All Categories - Amplifying Muslim American voices in Congress

Urge your Representative to Protect the Fourth Amendment and End anti-Muslim Discrimination!

11/19/2020

Recent news reports revealed that the data of over 98 million users has been compromised by the Muslim Pro App. While consumer-facing platforms are often legally restricted from sharing such information, certain legal loopholes allow for data brokers and third party firms without a direct relationship to consumers to share private data with government institutions.

Poligon Education Fund is calling on our Representatives in Congress to investigate such loopholes and protect the Fourth Amendment right of the people to be “secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.”

Help us protect the American Muslim community: Tell your Representative to investigate personal data privacy concerns and uphold our Fourth Amendment rights.

Our Fourth Amendment rights should not be compromised. Any and all legal loopholes in federal privacy laws must be addressed with the utmost concern.

Policies that use religion as a basis for law enforcement scrutiny are unconstitutional. They foster stigma against law-abiding American Muslims that could have dangerous consequences. Other ramifications include widespread community fear about informants and law enforcement, interference with practicing one’s faith (through mosque attendance, Muslim student group participation, Islamic dress, etc.), and silencing free speech.

The civil rights of American Muslims have been under constant threat since 9/11, and undermined by discriminatory programs and legislation launched in the name of national security. With a long history of mass surveillance programs, discriminatory profiling, and federal bans, manifested in legislations such as the PATRIOT Act, Muslim Ban, American Muslim voices and lived experiences must be amplified in the halls of Congress.

We urge American Muslims and their allies to push their elected officials to call for an end to unconstitutional, ineffective, and harmful programs that violate the civil rights of Muslims and preemptively consider them guilty on account of their faith and ethnicity.

Urge the Next President & Congress to Ensure a Democracy That Works for All

10/6/2020

It’s no secret that the U.S. Elections are driven by big corporate donors rather than us everyday citizens. And the next presidential administration is tasked with addressing important issues that impact our communities, such as: repealing the Muslim ban, overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, and dismantling systemic racism in America. But for the next administration to do that effectively, our democracy needs reform to be more representative and inclusive.

We urge the next President and Congress to pass the For the People Act (H.R.1) as a first priority in their administration. In March 2019, the bill passed in the House with unanimous support, but the Senate has yet to bring it up for a vote.

The For the People Act (H.R.1) is a package of proven reforms that would:

Expand and protect voting rights and access to the ballot;
Put Americans ahead of Big Money donors, by creating a system of public financing which can reduce candidates’ demand for big donors by amplifying support from constituents;
End gerrymandering so that electoral districts are fairly drawn;
Hold our elected officials to higher ethical standards.

This bill creates a more inclusive and representative political system. We need a fair and functional democratic system, where everyone can participate, every vote is counted, and every voice is heard. We demand a democracy that works for all of us.

Sign your name to show the next administration and Congress that Day 1 is for Democracy the and to pass For the People Act.

This petition will be delivered to Congress in January, at the start of the next Administration.

October Congressional Recess

9/29/2020

The House of Representatives adjourns October 5th for their recess until November 13th, and the Senate from October 12th until November 6th. Congressional recess is when your members of Congress will be back in your home state. It is a great opportunity to call or email your members of Congress directly to tell them about the issues that are most important to you!

Here’s how:
Who are your members of Congress?
Click here to find out who represents you, how to contact them, and where their in-district offices are located. Click here to find contact information on your Senate members.

Want to set up a constituent meeting? Learn how to schedule a meeting and make the most impact with our Office Visit How-to Guide. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many offices will be holding virtual meetings. Try to schedule your meeting as early in advance as possible.

Want to attend a virtual town hall? Town Hall Project has a simple search engine to find out when your representative’s next virtual or telephone town hall meeting is. Just enter your zip code. Use our Town Hall How-to Guide, also available in this toolkit, to help you prepare. Invite your friends and family to join you in making your voices heard!

Not sure what to talk about?
We've got you covered. Our policy briefs and action alerts on Islamophobia, bullying, and civil rights are great to look over and bring along to a meeting. You can also stay up to date on legislation going through Congress with our Hill Happenings newsletter.

Here are a few ideas for issues to address:

Supreme Court Justice Decision: The race to fill a seat on the Supreme Court left vacant by the recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hinges on approval from the Senate. The Senate must confirm a Supreme Court Judge that will protect the laws that we rely on, including voting rights, women’s rights, immigrant rights, and access to affordable health care. Urge the Senate to wait until after Inauguration Day to confirm a new Supreme Court justice. (Check out Poligon’s Supreme Court nomination guide for more information).

Coronavirus Package: The United States has surpassed over 200,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and millions of families are financially struggling due to the pandemic. Congress and the White House have not successfully negotiated on a comprehensive COVID-19 Relief Package. Urge your member of Congress to act now and pass a COVID-19 Relief Package that includes: boosts to SNAP, immigrant inclusion, and funding for election security. Click here to learn more and send a letter to your Senator to provide relief to families impacted by the pandemic.

