So let’s get this right: A woman from Alabama, daughter of Yemeni parents, was radicalized and went to Syria to fight for ISIS. There, she married three ISIS fighters in succession, used social media to incite the killing of Americans, promoted the assassination of President Obama, pushed violent acts against the West, and had a baby – then got captured by the Kurds, and now wants to come to the United States.
Secretary of State Pompeo has said: No dice. She “is not a U.S. citizen and will not be admitted into the United States,” adding she has no “legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport, nor any visa to travel to the United States.” Case closed.
Yet, in our upside down world, this terrorist wants in. Why is a good question, and one worth asking with vigor, but we must expect someone will take up her case, pleading for reentry – and all the risk that entails. While the case is rare, it is instructive. Here is why.
The failure that led to this state of affairs is layered – and cautionary. America and Americans have always prided themselves – ourselves – on assimilating legal refugees, asylum grantees and immigrants. The traditional way that happens is that a refugee family – in this case from Yemen – is introduced to American culture, language, history, civic order, duties and rights, and becomes a proud part of a proud nation with an exceptional history.
In this process, they maintain family and cultural norms, but learn the higher value and expectations tied to rule of law in a republic respect for others, three branches of government in constitutional equipoise, the Bill of Rights, and how we try to behave in our exceptional, pluralistic society.
They learn how and why we are so special, about American ideals, and about the aspirations we all share – individually and together – for individual liberty consistent with equality of opportunity. They learn that dreams can be conceived, pursued, and achieved – in this remarkable place we call America.
Only that state of assimilation is at risk – and this case proves the point. In Europe, there have historically been pockets and patches of humanity that were knowingly left unassimilated. In those pockets, poverty, resentment and isolation have bred violence and today, continue to invite disaffection. But in the United States, since multiculturalism and respect for the individual is at the heart of everything we are, we have pressed the case for assimilation – of everyone.
But this norm is breaking down. And the radicalizing Sharia-centric enclave in Alabama that produced this runaway ISIS fighter – like several skulking in other places – is proof. What we have failed to do – are collectively failing to do – is make clear that America still strives for and survives by assimilation, that we aim to be one country, under one loving God, speaking one language, abiding one Constitution, enjoying one set of shared rights and duties. When we forget that, we get the sort of violent extremists that this case represents.
But there is more, and it relates to this case. Let us be crystal clear: What this woman did was treason, by both constitutional and federal statutory law. That crime, the only one articulated with specificity in the US Constitution, carries a penalty from five years to death.
What exactly is punished? Specifically: “Levying war against the state,” “adhering to enemies of the state,” and “aiding the enemies of the state.” She did all three – with vehemence and consequence. As Secretary Pompeo inferred, she gave up her right to US citizenship when she left America to wage war on America – on us. Britain recently stripped a former citizen of the right for similar reasons.
But let’s get more specific. This individual could be indicted, on facial evidence, for crimes from terrorism, conspiracy and complicity to commit felonies to attempted murder, along with treason. A catalogue of violent crimes with which she might reasonably be charged carries a mean sentence of roughly 20 years. By example, admitted anti-American ISIS terrorist Jose Padilla just got a 21 year sentence. Last, note that Alabama has its own state level laws – including against treason, a crime that in that state alone carries a penalty of not less than ten and not more than 99 years.
So, no, there is not an easy way back for this avowed terrorist, no matter how contrite upon being captured. There is no easy return to status quo ante for someone who has long and vociferously advocated death to all Americans, radicalized in a radical Islamic enclave, and now wants back into American society – for whatever purpose. Secretary Pompeo is right, that privilege is lost.
But the bigger issue remains. This case puts it in sharp, painful focus: Are we doing enough, day-in and day-out, to educate newly arrived foreign neighbors, to teach pride and inclusion, timeless principles and shared hope, mutual affection and well-grounded respect for American history – goodness and greatness embodied common purpose? Are we working to assimilate, not just imagining that this secret sauce will pour itself out on new arrivals?
