrorism at home and abroad. This has forced the United States and many other countries to strengthen their immigration policies. In addition to the 9/11 attacks, there have been many cases where Americans have been killed at the hands of illegal immigrants from Mexico through criminal activities and illegal drug trafficking.

Changes in US Immigration Policies after 9/11

The United States of America was directly affected by the 9/11 attacks. Safety being their number one priority, the United States had to instantly implement stringent immigration laws. George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America during the 9/11 attacks, promptly focussed on raising national security through legislation amendments to prevent terrorists from entering the country. Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq have attracted sustained attention during the 21st century in the United States. Racial profiling by the federal government is also a method adopted to combat terrorism. Muslims have been residing in the US for over a century but after the 9/11 attacks, the citizens of the United States have been more aware of their presence.

The number of students entering the United States for the purpose of higher education has remained constant or dropped since the 9/11 attacks. Specifically, the number of students coming from Muslim countries has dropped drastically. The strict policies makes it harder for international students to obtain short-term visas and this has reduced their numbers in the United States. The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (EBSVERA) implemented in May 2002, increased scrutiny of visa applicants from particular countries through background checks performed by the FBI and CIA databases of suspected terrorists before visas are issued.

Muslims in America

The community most affected by the 9/11 attacks was the Muslim community living around the globe. It is estimated that 4-7 million Muslims live in the United States and post 9/11, their integration within the American society has not been easy. Muslim immigrants have often tried to hide their religious and ethnic identities, and sometimes, even change their names which allows them to blend into society. Muslim citizens have the right to speak publicly but today, many Muslims fear that they cannot exercise their freedom due to the American prejudice and the possibility of government "backlash".

Post 9/11, Muslim women have taken the responsibility in communicating that Islam is peaceful, productive and therefore, Americans must welcome it. These women also hold positions in the fields of medicine, science, technology, education and engineering. Women are no more allowed to wear a Niqāb or a Burqa as they are full-face coverings and hinder the ability for photographic recognition.

The term "Islamophobia" began to be used regularly after the 9/11 attacks and this has resulted in increased attacks against Muslim communities. Several mosques and buildings have been the targets of crime. There has been a notable increase in the number of illegal search and seizure activities, deportation of significant Islamic leaders and closure of charitable Islamic Organization on the intuition that they are associated with terrorist groups.

Changes in Canadian Immigration Policies after 9/11

Due to the incidents which occurred in the United States, the neighbouring country of Canada was also forced to take some actions which prevent the easy entry of terrorists into the country. America increased their interests in the Canadian border security after the attempted bombing on the World Trade Centre in 1993. It was revealed that the bombers had forged Canadian immigration papers to gain entry into the United States. Post 9/11, Canada and the United States began to construct mutual screening procedures to reduce terrorist threats and activities.

The Canadian legislature were encouraged to amend their policies post 9/11. Two notable areas were the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of June, 2002 (IRPA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act introduced in October, 2001. IRPA focussed on implementing security measures towards 'foreign nationals' and quickened the removal of individuals who were considered 'security threats'. IRPA additionally imposed harsher penalties for refugee smuggling. The Anti-Terrorism Act stated measures to prosecute, convict and punish terrorists by designating tougher sentences for terrorism offences. It also made it easier to detain and arrest suspected terrorists.

Considering international students, The United States are making the entry process for these students more rigid, whereas, Canada is reducing their entry requirements since its immigration policy stresses on the economic benefit immigrant students provide.

Intersectional Analysis

Post 9/11, countries all over the world have strengthened their borders and security measures. Discrimination on the basis of colour and race have become more prominent now. The Muslim community was most affected by this. Immigration to the United States and other developed countries became very difficult for minorities and coloured people. Often ignored, in recent years, African American Muslim leaders have become vocal in respect to their recognition and inclusion within the American society. African American Muslims do not hesitate to speak out when society treats them as second citizens due to the fact that they are immigrants.