Protecting Our Democracy Act: House Democrats introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act, which aims to prevent presidential abuses, restore the system of checks and balances, increase transparency, and protect elections from foreign interference. Provisions within the bill include suspending the statute of limitations for federal offenses committed by a current president and strengthening Congress’ tools to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas. Urge your Representative to protect our democracy by supporting this bill.

The Delivering for America Act: The House voted to pass H.R.8015, the Delivering for America Act, which prohibits the USPS from implementing any changes to operations it had in place on January 1, 2020, and includes a $25 billion in funding for the Postal Service. Additionally, the bill would prevent the USPS from implementing any changes to the level of service, closure or consolidation of any post office or reduction in hours, and would allow for overtime. Delivering mail-in ballots is an essential function of the post office and is a safe and secure method of voting. Urge your Senator to act now and protect USPS.

BONUS: Have you registered to vote?

The upcoming 2020 election is critical for Muslims in America. Muslims must mobilize their votes and increase their civic engagement to demonstrate strength and solidarity during times when so many of our fellow communities are under attack. Check your current voter registration status or get registered to vote!

Let us know at info@poligonnational.org how your visit goes, or make a post about your visit on social media. Be sure to tag @poligonnational on Twitter and Instagram!

RBG + What Happens After A Supreme Court Vacancy?

9/19/2020

The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at age 87 is a huge loss for this nation. Justice Ginsburg fought for the vulnerable, challenged the unequal system, and was a trailblazer for change. As we cherish her memory and efforts to uphold the Constitution, we are also mindful that her passage could potentially lead to President Trump appointing his third Supreme Court justice.

For Americans wondering what the next steps are, check out our Supreme Court confirmation guide.

it is vital that our communities contact their Senators and urge them to delay a confirmation until after the inauguration day. Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 to voice your opinion.

As a reminder, we are just 45 days away from a monumental election. Don’t miss your chance to participate. To learn how to register to vote or check your voter status, click here.

In the wise words of Justice Ginsburg, “someday there will be great people, great elected representatives who will say, ‘enough of this nonsense, let’s be the kind of legislature the United States should have.’”

Urge your Representative to Provide Support to the Postal Service

8/19/2020

The recent Administration attacks on the U.S. Postal Service threaten the integrity of this year's election, by implementing harmful operational changes and blocking emergency funding. The U.S. Postal Service is essential to the functioning of our democracy. Congress must pass legislation to protect the services of USPS.

The House will vote this Saturday on the Delivering for America Act, which prohibits the USPS from implementing any changes to operations it had in place on January 1, 2020 and includes a $25 billion in funding for the Postal Service. Additionally, the bill would prevent the USPS from implementing any changes to level of service, closure or consolidation of any post office or reduction in hours, and would allow for overtime.

Although Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced halting further operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service until after the election, he offered no commitment to undo the harmful effects of previous actions. Raising the costs on mailing ballots and slowing down mail service will harm voters' ability to safely engage in this year's election during the pandemic. Delivering mail-in ballots is an essential function of the post office and is a safe and secure method of voting. Congress must act now to protect the Postal Service.

We need your voice: Tell your Representative to provide support to the Postal Service.

Urge the Senate to Provide Relief to Communities Impacted by COVID-19

8/11/2020

Negotiations between Congress and the White House for a fifth COVID-19 relief package failed to reach a compromise. Despite, the United States having surpassed over 160,000 deaths due to COVID-19 and a tremendous economic impact on vulnerable communities.

Right now, the Senate is in recess until September 7th. The Senate must immediately pass the COVID-19 relief package and ensure families are protected amidst this pandemic. We urge the Senate to secure these provisions approved by the House in its HEROES Act are included in the next COVID-19 relief package:

Ensure access to food:

Increase SNAP’s maximum benefit by 15 percent from June 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021
An increase for all SNAP households averaging about $25 per person per month
Raise the minimum SNAP benefit from $15 per month to $30.

Ensure immigrant-inclusion:

Access to free COVID-19 testing and treatment by uninsured people, regardless of their immigration status.
Immigrant taxpayers receive stimulus checks from previous relief bills.
An extension of work permits and protection from deportation for immigrants

Ensure safe voting access:

Allocate $3.6 billion for protective equipment and supplies needed to manage the 2020 elections, and protect voters’ and poll workers’ health.

We need your voice: Tell the Senate to provide relief to families impacted by COVID-19.

August 2020 Recess Toolkit

8/1/2020

It’s August recess! Your House Representatives are in their home districts August 1st – September 7th, and your Senators will be back in their states August 8th – September 7th. It's the perfect time to contact your representative and make your voice heard on issues that matter to YOU.

