About Us
TAPUS (Travelers Assistance Project) is an initiative of the CAIR-Chicago dedicated to protecting the civil rights of travelers entering the United States—particularly those who are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.
Launched in response to the discriminatory “Muslim Ban,” TAP was created to ensure that no traveler faces profiling, detention, or questioning alone. It is a rapid-response network that connects at-risk travelers with legal support, interpreters, and real-time advocacy at airports—especially in Chicago.
Our Mission
Our mission is to safeguard the rights, dignity, and freedom of movement of travelers by providing immediate legal assistance, education, and coordinated support before, during, and after travel.
We work to ensure that every traveler—regardless of faith, nationality, or background—can navigate U.S. borders with confidence, knowledge, and protection.
Photo: Travel Ban Attorneys. Chicagoans of the Year, 2017. - Chicago Mag
What We Do
Flight Monitoring & Legal Support
Travelers can register their flight in advance, allowing our team to track arrivals and deploy attorneys if issues arise at the airport.
Attorney & Interpreter Network
TAP mobilizes a trained corps of volunteer attorneys and interpreters ready to assist travelers facing delays, questioning, or detention.
Know Your Rights Resources
We provide up-to-date guidance so travelers understand their legal rights when interacting with immigration and border authorities.
Rapid Response at Airports
When a traveler is stopped or detained, TAP coordinates immediate on-the-ground advocacy to ensure access to legal counsel and fair treatment.
Why TAP Exists
In moments of crisis—when policies shift, enforcement increases, or discrimination occurs—travelers are often isolated and vulnerable. TAP exists to change that reality.
Born out of community resistance to unjust travel restrictions, TAP transforms collective action into structured support—ensuring that no one is left without representation or recourse.
Who We Serve
TAP supports:
Muslim and Muslim-perceived travelers
Immigrants, refugees, and visitors facing heightened scrutiny
Families concerned about safe arrival into the United States
Anyone experiencing discrimination while traveling
While rooted in the Muslim community’s experience, TAP stands for the rights of all people subjected to unjust treatment at ports of entry.
Join the Effort
TAP is powered by community. From volunteer attorneys and interpreters to advocates and everyday supporters, this work depends on people committed to justice.Whether you are traveling, volunteering, or supporting from afar, you are part of ensuring that dignity and rights do not stop at the border.
“ TAP is a reflection of our community at its best—organized, responsive, and committed to making sure that no one is stranded, silenced, or mistreated when they enter this country. No one should have to choose between traveling and their dignity. We’re here to protect both.”
— Sufyan Sohel, TAPUS Coordinator
Register your travel today.
