Street Talk 1-16

Question: The INS is now requiring visitors from predominantly Muslim countries to come in and register with the agency. Do you think this is justifiable for national security reasons or does it strike you as unwarranted ethnic profiling?  

Geronimo Chala, Miami Beach, film producer, 25

“I feel that racial profiling is not a good thing, but this an action the government has to take due to what happened on September 11 and the parties that were involved. Because of the September 11 attack they have to go the extra mile to secure our safety. It’s not like we’re not allowing them into our country. We’re granting access, but we have to take precautions because they’re coming from areas with a lot of terrorist activity.”

Colie Crutcher, South Miami, engineer, 24

“I think it is an ethnic profiling thing, but at the same time it’s a national security thing because of September 11. So it is ethnic profiling, but it’s justifiable.”

Russell Sharon, Miami Beach, artist, 52

“It’s both. Because there is a certain profile of a terrorist that we know. However, I have a little bit of a problem with profiling. It’s a big hassle for a lot of people and probably 99% plus of them are totally innocent. It should be no big deal, though, as long as they don’t drag people into a backroom and ruffle them up.”

Henry Larkin, North Miami, maintenance, 40

“I think it’s unfair to pick on these people, because not all Muslims are violent or terrorists. If you come and visit a country, you’re coming to visit and you’re already being picked on because of your religious beliefs. If you’re given a reason to be suspicious that’s one thing, but I don’t think they should have to be registered because they’re Muslims.”

Angel Mendez, Miami, accounting assistant, 33

“It’s picking on a certain group. I’m part Indian myself, American Indian, and it’s happened to me where people are hostile and ask, Are you an Arab? It makes me annoyed. I have a lot of friends who are Arabs, Muslims and Indians who have been bothered unfairly. I understand the reason for security, but to pick on one group of people is not fair.” 

(photos & interviews by Tony Guzman)