If there is any lesson, beyond the shame in betraying a nation that has given one everything, it may be this: Assimilation is still important. That is why we place limits on how many legal immigrants enter America annually from specific countries, why we seek to deter illegal entrants, and why we work as Americans to teach lawful new arrivals about our proud past – to protect our proud future. That is what President Trump has been trying to say – and why it matters.
I say NO. Leave her there.
IF US citizen Youd have documents someplace, But None.
Sorry
This is treason sure let her in then behead her like isis does Americans.
Excellent piece on the common sense reasons for and value of assimilation.
Sure wish our conservative members of Congress could (and would) articulate this so well.
It’s time for some consequences to catch up with her decision.
Do not, under any circumstances, allow this reentry into the USA. If she’s allowed back in, even with the understanding she’ll be jailed and face all the charges she’s guilty of, some left-wing judge and jury will find a way to free her because she was ‘socially deprived’ of who she was. And it’s a certainty all of the bleeding heart socialists and their ‘demoncrat’ enablers will now do everything in their power to absolve her of her actions. Gonna be interesting to see how the left tries to rationalize this…
Excellent article. Distribute to all muslims, dems, and members of congress. Especially Nancy and Chucky.
Logic and reason. Dangerous pillars of thought these days.
This woman made her decision. Choices have consequences for every one of us. Her’s was a fatal and permanent choice. There are many who will feel sorry for this woman. But I feel sorry for those who’s lives were placed in peril as she invested her life in violence towards others. Now that she is reaping the consequences of the seeds she has sown, she wants an easy exit.
What about those who’s lives she has helped to ruin, not to mention end? What is their solution? And is America willing to give this woman another opportunity to do the same thing again?
…just put a “44” in her head…
We need to let her come back so we can beat on her ass, for doing such a bad job relative to Obama !!!
That this could even be a consideration is telling. This individual was not a passive participant but willingly left the U.S. to join this violent and radical group. She then overtly and viciously advocated for killing Americans including the President. Only after being captured by the Kurds did she change her mind and express any desire to return to the U.S. If she is returned to the U.S. she must be tried and if convicted placed in prison for an extended period. Since she is not a U.S. citizen she should be returned to her country of birth or better yet left with the Kurds to do with her what they want. Like anything else there are consequences for an adults actions. Her hatred of the U..S. and her actions during this conflict should bar any consideration of re-entry to our nation.
Watch as radical advocates and lawyers jump on this case for publicity or to make some point or other about the “injustice of the U.S. system. It is as sure as the sun rising in the East.
Regardless of whether or not she is a citizen, do not let her in, if she enters our country she should be captured, arrested and tried as an enemy combatant at best , deported at the least. When she turned her back and left our country to join and support our enemy, a group that is committed to killing us, she made her choice!
Actions do have consequences. She made her choice(s) and must now live with it/them. No, she has no right, whatsoever, to return to the United States unless to stand trial and conviction for her crimes. I do feel sympathy for her young child who is likely to grow up as a radical but it could also occur here in the United States under her tutelage.
I wrote to all my family who does not pray before meals (all fallen away Catholics) how America came to be America and now theUS
Catholics were denied their churches by The king of England because he was not granted an annulment from his validly married wife so he could marry his girlfriend. He took all Catholic Churches over and made them Church of England , he being the head
So Catholics came to America from the north. to be free and worship again their faith
Then Columbus came from the south into I believe what is now New Mexico , from Spain. He again was CAtholic and had priests on his ships. They all made friends with the Indians who were here first – contrary to how. Hollywood portrays the Indians as horrible people Some were I am sure as all people have bad and good.
All who are here are immigrants but most have come through the immigration dept as all should.
Today —-the devil was loosed in 1880s so his influence is with us and unless we turn back to God and PRAY —- we will have his influence until God zaps the world. Which might be soon the way things are going.
To fight ISIS and their hatred which is stemmed from Mohammed and his Muslims who don’t realize he was the antichrist leading them from God we must go back to God ourselves which is the only way to save our world!
