US says Alabama woman who joined ISIS is not citizen

An Alabama woman who joined ISIS in Syria will not be allowed to return to the United States with her toddler son because she is not an American citizen, the US has said, AP reported.

Her lawyer is challenging that claim.

In a brief statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave no details as to how the administration made their determination.

“Ms Hoda Muthana is not a US citizen and will not be admitted into the United States,” he said.

“She does not have any legal basis, no valid US passport, no right to a passport nor any visa to travel to the United States.”

But her lawyer, Hassan Shibly, insisted Ms Muthana was born in the United States and had a valid passport before she joined ISIS in 2014.

He said she has renounced the terrorist group and wants to come home to protect her 18-month-old son regardless of the legal consequences.

President Donald Trump said later on Wednesday on Twitter that he was behind the decision, tweeting that “I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!”

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019