9/11 Foreign Policy

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September 11th 2001 is a date that is known in infamy, for has not only changed the running of a superpower country like America, but it has changed the whole world. We all know the basics of what went down that day: 19 terrorists of foreign nationality hijacked 4 commercial US passenger jet airliners, and crashed two of them into the Twin Towers, located in the heart of New York City. These hijackers were affiliated with the militant group “Al-Qaeda” and around 3000 people of 90 different nationalities were killed. America was under attack and the system had to be changed if we wanted to protect the American citizens.” We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.” …show more content…
New foreign policies were being introduced by the Bush Administration. The 9/11 attacks led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and a vast database to collect and analyse information. This includes ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Organization) which is required by the US government and the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) which is used by the government to manage and track the arrival and departure of international students in the US. Enforcement programmes such as National Fugitive Operation Programme and Secure Communities were launched to counter national security threats. (intextcite) The Department of Homeland Security was implemented and carried out 3 functions: US Customs and Border Protections, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Biometric readings would also be required if you are from a predominantly Muslim country. “The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)—the most recent iteration of the hugely problematic National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS)—biometric tracking required men from 25 predominantly Muslim countries to register their fingerprints and biometric data upon arrival in the US” (intextcite) This has caused some backlash and discrimination towards people from Muslim countries. Some people suggest that the US should be more like Canada, since Canada has a separate Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), with its own minister in the Canadian Cabinet. They suggest that maybe the United States should implement a similar body which will ensure a non-discriminatory but still security conscious immigration