Not only do NOT let her in– don’t allow any more muslims in, either. Their “culture” of death is toxic and fatal to American freedoms. If allowed entry, she would immediately bring her chain-migration current “husband” and then HIS so-called “relatives” will be allowed here, too. And they’d ALL be on welfare- which is MY tax money. To quote Prez. Trump; “You knew darn well I was a snake, before you took me in.” NO MORE– FOR ANY REASON!!!
Excelent Article on Assimulation R.B.Charles. Liked it, Keep on keeping ON !!
Since she followed the Koran and fought against the ‘infidels’ she must be aware of what happens to non-belivers. She apparently became a non-believer while with the Kurds. So, Sharia law says that she has blasphemed their prophet so she MUST be KILLED – beheaded.
You really captured the truth at the root of so many of our issues in this Country! And now the unassimilated have and are making their way into Congress. Our ONE Nation, Under GOD is in deep trouble.
DO NOT LET HER OR ANYONE LIKE HER BACK INTO OUR COUNTRY. Deport all muslims, even the ones in Congress because they don’t love or even like our country. They HATE AMERICA and want to destroy us. You don’t chant DEATH TO AMERICA becase it’s #1 on the HIT PARADE!
Tough sh!t. You made your bed now you get to lie in it!!
The role of religion–Islam–is too much ignored in this piece for me to be impressed. The overarching problem isn’t our failure to properly assimilate new arrivals. With the exception of Muslims, we are still doing that quite well. Until we understand that Islam and its followers, by its nature and theirs, will never “assimilate,” we continue to play with a ticking time bomb.
This article brings up a basket of items to consider, but it leaves half of the problem’s origins out of consideration.
This particular group of people do not WANT to assimilate. As a matter of FACT, their belief system dictates that they do NOT assimilate.
The Koran says that ‘the rule of man must not be submitted to – the rue of Allah is supreme’ (yes I have studied the book)
This means that a Muslim is forbidden to follow any law formulated and written by man. That’s why the Muslim Koran, and Sharia laws are verbally taught. To be exact, this means that our Declaration of Independence, our Bill of Rights, any of the sources of our basic laws, and way of life are not to be observed. That includes the Bible, y’all.
Don’t believe me. Study the so called religion. READ what has been recorded of the Koran. Better yet, study what was happening with Muhammid while he was thinking up the Koran; what his invading Army was doing while he came up with verses. Look at the complexity of the thought; study the tactics.
Assimilation is not an acceptable pattern, but giving the appearance of assimilation is very much approved of, as long as you are making headway to overcome the rules and more’s of the civilization you have injected yourself into.
Well said. I teach English as a Second Language (ESL) & citizenship, I stress assimilation, which means learning the language, the local laws, the U.S. Constitution, & your rights as a US citizen or legal resident. Everyone living in the US should know this.
By and large our public schools don’t even try to instill a love of country any more. This is one result. This could be fixed, but it won’t be easy because some native born Americans don’t even agree that this is a great nation worth preserving and protecting.
I guess an American prison is better than in the Middle East but. I doubt any Americans would care for her comfort or lock her up on our tax money.
Well heck, in your synopsis of this little traitor you gave a quite apt description of the entire radical leftists and Marxists, including but not exclusive to the democrat party, antifa, Soros, Hollywood, the mainstream media, academia, ACLU, the 9th circuit, ….. ACO, Bernie, ….and on and on. That’s the REAL problem. All this other crap, illegal aliens, terrorism, MS13 getting in, as examples….they are the symptoms of aforementioned problem. So, God bless President Trump, God bless America.
Well done article!!!! This is why all immigrants need to come here for the highest reason… love for our founding principles, a love that includes forsaking any competing national allegiances. In our world today there is no reason to immigrant to the United States if you do not love our founding principles…. choose instead from scores and scores of other national options.
