Rights of Arabs in America must be protected

Readers discuss Arabs in America. Other topics: cycling, real estate, traveling and education.

Arab Americans have faced a year of many challenges but look forward to 2016. Pablo Monsivais / AP

As the year comes to an end, I wanted to take the time to highlight a few of the many important projects that the Arab American Institute has been working on, including combating anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bigotry, addressing the Syrian refugee crisis and empowering Arab Americans.

This month, we convened a group of more than 40 community members and allies, including European and Mena refugee and humanitarian aid organisations at our offices in what was the first meeting of its kind. These groups all work directly with refugees in Europe and the Middle East, and on domestic policy in the United States.

Each representative presented the work their group is focusing on and ways we can collaborate. We were joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell who gave an update on the visa waiver provision in the omnibus bill. The group later attended a meeting at the White House, where they met with senior White House officials and discussed the Syrian refugee crisis and ways to assist with domestic resettlement efforts.

We have also released a new poll tracking American attitudes towards Arab Americans and American Muslims. Our polling shows that the persistent, negative attitudes towards these two communities continues, revealing a deep partisan divide.

I know these are difficult times, but we are grateful you are aware of us advocating on these issues.

Maya Berry, Arab American Institute

Real estate remains tricky

With regards to your report, Dubai property: is 2016 the year to invest Dh1m in the rental market? (December 26), one must keep in mind that there is never a perfect time to invest in real estate anywhere . Recently, sale prices have fallen and so have rental fees.

I believe that the market is not stable enough to justify investing at the moment. Unless, of course, you are investing for the sake of not paying rent.

Keep in mind that when or if the market drops again, your property’s value will also drop and you will be stuck with a mortgage higher than the value of your property. Even if value does go up it doesn’t mean rentals will go up.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Knowledge can’t be stolen

Concerning your article, Dubai university worker who leaked exam papers to student gets sentence reduced (December 25), the IT technician who leaked the examination papers in return for money and the student who offered the bribe and bought the papers deserved a longer jail term and tougher penalty instead of having their sentences reduced.

It is a shame that some people can commit crimes and sell their conscience for the sake of making easy money. The technician clearly abused his authority and position.

On the other hand, the student must be ashamed of himself for choosing the wrong path instead of working hard and scoring well in exams. Students should understand that money is not a solution to everything and knowledge is gained, it cannot be bought or valued against any amount of money.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Travel issues plague the US

With regard to the recent column by HA Hellyer, US must come clean on denial of entry to family (December 25), Christians are denied entry to the United States every day but you don't see a lot of media coverage about it.

Every country reserves the right of admission to any visitor and it’s not obliged to offer explanations.

Alex Mash, France

There are thousands and thousands of passengers going through the US every day. How can anyone know if only Muslims are being rejected at the border? These types of arguments are causing unnecessary hatred.

Mar Rouz, Philippines

This issue is not happening just in America. While I was teaching in the UAE a few years ago, I remember a story about the French refusing entry to three Emirati women, who then had to pay their way back to the UAE.

Bowman Jenkins, UK

Cyclists beware of speeding cars

With regards to your cycle story, Enthusiasts say cycling is safe in Abu Dhabi, as long as people are sensible (December 26), it is the drivers that worry me.

Name withheld by request