A standoff between a blind Palestinian computer whiz seeking
citizenship and the government intensified Thursday when Homeland
Security officials asked him to submit additional tax, employment,
passport and other documents before the FBI completes a background
check.

Zuhair Mahd refused, calling it unjustified legal fishing.

A federal judge last week ruled that the government has violated
federal rules in handling Mahd’s case and ordered FBI and
immigration officials to complete the process.

“There’s been no transparency in this process, and that’s what
scares me,” Mahd said after meeting with an immigration agent.

“I want to be forthcoming. I have nothing to hide. But I get
suspicious,” said Mahd, who has lived in the country legally for
17 years.

Federal officials said they have the right to investigate further.

Mahd’s case “certainly has been complicated” by his refusal to
submit more information, said Chris Bentley, spokesman for U.S.
Citizenship & Immigration Services, part of Homeland Security.

The order from U.S. District Judge Walker Miller gives the FBI 45
days to complete a background check and then 45 days for
immigration officials to make a decision.

Court records show Mahd passed an interview and written tests
required for citizenship in 2004. FBI agents later interviewed him
twice.

Federal law says immigrants who pass citizenship tests must be
granted citizenship in 120 days.

When Mahd’s quest for citizenship never moved forward, he finally
sued the government and won the order from Miller.

U.S. Attorney Troy Eid is weighing whether to appeal Miller’s
ruling.