A Jordanian travelling to Chicago was denied entry into the United States by a customs official for sharing the same name as Iraq's late president, Saddam Hussein, according to a report by Al Kawn News.
Saddam Hussein Ali Al Hawamdeh was forced to return to Amman after being humilated by the customs official who cancelled his visa "with prejudice". He will be unable to enter the US for another five years.
However, following his traumatic experience, Mr. Al Hawamdeh told Al Bawaba he is no longer interested in visiting the US again, and was utterly shocked by the way they treated guests.
What's in a name?
Mr. Al Hawamdeh said the Homeland Security Officer immediately noticed his name and decided to interrogate him, holding him in Homeland Security Custody until the "issue" was resolved.
Considering the financial loss for the visa, airline tickets, and for quitting his job to go to the US, Mr. Al Hawamdeh intends to sue the customs official who so rudely rejected him based on his name.
Despite sharing his full name with the late Iraqi president, Mr. Al Hawamdeh has never experienced such treatment before. That said, he has not ventured beyond the Middle East until his recent encounter with US passport control.
Nor does he claim to have any police record; in fact, he was recently admitted into the Jordanian Army, known for their scrupulous selection process.
Perhaps all Osama Bin Ladens, Muammar Gaddafis and still Saddam Husseins keen for US entry should be extra prepared for a grilling given the post 911 security complex on display at certain airport frontiers.
