Out of Status

A film by Pia Sawhney and Sanjna N. Singh

"You can say you're sorry, you can apologize, but you can't give back the hours, the minutes, the months a family has been broken up." - Carma Said

In post 9/11 America, civil liberties have been curtailed in the name of national security, and immigrants were separated from their families when laws changed quickly, and were enforced selectively.

Before, there was an implicit understanding between the INS and immigrant communities that people who had applications pending to legalize their status couldreside in the country until an application was approved. After 9/11, and for South Asians and Arabs, the rule changed. The Muslim community, today, is alone among the vast immigrant population to face such targeted enforcement.

Out of Status follows four families whose lives were permanently altered.

Out of Status. 65 min. Video or DVD. Sale $350. Video rental $85

"…the frightening message comes through loud and clear" Variety
"A j'accuse in the very best tradition. Committed and sharp." Gertjan Zuilhof, Programmer, Rotterdam Film Festival
"… a politically sensitive film" Hindustan Times

“… listens to those whose voices are seldom heard.” New York Times
Amnesty International Film Festival, 2006
Rotterdam Film Festival, 2006
Nominated, Amnesty Doen Award, 2006
First Prize, South Asian Journalists Award for Outstanding Broadcast, 2006