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 enjoy Mr. Charles ‘ writings. I am learning a great deal
AS AN ADULT SHE RENOUNCED HER CITIZENSHIP AND FOUGHT AGAINST THIS COUNTRY . SHE RENOUNCED HER CITIZENSHIP. THIS IS THE END OF STORY. NOW SHE MUST APPLY TO ENTER LEGALLY, WHICH SHE MAY DO BUT BECAUSE OF HER BACKGROUND. SHE WILL BE REFUSED. I FORGOT THAT AS AN ILLEGAL ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS CROSS THE BORDER STAY FOREVER AND COLLECT AMERICAN BENEFITS.
Everyone should read this article, especially leftist and immigrants from every country.
I have similar conversations with my friends and relatives. When we immigrated to USA was because our countries of origin did not allow us to live the way we wanted/ needed.
We must love, respect USA even more than our own country because we were allowed to come here and have a better life.
I came to USA when I was 12. My father refused to bring us illegally. We waited and came legally.
OK, but we need to teach this same regiment of Facts, Pride & History to our own kids first…!!! Then perhaps they wouldn’t leave to begin with…???
Good article and “yes” to many points made. There’s much truth in the article. However, there is a narrower part of all this that needs some heavier truth to shine down üpon it, and let’s call it “disinfecting sunshine.” That would be: Islam and its excess of faux-tenets, especially Sharia Law, what it all seems glaringly to stand for, is, in its entirety, NOT compatible with Western Civilization. The USA should only spend time assimilating those who clearly want to assimilate and NOT harbor any others. And that should be done on a tightly controlled/measured basis. What the Statue of Liberty meant way back when does not apply any longer. The world is a total cesspool now with 7.6 BILLION souls, it’s a mad-Max scenario, especially in Islam. So, to willy-nilly let all cultures into the USA is a fool’s game. We have been so very stupid about this for 40 years. And being stupid about such existential matters is not valor nor is it kindness, it’s just plain stupid! And it should stop cold while we might still have a chance to make the correction. Trump gets this, to his enormous credit, and to the great dismay of the “open borders, you all come” parade of morons. Thank God some brakes are being applied to decades of stupid Immigration policies. Thank God a president gets it. It could buy us some time…
Had her evil terrorist husbands not been sent to hell, she wouldn’t by seeking to return with her little future terrorist.
Quote: “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 – …” America can absorb but the individual refugee, or whatever has to do the assimilating. If they do not bother to learn the language, customs and so on we can not force them to do so…well we could if we would stop pandering to their demands that documents, etc be published in THEIR language, that WE have to RESPECT their ways and on and on and on.
Secondly other sources have stated that her father was a diplomat from Yemen so the family was not a refugee family. So was he a diplomat or was he a refugee?
Do not let her back into this great country, no way, no how! However, consistency matters. The same should have been applied to “Hanoi Jane” Fonda for what she did to America when she aided the enemies of the state during the Viet Nam war.
THIS NEEDS TO BE TAUGHT TO OUR AMERICAN STUDENTS FROM KINDERGARTEN THRU COLLEGE – but this is not being done. USA history is almost “history.” We are losing many of our own young people to this “embrace Muslimism and Islamic thoughts and beliefs.” No, embrace America and it’s incredible accomplishments since it first began thru today.
“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? “
Assimilation is very important for immigrants but teaching civics to our own children even more important.
We don’t say the pledge and we are not allowed to pray.
Shame on us!
If we were to take her–and others like her– what on earth is the purpose of vetting? What would a foreigner have to do to be denied, then? 2-She did not take up arms against a host of other westernized nations: Let her apply to Germany, France, England, Canada….
Under no circumstances should this woman be let into the United States.
Watch for Islamic DemocRAT politicians and idiots on the left coast to protest Sec. Pompeo’s common sense decision.
While she resided in Alabama, she was not a citizen. Her father had Yemeni diplomatic status when she was born and, because of that, she was not a citizen by birth, nor did she ever become naturalized. Therefore, she has no right whatsoever to return. I think all of these prisoners in Syria that are not being taken back by their nations should be turned over to the Syrian authorities. Allow them to face the brand of justice espoused by Assad.
