Wednesday, October 4, 2:00 PM EDT

Join Jim to discuss this week's column, "An Open Letter to President Joe Biden." … Mr. President, the Visa Waiver Program’s requirement of reciprocity is not a matter of foreign policy or about Israel. As we’ve made clear in conversations with officials in the White House, State Department, and Department of Homeland Security, the issue has always been about whether or not our government respected and would protect our rights - including our First Amendment protected right to support Palestinians.

We thought you understood and therefore were heartened by your 2020 campaign pledge to Arab Americans that , “A Biden-Harris administration will confront discriminatory policies that single out Arab Americans and cast entire communities under suspicion,” and your vow that, “Joe Biden will protect the Constitutional right of our citizens to free speech. He also does not support efforts by any democracy to criminalize free speech and expression which is why he spoke out against Israel’s decision to deny entry to American lawmakers because they favor boycotting Israel.”

Because Israel was allowed to redefine reciprocity, essentially writing their own terms for admission into the VWP, without including a non-discrimination provision that dealt with their treatment of Arab Americans at entry, exit, and checkpoints, or respect for freedom of expression—your administration has failed to meet the commitment you made to us. This is why I’m insulted, betrayed, and angry. I feel that Arab Americans who overwhelmingly supported you deserve better.

To register: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Read this week’s column - the full letter to Pres. Biden: An Open Letter to President Joe Biden (aaiusa.org)