cultural issues in the defense of non-u.s. citizens
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Understanding Arab Americans IMMIGRATION SEMINARCultural Issues in the Defense of Non-U.S. CitizensSeptember 2003TRANSCRIPT
Understanding Arab Americans
IMMIGRATION SEMINAR Cultural Issues in the Defense of Non-U.S. Citizens
September 2003
The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS)
Educational Outreach Initiative
The Arab World • The Arab world refers to the 22 Arab countries expanding from the
African shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Arab/Persian Gulf inAsia
•The Middle East is a geopolitical term created by the British Empire
•Includes some Arab countries and non-Arab countries Iran, Turkey and Israel
•Differences in language and culture
The Arab World versus the Middle East
Who are the Arab Americans?
• Arab Americans are descendents from any of the 22 Arab countries
• Ethnicity: – Based on a shared language of Arabic– Shared culture and traditions– Not related to religion
• Constitute an ethnicity made up of several waves of immigrants
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
1987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
EgyptIraqJordanLebanonMoroccoSudanSyriaYemenOther
Arab Immigrants Admitted to U.S. (1987-2002)
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Arab Americans
Demographic Information
Ancestry of Arab Americans by Primary IdentificationBased on U.S. Census 2000 data
* Excludes persons who identify as Chaldeans, Assyrians or other Christian minorities from Iraq.
**Includes those from Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Does not include persons from Sudan, Somalia, or Mauritania
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Palest inian6%
Other Arab**7%
Syrian12%
Egypt ian12%
M oroccan3%
Iraqi*3%
Lebanese39%
Arab/Arabic18%
Arab American Demographics:Iraqi Americans in US
Arab American Institute, based on Census 2000
5 Counties in US with Largest Iraqi Population
•Oakland, MI: 24,743
•Cook, IL: 15,681
•Macomb, MI: 11,829
•San Diego, CA : 9,080
• Wayne, MI: 5,930
Religious Affiliations of Arab Americans
Based on Zogby International Survey (2002)
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Protestant10%
Eastern Orthodox***
18%
Muslim**24%
Other Religion /
No Affiliation
13%
Roman / Eastern
Catholic*35%
*Eastern Catholic includes Roman Catholic, Maronite, and Melkite (Greek Catholic) rites.
**Muslim includes Sunni, Shi’a, and Druze.
***Eastern Orthodox includes Antiochian, Syrian, Greek and Coptic rites.
Geographic Dispersion of Arab Americans in the USBased on Zogby International Research
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Largest Arab American Populations by Metropolitan Area
Based on Zogby International Estimates (1995)
* Does not include Long Island or Yonkers
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
Los A
ngele
s
Detro
itNew
Yor
k *Nor
thea
stern
NJ
Chica
goW
ashin
gton
, DC
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Where Arab Americans Experience DiscriminationSource: AAIF Commissioned Survey
(May 2002)
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
SchoolWork
AcquaintancesOther
Not sure
In the past
Since Sept. 11
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
6%
10%
47%
35%
42%
14%
43%
Changes in Habits Since Sept. 11Based on AAIF Commissioned Survey
Feel comfortable speaking Arabic around non-Arabs
Engage in discussions about events in the Middle East
47% Do not speak Arabic
Do less Do the same Do more
© 2003 Arab American Institute Foundation www.aaiusa.org
Working with Arab Americans
Cultural Characteristics
Perceptions of Law Enforcement
• Influenced by the role and reputation of law enforcement in the Arab World– Mukhabarat– Different sectors of law enforcement officials
• Responsibilities• Hierarchy
• Perceptions: No difference btw divisions• Different methods
• Traffic stops
Communicating with Arab Americans
• Language– May pose a barrier– Children may act as intermediaries
• Communication is generally indirect– Versus direct form used by Americans
• Way message is conveyed is important– Tone of voice– Level of politeness
• Non-verbal cues are often used
Arab American Cultural Characteristics
• Collectivism– Family– Close-knit communities– One is a reflection of their family
• Reputation – Experienced collectively– Dignity and Honor important and protected
– Shame
• Name Recognition– Abu/Um – Family name
Arab American Culture: Conflict Resolution & Repercussions
• Traditional methods of conflict resolution– Between families– Distrust of law enforcement
• Differences in regards to punishment between parts of the Arab world and the US– Can lead to paranoia/anxiety– Distrust
Cultural and Religious Practices:Interactions• Avoiding eye contact
– Some Muslims do not make eye contact with someone of the opposite sex
– Act of modesty and respect for members of opposite sex
– Should not be misconstrued as being dishonest, guilty or “shady”
Cultural and Religious Practices: Interactions
• Handshaking– Response Varies– Some Arab American Muslim men and women
may not shake hands for religious reasons– Best Practice: See if they extend their hand first
• Dietary Restrictions for Muslim Americans– Concept of Halal– No pork products– No Alcohol
Arab AmericansGender-based interactions• Men
– May react emotionally– Honor/Shame/Pride rank very high– Often authority figure
• Women– Be modest in interactions– Discussing sensitive topics
• Children– Intermediaries – Fear
Religious Practices:Interactions• Hijab
– Worn in front of all men except blood relatives– If asked to be removed in front of non-related
males, maybe be apprehensive and reluctant
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
(ACCESS)Deana Rabiah
Education Outreach Coordinator2601 Saulino Court
Dearborn, MI 48104(313)843.2844