Keep her out of this country, and anyone like her. That goes for her parents too, who seem to think they can sue the Administration because their precious daughter is a murderer. Keep all Muslims out unless they agree by legal agreement to follow and respect our laws. And then keep them under surveillance. All of them. It is high time America woke up. Do we really want to become another Sweden, or Germany or France! We have so many incompetents now. I guess the term is “bleeding hearts.”
This shows what America is about and is put into simple language Thanks Robert Charles.
The article states:
“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.”
I believe that the term “multiculturalism” should read “cultural diversity”. With multiculturalism you will have a nation with enclaves made up of different cultures loyal only to themselves and their needs. Whereas with cultural diversity, you will have a nation made up of many different cultures with the common loyalty of being an American and do what’s best for the country as a whole. Multiculturalism does not promote assimilation as does cultural diversity.
From The Heritage Foundation: “This (the 14th Amendment to the Constitution) amendment’s language was derived from the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which provided that “all persons born in the United States, and NOT subject to any foreign power” would be considered citizens.”
This amendment was intended to give citizenship to children of freed slaves, NOT children of foreign invaders or children turned adult terrorists born here by non-citizens.
The traitor went to join ISIS and to marry an ISIS fighter let her die like one. Where is an armed drone when you need one.
I wonder if ISIS knows that she is about to rat them out. Strip her passport.
Even if she goes immediately to prison, she will then be able to convert fellow prisoners.
Excellent article, but wrong in so many ways. We conservatives want assimilation into our society to include all the blessings bestowed upon us through the Bill of Rights and our Constitution, and our proud, yet flawed, American history, our common purpose, etc. But we also know unless these new entrants into our society are introduced to these ideals in an honest and truthful way, assimilation is not only impossible, but discouraged through our public school and higher learning indoctrination centers.
Leftist who have received all these blessings without participating in the means of securing and protecting these rights, believe that they are entitled, and use these unearned rights to demean and belittle this country and her history.
I am a 71 year old proud American veteran that fears for the future of my grandchildren. Unless there is a drastic change in the direction of our society very soon, the country I love and defended, and would defend again today, will no longer exist.
Great article and indeed, good lesson to learn.
Probably good question moving forward is: are the all people on this planet capable to assimilate to American culture?
Culture that is so welcoming to all new emigrants, no matter ethnicity, race, religion and culture of origin.
It would be rather naïve to accept automatically assumption that all “new commers” gladly accept “a new way” of conducting their life. The above case is a good example.
Also, history teaches us that all great culture was destroyed by inside rather than outside enemies. Reflecting on today culture, propagated through mass media, is a culture of self-destruction, denying great achievement of this country over hundreds of years, re-rating history, introducing totally bankrupt political ideology i.e. socialism.
Guess what ….why should we expect anything else.
Deny the woman re-entry. But first, get back to a definition of “Americanism” that transcends differences of race, religion, etc. I suggest some of the writings of Ayn Rand, a Russian-born writer whose atheism did not get in the way of her assimilating into the USA. She defined “Americanism” as opposed to both National Socialism and Communist Socialism during WWII.
But also see Luke 15:11-32 and Matthew 22:36-40.
According to my sources her father was a diplomat for a foreign country at the time of her birth. He was not subject to the laws of the US. He was accorded Diplomat Immunity. Which means she was accorded those same rights of immunity at her birth. Our laws states in order to be a citizen even if born here, you must be subject to our laws. She was not because of the Diplomatic Immunity. Therefore even though she has a US birth certificate, SHE IS NOT A CITIZEN! The Law. Do not let her come back. If her family wants to re-unite with her, let them go there!
I thought she was born in America of a diplomat, which made her ineligible for citizenship. If so, she isn’t a citizen
Hmmm, like a child who isn’t really sorry that she ate half of a chocolate cake, but is very sorry that she got caught! Only trouble is SHE ISN’T A CHILD!! She has accountability!! I notice she’s not asking to be rescued by her ISIS comrades. They would probably kill her for getting caught!! Who does she call for help? The good old USA that has a heart for those in trouble. Well not this time sista!! We already extended our hands to help you and your family and you turned your back on us and encouraged others to kill us!! Just stay where you are and finally accept the consequences of your actions!!! Shame on you and your family!
If you are stupid enough to believe this socialist, I’ve got a bridge I can sell you. We need to deport socialists from America, not find ways to bring them in.
