"I understand your concern for national security and support your efforts to combat terrorism. However, I have not seen any evidence to support the decision to place Bangladesh on the NSEERS list and therefore must inquire why the DOJ would do so. I am concerned Bangladeshi citizens are being grouped with nations known to harbour or support terrorist organisations. Your decision to include Bangladesh will adversely affect thousands of Bangladeshi students studying in the U.S. and could stigmatise many of my constituents who have taken an active role in community affairs.

"Racial, national, ethnic or religious profiling can be dangerous and powerful, and should only be used sparingly in emergencies, if at all. I request a detailed explanation of your decision to add Bangladesh to the NSEERS list and any evidence used in making this determination. I would also like to request a list of the specific criteria you use to determine which countries are placed on the NSEERS list. If it is necessary to present evidence in a classified setting, I would be willing to make such arrangements. I thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Rush Holt."

On July 18, Dr. Rush Holt sent me the following letter: "Dear Dr. Ahmed: Thank you for contacting me regarding the inclusion of Bangladesh on a list of countries whose citizens are required to register with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. I appreciate hearing from you and I apologise for the delay in my reply."

"As you are aware, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has implemented a policy that requires men 16 and older who are not citizens to register with U.S. immigration officials if they're from one of the several mostly Muslim Middle Eastern nations. This requirement to register with INS does not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylum applicants, asylum grantees, or diplomats. Opponents of this policy believe that the registration programme has resulted in the unjust detainment of a number of law-abiding individuals. The INS argues that this programme is a necessary security measure and that INS officials only detain people who have violated the law, including overstaying a visa or being an undocumented alien.

"Please know that I understand and respect the concerns you have raised regarding the effects of these requirements. I, too, am concerned that immigrants from Bangladesh, a politically moderate and democratic nation, may be stigmatised by their grouping with such nations as Syria, Libya and North Korea, which are known to harbour and support terrorism. I addressed these concerns in a letter to U. S. Attorney General John Ashcroft dated January 23, 2003, which I have enclosed. When I receive a response from his office, I will be sure to let you know. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has sought to reassure Bangladesh about the state of bilateral relations: 'Bangladesh represents an eloquent, compelling and greatly needed voice for moderation in the world...The United States deeply appreciates Bangladesh's support in the global anti-terrorism campaign.'

"Some Bangladeshi officials have stated that trade and commerce could be adversely affected as a result of Bangladesh being placed on this list. In partial response, you may be interested to know that on May 9th the Bush administration proposed a new free trade framework that potentially could include Bangladesh. The proposed Middle East Trade and Engagement Act of 2003 would provide for duty-free access for goods from up to 18 qualifying Muslim-majority states through 2011. The purpose would be to promote trade, investment, democratisation, and stability in beneficiary countries. To take advantage of the programme, Muslim-majority states would have to meet certain requirements, such as political pluralism, free and fair elections, rule of law, press and political freedoms, human rights, labour and environmental standards and anti-corruption measures.

"While it is important that we try to protect the American people from terrorism, we must also preserve freedom and our democratic values. Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance on this or any other matter. (In hand writing) Thank you for writing to me. Sincerely, Rush Holt."

According a recent Washington Post report, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to abandon its "special registration" programme, which requires male "visitors" over 16 years old from 24 primarily Muslim countries and North Korea to appear at immigration offices to be finger printed, photographed and questioned. Critics had argued that the system had alienated law-abiding visitors while doing little to enhance the country's security. The Washington Post report titled, "US set to revise how it tracks some visitors: Muslims have protested use of registration," quotes a government source as saying, "A decision to end the programme is likely and could be announced within the next few days." A Homeland Security spokesman and other officials said that a new border control effort, set to begin on January 5, the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology programme (US VISIT), would play a similar role in monitoring visitors. This programme would also use photographs and fingerprints to log entry and exit points.

The purpose of this write-up is not to take credit, for there is none to be taken. Many other Bangladeshis may have done the same thing, and the Department of Homeland Security (DOH) may have substituted an ineffective, irksome procedure with one less so, on its own. The point is there are legal recourses available in the US for protesting unjust laws. If the writer and his congressman contributed a tiny amount towards alleviating the harassment of Bangladeshi visitors to the US, the effort was well worth it. A word about our congressman Dr. Rush Holt. At one time Dr. Holt was the head of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. He is one of those geniuses who won the general knowledge TV show, "Jeopardy," five days in a row (maximum possible)! We have a bumper sticker to boast about him: "Our Congressman IS a Rocket Scientist!" Bangladeshis in his constituency love Dr. Rush Holt, because, as the above letters proves, he is and has always been a true friend of Bangladesh.