This article is correct – we are NOT doing enough to assimilate those wanting to our country in to OUR culture, history, etc. We have too many people who want to say “Sure come on in. Do what you want. Learn English, or not. Learn and follow our laws, or not. Doesn’t matter – be yourself. We’ll bend to be whatever you want us to be.” That’s not the way it works. They are coming to our country they need to learn our ways.
Great message here, are we doing enough or are we overwhelmed with the numbers we are allowing into this country??
ASSIMILATION is practiced in conjunction with LEGAL entry of immigrants into the United States and with positive outcomes. How can tens of thousands of illegal aliens crossing our borders be assimilated? It is not possible!!! Give some thought to the affects on our culture because of this lack of assimilation.
WOW! Awesomely written!
The problem is that our heritage and values are only being taught in a small number of schools and institutions compared to the past. Look at the recent development in Brooklyn . NY where a muslim watch group has been allowed to patrol neighborhoods and was actually trained by local law enforcement to – enforce Sharia law! This undermines the integrity of a national identity based on Constitutional principles.
Absolutely the truth – btw, it’s funny how she had a ‘change of heart’ after, after she was captured – contrite? No! Better : a ploy
The bigger picture, assimilation, is the important thing here. Assimilation is part of what keeps America, well, America. The left hates assimilation. They don’t want America to remain America. They want to undermine it. This is also what is behind the open borders movement. The left hates America. If you hate America, vote for Democrats.
Not to be a complete di_k but our present problems began back when Hispanics were accepted into the Country but NOT required to assimilate by learning our language and culture.We are supposed to be a Nation of equals not a Nation of special interests but that is what we have at present. Everybody wants to be treated as “special” because they are told by the left that they are special and all white Americans, especially males, are holding them back.
Everyoneneeds to read this with an open mind
Excellent article indeed! This needs to be passed on to the newly elected Muslim Congress women Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib where assimilation is not even in their vocabulary. How in the world could anyone have voted them into Congress?
She wants to come back, wonder if she knows TREASON is a HANGING offense? No, because our public indoctrination systems don’t teach that there are consequences for evil behavior. She is an enemy combatant and needs to be treated as such
Kind of hard to teach love for America when the Pledge of Allegiance or the US flag are deemed non-inclusive. Or when this same kind of national disrespect is voiced by our so-called journalists on cable and news sources. Further why would they need or want to assimilate when we allow areas found in Dearborn, Michigan or Minneapolis, Minnesota to follow Sharia law.
There is an element within this country that has not been taught Accountability and / or responsibility. Unfortunately, We , the public at large, relied way to heavily on the ” News” industry to provide correct and factual information, so that the public could make and understand, the truth and decide for themselves , the right or wrong of what was either presented verbally or in writing. This nation as a whole , no longer have Journalists with ethics. Just wnnabe’s. Look good, smell good, Enough makeup to keep their face up and mouth running! Instant news has never got it right. Never! The written news however was required to have journalists investigate, that mean’s getting out of their chairs and find out what is happening at the source. Have reliable sources and are able to backup their findings. No more. Now they tell us, what to think, accept their viewpoint. Oh yea, Who or what we should vote for or not. admonish us for using our own minds and brains. And decide for ourselves what is the right or wrong of an issue or situation! In Fact, The above sounds so much like the U.S. Government and of course the Politicians holding office, with the attitude, (we know whats best for you) . So shut up and do what your told?
Note: I suspect that our Politicians are terrified of the Cartell’s not only in Mexico, but other countries , in south America , they must keep an open border by any and all means! Ever wonder why there have not been any vote on term limits?