As a former Democrat, voting for Kennedy, I didn’t leave the party, the party left me (First said by Ronald Reagan)
Right on!! We here in Texas have our own values and mindset. We feel anyone coming here should assimilate and become a Texan. Don’t bring baggage with you. We have baggage here for you but, recently there is a movement from outside our Great State, to alter our political leanings to become Democrat. We don’t like it. There should be something added to restrict money or people coming in for political purposes to try to turn our State. Now, we do have a Senator that will begin the process of eliminating or countering the ugly forces trying to turn our State. We have a motto that expresses how we feel about people trying to do this evil “Remember the Alamo”. Lets get rid of people who don’t respect our Great Country. Send them home. Protect our Constitution and laws.
So we’ll stated. We need border security. We need to know who is coming in. We also need to require all individuals applying for citizenship to meet certain standards such as learning English, take classes about our laws and government, and other ways to make it clear that assimilation is expected and required. Expectations should be high for those wanting to live in this great country.
I agree, she should not be allowed to return. She has not been ‘cured’ of her hatred for America/Americans just because she finds herself in an ‘unfortunate’ condition at present. If allowed to come to USA – she will continue to ‘breed’ hatred for USA into her son and others around her. She is dangerous. She should just be content to live where she chose to be and make the most of it for herself. If she is truly regretful – she will make good use of her life, now, and forget that USA ever existed in her past.
Well you know that terrorist omar will fight for her reentry. Hell she has fund raisers for that terrorist group hamas. How she got into the Congress baffles me. Im just waiting for jer to put on a bomb vest and blow up our white house. And then the democrats will say she was oppressed.
Why would we let her come back here? She would be convicted of treason and placed in prison for life. Do we really want to pay our taxes to let her live in prison and possibly radicalize other people in prison? She chose to do the things she did. She.chose to hate our country and even participated in plans to kill people in our country. She has no right to live in our country.
I guarantee the liberal media will want to let her return. They didn’t mind when Obama granted a pardon to Bradley Manning under the notion that we are “a forgiving people who believe in giving people a second chance”. Plus she has a baby and we cannot let the child be denied entrance to our country. In the liberal world you can be forgiven for treason but you must be forbidden to serve as an elected official if you ever went to a costume party in black face 30 years ago. Go figure.
Assimilate? Our educational system doesn’t even teach citizenship to our own. So, how can you suppose that government can make those who were never free, good Americans?
I wholeheartedly agree with the premise that assimilation is an absolutely necessary for the strength of our America as we know it. We have allowed too many immigrants to come here with no intentions of becoming American citizens, ever. They have come only for the benefits we can offer them, or to totally destroy our country. If we are ever to regain our strength we must stop the flow and eventually allow only the healthy, intelligent, and or true believers in the real American way of life.
This young lady needs to stay over their… she is a traitor against the USA… let the isis behead her
This person should not be allowed into the United Sates. She gave up her right to come back as a citizen. Leave her with the Kurds ! I would think it would be more in the life style in which she chose when she joined our enemies. Even if she were allowed re-entry she must be arrested, tried, convicted and imprisoned. All the while we citizens would be paying for her improvement in life style. And I for one do not want to share the expense of a trial and life imprisonment for someone like her. As with others who have left our beloved country to join those who believe they must exterminate non-believers (us) a firing squad is appropriate penalty.
Don’t let her in even if in jail. We as citizens have to pay for housing food and whatever to keep them. Meaning my taxes go up. !! Keep her out !!!
What’s worse is there are a couple of new members of Congress with somewhat similar beliefs!!!
Perhaps we should also be looking at her parents, family members who are in Alabama. They had to have been involved in either sending her there or helping her get here. Muslim women can do little without the permission of a male relative. She didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to take a jaunt to Syria. There are too many “immigrants” in the US who neither deserve to be here nor appreciate our way of life. They should go live in a society they can approve of and leave us to our “evil empire”. Don’t let this bimbo back in!
Make sure this “woman” stays in Syria and benefits from the lifestyle there. She does not deserve to return to our country.
Teddy Roosevelt said it all 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.”
This is true, verified by Snopes.
If ObeyMe were still resident, not only would this woman have been fast-tracked back into the U.S. (freeing several terrorists to trade for her), she would have been invited to the WH to be held up as a model of “acceptance” and “forgiveness”.
Great article!
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.
I agree with The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, that this woman has given up her right to be a US citizen.
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 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…