This is to bring to your attention a delay in an application for the Visa Extension of Dr. Nabi Raza Mir. The immigration Office (INS) is not responding favorably to this request, which will force him to leave our community. We are writing to you, as US Citizens and permanent residents, in hopes that you will help us keep our most valuable asset for the future of our children.

Dr. Nabi Raza Mir has been the leader of SABA, Inc., Islamic Guidance Center in San Jose, California for the past 5 years. During these times, he has brought many members of the community together from different cultures, and religions, as well as strengthened the community through various programs. Dr. Mir fluently speaks 4 different languages, therefore allowing him to communicate fully with many groups of people. He has helped our Bay Area community grow from a small group to a large population; we now have a building with over 78,000 square feet, over 1000 people enjoy this cultural center, our Sunday school has an excellent curriculum with over 200 students in attendance. Dr. Mir has allowed our community to grow within itself allowing each member to be an asset to the Bay Area community.

It took SABA, Inc., over 5 years of extensive search to find a cleric with the qualifications of Dr. Mir. We searched for a man with integrity, scholarly knowledge and with leadership qualities. Dr. Mir is moderate in his teachings and always striving for the community to move in one direction, removing all cultural barriers between people. He is a pious leader, highly energetic and constantly working to improve our community.

Dr. Mir has surpassed our expectations many folds as our community leader and we will be at a great loss without him. If the INS does not grant the necessary visa extension to Dr. Mir, SABA, Inc., will be in need of another leader, and after so much positive growth, will have to look outside the US once again, and search for someone who comes close to these requirements and qualifications. Not granting a Visa extension to Dr. Mir only opens the door to more uncertainty for our community and the repeated search abroad for someone new, with new INS requirements. The required leaders of our community are only available in other countries and someone of
Dr. Mirs eminence does not exist in the US. Dr. Mir is surely unable to be replaced due to his high education level, modest teachings, fluency in multiple languages, and the ability to congregate people of different backgrounds.

We sincerely urge you to look into this case and help our community save our irreplaceable leader. Thank you and we anxiously await a positive response to our dilemma.