Being a harmless Muslim: What would be the probability of being persecuted in America?

Question

If I were to come to America for teaching in a prestigious university (as my Ph D is in a rare speciallization), would I face persecution by the American people and officials due to the fact that I'm a Muslim? Even if were to be free of any links or acquaintances to extremist groups?

What would the probability of being persecuted or arrested for no good reason in the USA? Actually, I've heard many stories of that kind, yet Americans here in Egypt strictly deny that...so who's actually the one telling the truth?

Serious answers please.

Answer 1

depends on a lot of factors.

location location location

there is parts of America that I am not welcomed and I am a white Christian male...i know where not to go as it would not be safe for me either.
learn from you fellow Muslims as I live by the biggest collection of Muslims in the U.S. Dearborn, Michigan and I don't think this area is safe by any means as it is a high crime rate long before the Muslims came to Dearborn.
Washington DC can be unsafe for anyone after dark and sometimes in broad daylight.
I feel safe in Chicago and most of LA and of course Las Vegas, NV but don't let Americans in Egypt paint such a Rosy picture of the U.S. its safe but their are always places that you want to avoid. Its not just a Muslim problem but also for all people of all races. You have to be very careful. Good Luck

Answer 2

You would not be persecuted or discriminated against at the university or whenever you are around educated people. It is possible you may be more likely to be screened at an airport, people say so. However I am blonde and fair and I have had 'pat down' searches 3 times, so I don't know if that is true.

I think it very unlikely you would be arrested for anything on a whim - although if you plan on getting involved with radical Muslims who make calls to a Jihad, you may find suspicions growing based on that.

I would love to say you would have no problem at all, and no one I associate with would give you a problem. However, the Patriot Act did have something in it removing habeus corpus for legal aliens suspected of being terrorists or enemies of the state. I think that is unconstitutional, but if you really are concerned, that is why I would be concerned.

In your case, if you are teaching at a University and disapeared, however, there would be a national stink about it, so I think the possibility is microscopic.

This is sad, since even a year ago I would have said it was impossible that our government would do such a thing, but that is before the Patriot Act was passed and I learned what 'water boarding' means.

Answer 3

Americans get a really bad rap by the press. There certainly are instances where people have been unduly persecuted for their religion, but this happens all the time around the world. There is always going to be someone that is prejudiced and judges other people based on their skin color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, etc. I think that most people have dealt with some time of discrimination in their lifetime.
Just know that we Americans aren't going around beating up on people because of the things mentioned above. There are some bad apples in the group, but that doesn't make us all bad.

This is like me asking being that I am a female would I be persecuted if I didn't wear a veil if I visited a Middle Eastern country. It doesn't matter to me....if I had something to give back to their people, I would go regardless of what the consequences may be.

Answer 4

I am sure you would run in circles that consist of those who have at least 1/2 of a brain! Though you might run into some reservations, almost everyone in America who is not a WASP has at one time or another, and many still do!

Arrested? I don't think that would happen unless the FBI had some conclusive evidence. Little if any chance by the locals.

Egyptians usually have no issues, nor do those from India, however you will always run into a few racist idiots, just like I probably would in your country!

You, more than likely, would be safer here than I would be in Egypt!

Isn't it Ironic that some of the largest war mongers are because of religious views!

Answer 5

I teach at a college with many Muslims. Prejudice: Yes and No. I think it is often subtle - there, but not there. The real difficulty for Muslims is in their dress. Muslim garb, esp for women, vary from the casual Americanized Lebanese to someone wearing a burka. I feel that some do not like the head covering of Muslims, since it is a statement of being separate, saying, "We are not going to blend in."
I think it is fine here, but be prepared for an occasional person rolling their eyes or an icy stare from some moron here.
Arrested- I do not think so. If there is prejudice, it is counterbalanced with political correct paranoia that rules here. Officials are deathly afraid of being see as anti- and group or "profiling." But--- I think that if you are speeding- and this applies to blacks here I think- you are slightly more likely to be stopped.

Answer 6

If you are wanting to become a part of American society and share in it's tolerance of all peoples and religions, then your chance of being persecuted is almost non-existant.

Let me say that Americans greatly cherish and respect people of other cultures, but at the same time we do not want radical Islam to take away our rights it seems to be doing in France and England.

As for persecution, you would have much greater chance of persecution in an Islamic country if you were to express any view outside of Sharia law. That is not the case in the USA.

Again, please gladly except our invitation to come to the USA and visit. Talk to people, you will find out the greatness that is present for all here. Come and be welcome.

Answer 7

There are good and bad people in the world. And in the US, there are plenty of ignorant idiots. I live in the South now and am shocked at some of the comments that I hear coming out of people's mouths. Just be aware that there are ignorant people in the world who will group you incorrectly. I wouldn't say that it is dangerous or even overtly discriminatory, but there will be little comments here and there. There will be plenty of stereotypes, so brace yourself and be ready to prove them wrong.

I have Arabic and Muslim friends who usually deal with little frustrations, but nothing big. I had an Egyptian friend get pulled over for nothing and be questioned. Nothing came of it, but it was definite racial profiling. As long as you don't "bring attention" to yourself, I wouldn't worry too much. As long as you're in a big city. Small towns and small town politics is not a fun situation to be in.

Answer 8

I personally don't care if there are Muslims, here, your in America so you should have the same rights, as me, however we do have simple minded people, in power, so it is probably true that Muslims, are treated poorly, but i have not heard of anyone being arrested for nothing, but then again, our government covers up alot of things, we should be told, as tax paying Americans. I served in the 1st gulf war, and i had many Muslims, come to me, for help, and i wouldn't turn my back on anyone of them. i hope you have a great life in America, good luck!

Answer 9

If the university is in a larger city you have a better chance of being left alone--the larger the population, the more diverse, but you will run into a few racist morons anywhere you go. I am sure there are probably a few in Egypt as well. Most people will be welcoming, though.

Answer 10

Yeah probably, you guys are the new black people. People will stereotype you and think you are up to something. I mean I just look like an arab, and I get picked for a "random" search everytime I fly, at every airport, and every stop. America is the land of stereotyping and opportunity. But I still love it.