"No-Fly" Appeals Often End With No Results

Earlier this week, ANN reported on the case of Robert Campbell... a former airline captain, who has been on the TSA's infamous "No Fly" list since 2005. Campbell has tried almost everything to get his name off the list, including appealing to lawmakers for resolution, with little result.

Well, at least he has company. Over 15,000 people have appealed to the government since February to have their names taken off the government's list of terror suspects -- including toddlers and senior citizens unfortunate enough to share names with actual suspects.

John Anderson is one of those people. He was first stopped at Minneapolis-St. Paul International in 2004, while accompanying family members on a vacation to Florida.

John turned six July 4 of this year.

"We checked in at the ticket counter, and the woman said in a stern voice, 'Who is John Anderson?'" John's mother, Christine Anderson, recounted to USA Today. "I pointed to my stroller."

According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately 2,000 requests come in each month from people hoping to clear their names. The resulting gridlock has stymied efforts to accommodate those requests... sending lawmakers to the microphones.

"To leave individuals in this purgatory is un-American," said New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who plans to introduce legislation to try to streamline the process.

TSA spokesman Christopher White says the agency usually tries to process appeals within 30 days, but the timeframe has grown to 44 days of late. There are over 750,000 names on the No-Fly list.

In February, the TSA launched the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, meant to give those appealing for the removal of their names an easier means to file those complaints.

It hasn't worked out that way. Christine Anderson says she has tried repeatedly to find the necessary forms to remove her son's name on the TSA site, with no success. Officials have promised to send the forms to her, but she says she has yet to receive them.

"No one can give any answers to why my son is on the list or really how to get him off," she said.

On Thursday, DHS and TSA officials will be grilled on the matter before the House Homeland Security Committee. Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) says he plans to make good use of the time.

"Given the widespread use of the terrorist watch list, the redress process is of paramount importance," he says.

FMI: www.tsa.gov