Shura Council Discusses
Pilgrims’ Concerns with LAX Director & Customs Officials
Dr.
Muzammil Siddiqi (extreme left) and Shura Council members
with LAX officials |
Anaheim,
CA: The Shura Council organized a meeting with the US Customs
and Border Protection of the LAX Airport and Hajj Tour Operators
to discuss pilgrims’ travel concerns while departing
from and returning to LAX.
LAX Port Director, Mr. Kevin McAleenan thanked Shura Council
for liaising with the CBP office and recorded his commitment
to make pilgrims travel safer and smoother than before. Joining
him were his Deputy Director, Mr. Peter Gordon who presented
an overview of LAX Airport and the role of Customs & Border
Protection. Also present in the meeting were Assistant Directors,
Mr. Brian Cahill and Mr. Anthony Owens.
Among several concerns raised in the meeting were the ability
to carry cash during Hajj travel (US laws allow to carry cash
of any amount as long as it is duly reported); secondary passenger
checks; treatment during the secondary checks and ability
to contact the family and respect toward women wearing Islamic
attire, etc.
The CBP Executive Team noted the concerns and assured best
professionalism from their staff toward the pilgrims during
this travel season. The Shura Council also offered free workshops
on Islam-101 to the CBP staff.
Chairman of the Shura Council, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi while
thanking the CBP asked for “sustained commitment to
make the pilgrims travel safe and worry-free.”
Shura Council’s advice to pilgrims is to document and
report any unpleasant experience for further follow up with
CBP (Customs & Border Protection). Always ask the name
of the officer and his badge number. Make sure who you are
dealing with, it could very well be CBP or ICE (Immigrations
& Customs Enforcement) or FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
Pilgrims are also advised to check-in ZamZam water and not
carry on board. For knowing what is allowed and not allowed
during international travel, please visit Shura Council website
(www.shuracouncil.org) and download the document “Know
Before You Go.”
Shakeel Syed, Shura Council Executive Director, assured the
Hajj operators that more meetings are being scheduled with
other law enforcement agencies to coordinate and ensure a
pleasant experience for the Hajj travelers.
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