15,000 want off the U.S. terror watch list

[CGowen]

Source: USA Today

Updated 12h 5m ago


By Mimi Hall, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — More than 15,000 people have appealed to the government since February to have their names removed from the terrorist watch list that delayed their travel at U.S. airports and border crossings, the Homeland Security Department says.

TERROR WATCH: List swells to more than 755,000

The complaints have created such a backlog that members of Congress are calling for a speedier appeal system that would help innocent people clear their names so they won't fall under future suspicion. Among those who have been flagged at checkpoints: toddlers and senior citizens with the same names as suspected terrorists on the watch list.

"To leave individuals in this purgatory is un-American," says Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., who says she'll introduce legislation to try to streamline the process.

The Homeland Security Department says it gets about 2,000 requests a month from people who want to have their names cleared. That number is so high that the department has been unable to meet its goal of resolving cases in 30 days, says Christopher White, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, which handles the appeals. He says the TSA takes about 44 days to process a complaint.

....

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-11-06-watchlist_N.htm

[L0oniX]

1. Is there a way to find out if you are on this list other than trying to cross the boarder or fly?

[slackmaster]

3. No, you have no way to know and there is no procedure for redress if you are on it

It's completely unconstitutional for the list to even exist, much less to be used to harass people and deny them civil rights.

[Tejas]

5. you can get a machine gun quicker than that...

Due to streamlining the procedure, what usually took ATF 4 months is now down to 30-35 days when it comes to clearing a person to own NFA items (machine guns/silencers/etc). Makes you wonder.

:(

[Demeter]

2. (Your Favorite Exclamation Goes Here)!

Words fail me. It would be higher, but the rest may not know they are on the list, or that there is supposed to be a process to get off it.

First, we tear up all the lists....

[OKthatsIT]

4. JUST AN EXCUSE TO STUFF THEIR POCKETS

Come on folks, the whole damn SURVEILLANCE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX has to have a reason for being. People were planning on their investments long long ago...and needed a New Pearl Harbor to set it in motion.

It's just that simple. Even the dumbed down should be able to grasp it.

[onehandle]

6. I eat a lot of Hummus and have a "foreign" name.

I assume I'm on that list.

Fuck you, Fatherland Security Department.

[Xipe Totec]

8. If you weren't before, you are now

step outside and smile for the satellite.


:hi:

[sarcasmo]

7. I want my name off of that damn thing too.

Will it ever be taken off? NO

[mallard]

16. Re: my name too

Can you really know if you're on the list? I thought that was part of the game - you don't know until it's suddenly all your fault and you can't board a flight or have to go to the side room for questioning esp on return to the States.

thank you

[LiberalFighter]

9. They shouldn't have to clear their name to be removed.

They should only put one on the list when they have proof or have credible justification.

[mogster]

10. Secret list, no demographic data - but a lot of Democrats, probably

Anybody think that list is 'fair and balanced', partywise? If you're a card-carrying Republican, I'll bet you never get on that list in the first place. It's ridiculous.

[Beerboy]

11. Make that 15,001 n/t.

[Up2Late]

12. NPR reported today that the list is now more that 860,000 names!

Here's more: <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16126304>

House Panel Weighs Terrorist Watch-List Problems

by Pam Fessler

Listen Now <3 min 49 sec> add to playlist

All Things Considered, November 8, 2007 · The House Homeland Security Committee had a hearing Thursday about problems with terrorism watch lists, the security alerts that are supposed to stop suspected terrorists from getting on airline flights or crossing U.S. borders.

Some travelers have run into trouble because their names are the same as or similar to entries on the list.

Government officials told the House committee that they are aware of the problems and are working to fix them.

(Audio at link) <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16126304>

[ChairmanAgnostic]

14. cheney won't be happy until they reach 150,000,000.

then, he will have half the nation spying on the other half. Shades of the Soviet Union

[Up2Late]

15. Wow, that's right!

I hadn't even thought of that.

[Javaman]

13. uh huh, right, check. I sooooo believe that. nt

[0007]

17. Agent Mike please PM me at you're earliest convenience to

discuss resolving my flying status.

We don't need no stinking badges.