Washington, Feb. 22 (IANS): The father of a woman from Alabama, who left in November 2014 to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration over her American citizenship, seeking her return.
Ahmed Ali Muthana filed the lawsuit on Thursday at a federal court here to prevent what he calls an "unlawful attempt" by the US government to rescind his daughter's citizenship, CNN reported.
At age 19, Hoda Muthana travelled to Syria to join the IS. Five years later, Muthana has now said that she regrets what she did and wants to return to the US.
President Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he directed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not to allow Muthana back into the country.
Pompeo declared the same day, in a statement, that Muthana is "not a US citizen and will not be admitted" into the country.
Thursday's lawsuit "seeks injunctive relief preventing the US government from unconstitutionally robbing (Muthana and her son) of their rights as US citizens".
Ahmed Ali Muthana is requesting the court "find the US government has an obligation to assist in the return of its citizens from areas of armed conflict".
The lawsuit was filed against Trump, Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr.
If she returns to the US, Muthana "is prepared and willing to surrender to any charges the Justice Department finds appropriate and necessary", it added.
