Afghan Woman Deported from US in First Use of ‘Alien Terrorist’ Court
BBC Homepage
Skip to content
Accessibility Help
Your account
Home
News (including Climate, World, UK, Business, Tech, Science)
…
Afghan Woman’s Deportation: A First for the Alien Terrorist Removal Court
An Afghan woman living in Texas with legal US permanent residency, Nazira Haji Zada, 47, has been deported from the country, marking the first case heard by the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC).
Background
- The Court: Created in 1996 but never previously activated. Designed for non-US citizens facing terrorism charges with confidential, national security-related evidence.
- Haji Zada’s Situation: Never charged with a crime but associated with her son and son-in-law convicted of terror offenses inspired by the Islamic State group.
- Allegations: Accused of being the "matriarch" who radicalized her family.
Legal Battle
Haji Zada chose to leave the US rather than continue arguing her case in the ATRC, citing violations of her right to due process under the US Constitution by court-appointed lawyers who were denied access to evidence against her.
"Our client’s choice to consent to removal should not be seen as an endorsement of this court’s legitimacy… Dragging lawful permanent residents into court but refusing to show them or their attorneys the evidence that will be used against them is a plain violation of due process." – Public defenders Matthew Farley and Mary Manning Petras
US Attorney General’s Statement:
"This landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law… Those who support and condone terrorism should not be living in the United States." – Todd Blanche, US Attorney General
Conclusion
The case highlights ongoing debates around immigration, national security, and individual rights within the US legal system.
