CAIR issues travel advisory

WASHINGTON, 28 January 2003 — A Washington-based Islamic rights group yesterday issued a travel warning for US-based Muslims, concerned that if they leave the United States they may be harassed upon returning or even denied re-entry. The Council on American-Islamic Relations advisory follows recent tighter rules imposed by US immigration authorities on visitors from predominantly Muslim countries. The warning comes as thousands of US-based Muslims are traveling to Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage. The pilgrims will return in mid-February, and may face mistreatment by US immigration officials, according to the group. (AFP)