Northern Illinois University students and staff had an opportunity Wednesday to address concerns with how recent executive orders could affect travel to and from Muslim-majority countries.
Legal experts say Muslim travelers may face more intense questioning about their faith by airport officials, and even requests to access their smartphones.
Bharathi Pillai is an attorney with the ACLU of Illinois. She says the executive orders will continue to be challenged in court.
“In the meantime, it’s important, for both the Muslim community and those that are undocumented or have immigration status that is threatened, to educate themselves and to take as much precautions as they can, while traveling, and while just living here.”
She recommends travelers contact an accredited immigration attorney if they have specific questions about their situation. Pillai advises that travelers from Muslim-majority countries stay in touch with family as they travel in and out of the U.S. This was the first in a series of “Know Your Rights” events hosted at NIU.
- This report was produced by Ibrahim Baig, a graduate of WNIJ's Public Radio 101 program