President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:

The American Iranian Council has supported and continues to support your efforts to fight terrorism and make our country safer. Previously we have joined you in condemning acts of terrorism and we have organized to support victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

We also support the Justice Department's registration project to identify those wrongfully in our country.

However, we are disturbed that not only is this system targeted primarily at Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, (North Korea the sole exception), but it also targets Muslims predominantly (Armenia being dropped yesterday).

In addition, it is unfortunate that this registration system should be implemented in a manner that causes humiliation and disrespect for the registrants. Our offices have received numerous complaints of unwarranted arrests and detentions, and unsanitary and unsafe detention conditions.

We write to respectfully ask the Justice Department, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service, to take immediate action to relieve the situation by:

1. Releasing those detainees not in violation of US laws;

2. Providing a more sanitary and healthful condition for the registration process;

3. Providing more respectful treatment of the registrants;

4. Establishing a system that allows more time for INS processing

5. Ensure that Middle Easterners are not unfairly targeted

Please know that American Iranian Council stands ready to offer its assistance in whichever way is deemed useful by your office. You can be assured that we salute your efforts to make our American nation a more secure place.

Sincerely,

Hooshang Amirahmadi
President