How can we teach the children of illegal immigrants that don’t speak English, when roughfully 25-33% of our native born children don’t know or understand our history? Liberal from the 60’s and 70’s have taken over education from grade scool through graduate school. While our country may not be perfect, it has done more than any nation in the world to bring peace through charity and war if necessary. Liberals teach only things about our country. An example are the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan. No doubt a bad thing, but for an excellent reason. Those two bombs probably saved a million allied soldiers and countless Japanese lives from the scheduled landings. Contrary to liberal teaching, the Japanese started the war with us. We stopped oil and steel shipments to Japan trying to stop their invasion and slaughter of the Chinese people. This is only one example of liberal teachings changing history to fit their narrative. Too many school boards are controlled by liberals causing our school books to be shortened on the exceptionalism of our country and pounding the bad things they say about our country. It is the bad things like slavery that have helped to shape the great nation we have become. We learn from mistakes and work to make things better. While God and Christ are perfect, our nation under Them continues to strife for the best that we can be and forgiveness for our.shortcomings. May God stop the liberals with their socialistic endeavors and once again great His mercy I us.
We need to remember the words of Teddy Roosevelt on the subject:
Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American … There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag … We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language … and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Agree she should never allowed here even for a visit, then get busy getting all ALL Islamist out of America if they became citizens revoke citizenship, it is against America Our Constitution and those who do not or won’t assimilate to this Country have to be removed immediately, they came here for What to destroy America change Our Laws to fit them, NO WAY they are unacceptable for America and congress better get the rules back no hat scarves, we can Not allow these leftist to ignore a Our Laws, Constitution as Written, and Rules, that is what Our Country is about, NOT socialist, communist, Islam, atheists, queers, perverted garbage, those politicians judges that keep fighting Our PRESIDENT need brought down Fired impeached or run out of Washington on a rail, banned for life never to be in any part off government state federal what these people are doing is Treason maybe even High Treason, they take an oath then break all the way they are the Enemy Within, and all benefits revoked
So, you’re telling me this muzlim ‘former citizen’ who went over to ISIS, aided and abetted our ‘death to America’ enemy, married 3, ran a recruitment op inside USA on internet, and wanted to kill OBAMA, and leftists still wanna bring her back?
Yep, liberalism is for sure a mental disorder.
The ONE WAY you lose your citizenship is to pull this kind of BS.
For those who want into America to change our country into the country they came from they are not here to be part of this great country. They are here to strip us of our country, and beliefs. Our government betrayed us when they allowed people to come here and not only refuse to speak English but insist we learn to speak their language and even print everything in Spanish.Now it has snowballed. Please do not let this trader in our country.
Keyword in this article is ASSIMILATION, which is a blending into place. There’s no wrong in maintaining a cultural memory but you can’t impose the whole into a duplicate of another place. In that sense, why bother coming to America?
As to this, and I hear there are many making this request lately, she’s a bit too late in requesting to be allowed back. especially after the length of time spent there unless she wants to come back to be placed permanently in jail as a terrorist. We didn’t create the situation, she wants to leave, she chose it.
Stay away and don’t come back.
I don’t put anything past the democrats to get her back in…obama allowed plane loads of immigrants to come here in the dead of night…
We no longer teach history, civics or citizenship in our schools. Most parents fail in filling the gap left by lack of education. This women deserted America, joined the enemy, married into the society. She has found out the error of her ways and wants to be forgiven? No, if you desert your country and join the enemy you are a traitor and you should never be allowed back into the country.
I agree with The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, that this woman has given up her right to be a US citizen.
It is so good that this is clearly a violation to Americans. But what is subtly destroying this country is treason by those in authority here. As Bill said, we have a problem with socialist judges. We see treason, rebellion, sedition and insurrection on a weekly, if not a daily, basis across this nation and by whom? By elected officials and judges. How do we have socialist judges on the bench and avowed socialists sitting in Congress when it is against the law? (US Codes 2381 -2385). These should be serving a prison sentence, not another term. Any elected official or judge that is loyal to another form of government (socialism, communism any ‘-ism’ and then pledges loyalty to this Constitutional Republic has committed perjury. That should be enough to remove them as they have no respect for law. These codes were written in order to preserve our nation. That is clearly not what these who unlawfully sit in authority, are striving to do. Of course, that is why President Trump, is their most hated enemy. He stands in the way of their planned destruction.
Great article!