Statement from Jaber Ismail

I was very happy when I learned that my father and I could return to our country from Pakistan.  I was born on September 29, 1987 in Lodi, California.  I never imagined that the country I was born in would stop me from coming home for five months and separate me from my family, especially when I was not even charged with a crime.

I went to Pakistan for religious studies but I knew that I always wanted to return home to California.  I believe in American values like freedom of religion and the rule of law.  I have been looking forward to returning home, to living in peace and happiness, and to getting my high school diploma and a good job so I can help my family.

Statement from Muhammad Ismail

I was very happy to learn that I could finally return to California to my family and friends. I came to the United States to make a better life for my family.  I was proud to become an American citizen and I was shocked when my new country refused to allow me to return.  We stayed in Pakistan only so that our son could study the Quran.  This was important to my wife and me because we are religious people.  It has been very hard for our family to be separated the last five months.  I have missed my wife and young children very much.  My wish is that this never happens to anyone else.