Poligon has created a toolkit to provide you with everything you need to get started. The toolkit includes guidance on how you can speak with your Member of Congress about repealing the Muslim ban, police reform, COVID-19 Relief, and protecting protesters. Want to talk to them about something else? Our town hall and office visit guide has you covered. Your member of Congress represents YOU, so schedule a meeting as early in advance as possible!

It’s Finally Time to Pass the #NOBANAct!

7/15/2020

It’s been over a year since the House introduced the NO BAN Act (H.R. 2486, previously H.R. 2214), which would repeal the Muslim Ban. Due to Coronavirus, the House of Representatives delayed a vote on the legislation the week of March 9th. Finally, the House will be voting on the bill on July 22nd. Poligon has worked tirelessly with our partners to support the introduction and progression of the bill in the House and Senate.

Click here for resources on the Muslim Ban, including guides of what countries are currently restricted, ban exemptions, and waivers for entry. The Muslim Ban continues to separate tens of thousands of American families and violates our country’s constitutional promise of religious freedom and equal rights under the law. Congress must pass the NO BAN Act and #RepealTheBan!

We need your voice: Tell Congress to speak out against the Muslim Ban and to pass the NO BAN Act!

Check if your Representative is a co-sponsor of the bill. Call your Representative (call 202-224-3121) now and urge them to end the Muslim Ban.

Sample Call Script:
Hello, my name is ______ and I’m a constituent of Representative _____. I’m calling to ask you to vote to pass the NO BAN Act. The Muslim Travel Ban does not represent American values and it violates our Constitution. I urge Representative _____ to speak against the Muslim Ban and repeal the ban by supporting the No Ban Act. Will the Representative do so?

Stay updated: Click here for resources on the Muslim Ban, which includes guides of what countries are currently restricted, ban exemption, and waivers for entry.

Let us know how your advocacy went and feel free to ask us any questions by emailing us at info@poligonnational.org.

Urge Congress to Pass the NO BAN Act

6/26/2020

Today, June 26th, is the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Muslim Ban 3.0. As a result, family members living abroad have been unable to reunite with their loved ones in the U.S. because of their religion and ethnicity. While there have been several iterations of the ban, Muslim Ban 3.0 targets individuals from Muslim majority countries including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen and offers a sham waiver process, denying 98% of applicants. Congress must pass the NO BAN Act and #RepealTheBan!

We need your voice: Tell Congress to speak out against the Muslim Ban and to pass the NO BAN Act!

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:

Sign our sponsored petition to send Congress a message to end Trump’s Muslim Ban and guarantee immigrants equal treatment under the law. Click here to sign the petition.
Call Congress to pass the NO BAN act: Call your Representative (call 202-224-3121) now and urge them end the Muslim Ban.
1. Sample Call Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I’m a constituent of Senator/Representative _____. I’m calling to ask you to oppose the latest expansion to the Muslim Travel Ban and to vote to pass the NO BAN Act. The Muslim Travel Ban does not represent American values and it violates our Constitution. This ban must not be tolerated as it harms the Muslim and faith community. I urge Senator/Representative _____ to speak against the Muslim Ban and repeal the ban by supporting the No Ban Act. Will the Senator/Representative do so?
Make a donation to help fight this discrimination: Become a donor so we can continue to increase Muslim American engagement on Capitol Hill. You can also make a bigger impact by sharing our donation page on your social media platform.
Stay updated: Click here for resources on the Muslim Ban, which includes guides of what countries are currently restricted, ban exemption and waivers for entry.

Call Congress to Pass the Justice in Policing Act

6/24/2020

For weeks now, racial justice protests opposing police brutality have occurred across the country. Congress must take action. These acts of violence are inexcusable as are the discrimination and institutional racism that have targeted Black people since even before the inception of this nation.

On Thursday, the House will be voting on H.R.7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions. The bill bans chokeholds and “no-knock” warrants, ends racial and religious profiling, eliminates “qualified immunity” for police officers, collects data on police misconduct and use-of-force, limits transfer of military equipment to law enforcement departments, requires body-worn cameras, and classifies lynching as a hate crime.

We urge Senators to support the Senate version of the Justice in Policing Act, S.3912.

Although this bill will not resolve all of our country’s problems with policing, it is a vital first step. And we need your help to make sure it passes.

We need your voice: Tell Congress to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions and implement policies to end these injustices.

Check if your Representative co-sponsored the bill or if your Senator has co-sponsored the Senate version of the bill. Call your Representative and Senator if they have not co-sponsored the bill (call 202-224-3121).

Sample Call Script:
Hi, my name is ________ and I am your constituent calling to urge you to support H.R.7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions. We need policies to stop police misconduct and to end anti-Black police brutality. I urge Representative _____ to support the passage of this bill. Will the Representative do so?

Let us know how your advocacy went and feel free to ask us any questions by emailing us at info@poligonnational.org.

Stay active,
Zayn Hasan, Legislative Fellow