From: Harjit Singh
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 1:42 AM
To: Green Card Lottery
Subject: RE: Your Green Card Lottery Application in NOT complete

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am very disappointed to be informed about this only now (the photograph without headgear regulation) after making special arrangements to get my photos taken to meet the (USA) requirements as, in the UK, the standard photo size is 1 inch by 11/2 inches. I cannot comply with the requirement of not having a headgear on, as it is part of my religious requirement that I have to wear a Turban. In all my legal documents this has never been an issue.

I always thought the US had tolerance for people from other faiths. Unfortunately, I was wrong and hence do not intend to continue with my application for the green card scheme. AS IS THE CROWN TO SOVEREIGN, SO IS A TURBAN TO A SIKH. In order to keep the kesh (hair) intact and tidy and to maintain its sanctity, the turban is a necessity. Since the turban had acquired a social and political status, the guru wanted the Sikhs to be equal with the highest princes of the land. The turban, the horses, hitherto reserved for the high castes, were given to the Sikhs and in this way the age old monopoly of the ruling classes (the Indian caste system) was smothered over.

For a Sikh the turban is the frontier of faith and unbelief. It is deemed to give the Sikh dignity, consecration and majestic humility. The Turban, therefore, is thought to be a symbol of generosity, truthfulness, maturity, piety and fearlessness. To Sikhs, the turban is sacred. The Gurus of the Sikhs instructed us to wear it, and they have sacrificed their lives to protect this honor.

I hope that I could obtain a refund of the remaining years as it is not possible for me to take a photo without a turban as this would mean I will have to go against the teachings of my faith, which has defended the rights of all to practice their faiths. I fully understand that it is not up to you to make the rules but I sincerely hope that this matter is brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. Thanking you in advance.

Kind Regards,

Harjit Singh