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​Poligon’s Statement on President Joe Biden Rescission of the Muslim Ban

1/20/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​January 20, 2021
Contact: media@poligonnational.org
​Poligon’s Statement on President Joe Biden Rescission of the Muslim Ban

Washington, D.C. - Today, President Joe Biden repealed President Trump’s Muslim and Africa travel bans. 

Poligon’s Policy and Advocacy Manager, Johanna Mustafa, issued the following statement:
“We are relieved to witness the repeal of this ban, which has traumatized the community for the last four years. The Muslim and African bans separated many families and inflicted unimaginable suffering. Today, I am thinking of Abdullah Hassan, a 2-year old who died in Oakland, away from loved ones. As we celebrate today’s victory we honor the stories of Abdullah and the tens of thousands of people who are still waiting to reunite with their families, and recognize this win as a testament to the power we hold. We win when we organize and come together for collective justice.”

Poligon is proud to have played a role in repealing the Muslim and African Ban, and acknowledges the attorneys, advocates, organizers, impacted communities, and allies who were at the frontlines of the movement in the airports and streets. We fought the racist ban since the first executive order in January 2017 and fought harder with every iteration and expansion of the ban. 
Earlier today, the Biden-Harris administration released a fact sheet outlining a number of comprehensive executive actions that include:

  • Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and providing economic relief and support to working families;
  • Preserving DACA protections;
  • Deferred enforced departure for Liberians; 
  • Termination of border wall construction; and 
  • Reversing the Muslim and African bans;

These priorities are a reflection of the people’s plight and commitment towards advancing justice for all. Vulnerable communities who have experienced family separation, loss, and suffering in the past four years, persevered in the face of injustice and organized for collective liberation. 

We continue to advocate for democracy reform under the For the People Act (H.R.1/ S.1) to ensure a democracy that works for all. We continue to stand firm in protecting the civil liberties of Black, Indigenous, people of color, and our priorities remain rooted in centering impacted communities. We urge the Biden-Harris administration to fulfill its promise to advance racial equity and protect marginalized communities beyond the policies released today, and help us in the fight against anti-Muslim discrimination, hate crimes, racial profiling, surveillance laws, police brutality, and white supremacy, among many other issues impacting our community. The movement for civil liberties, and social, economic, and environmental justice is not over. 
​

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Poligon Education Fund is a national non profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening Muslim American engagement with Congress through research, education, and advocacy. Learn more at www.poligonnational.org.
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Press Release: Poligon Education Fund ​Condemns White Supremacist Attack On The U.S. Capitol

1/11/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2021
Contact: media@poligonnational.org

​Poligon Condemns White Supremacist Attack on the U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. - Poligon Education Fund released the following statement regarding the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by white supremacist militias in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election: 

Poligon Education Fund condemns the violence inflicted by white supremacist militias and supporters of President Trump at the halls of Congress yesterday. A woman was shot and killed, our elected officials and their staff hid in their chambers as they prayed for their lives, and explosives and weapons were found on Capitol grounds. The attack on the Capitol is an attack on our democracy and on the American people. 

The violence we witnessed is an attempt to erase the fact that in the midst of a pandemic, millions of Americans have turned out in record numbers to vote against the last four years of divisive, racist governance. Even when a powerful few have continuously made it difficult for people to exercise their voting rights, marginalized communities spoke truth to power. In the face of intimidation, violence, and loss, voters reaffirmed their rights and echoed their voices in the halls of power. Poligon, alongside coalition partners and allies, has mobilized millions of voters and will not stand down in the face of this insurrection. 

We commend Congress for its steadfastness in completing the vote count and certifying the election results. We demand members of Congress continue to work towards the peaceful transition of the newly elected administration, and ensure an extensive investigation and full accountability of all groups involved in the white supremacist militant attack, including leaders who have repeatedly empowered  this hateful rhetoric. President Trump’s failure to condemn white supremacy and his previous command to “stand back and stand by” did not only fuel an attack on our Capitol, but also paved the way for violence in statehouses all around the nation. 

The striking difference in the law enforcement’s efforts to protect the Capitol against Black Lives Matter defenders in June of 2020 and against white supremacist militias yesterday is a reminder of the deep, systemic violence harming our communities. We honor the victims of white supremacist violence and recognize the militarized, selective, and racist law enforcement practices. When exercising their right to protest, Black Lives Matter activists and indigenous rights defenders were met with police dogs, mace, militarized surveillance, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Not too long ago, black and brown children were tear gassed at peaceful protests. 

Poligon reaffirms its commitment to continue to hold our newly elected Congress and administration to account, to not only tackle the hateful rhetoric that threatens our communities, but also build a nation that keeps its people safe and allows everyone to thrive. This begins with coming together to swear in new leaders elected by the people, for the people.  

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Poligon Education Fund is a non profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening Muslim American engagement with Congress through training, education, and advocacy. Learn more at www.poligonnational.org.
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Congress Passes $900 COVID Relief Bill, But Poligon’s Work Continues

12/22/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2020
​Contact:
media@poligonnational.org

Washington, D.C. - Poligon Education Fund released the following statement on the congressional passage of COVID-19 relief legislation: 

Poligon Education Fund reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the most vulnerable populations and minority groups in the halls of power. After months of tireless advocacy efforts and a long stalemate in Congress, Poligon supports the release of immediate relief, but recognizes the shortcomings of the bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill. 

Poligon applauds the following provisions in the package:
  • Additional $300 per week through unemployment insurance and a federal unemployment insurance 
  • $284 billion in loans for businesses 
  • $69 billion in testing and vaccine distribution funds  
  • $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools.
  • $25 billion in rental assistance and a one-month extension of the eviction moratorium
  • $20 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers
  • $13 billion in food assistance
    • Increases SNAP benefits by 15% for 6 months
    • Ensures college students have access to SNAP
    • Additional funding for food banks and senior nutrition programs
    • Emergency funds for school and day care feeding programs

We recognize that the current relief package falls far from providing adequate and just recovery to vulnerable communities. Almost a year later, marginalized populations including black, indigeneous, people of color, and immigrant communities who have been systematically struggling prior to the coronavirus pandemic continue to be the most impacted. The relief package also dismisses adult dependents, some of whom suffer from disabilities. It repairs the cruel exclusion of 3.5 million citizens who reside with families of “mixed immigration statuses,” but once again fails to include millions of undocumented individuals in the economic relief, many of whom serve as frontline workers. 

Poligon’s Policy and Advocacy Manager, Johanna Mustafa, issued the following statement: 
“We are a nation of abundance and wealth where struggling families deserve urgent and lasting change. As we move forward with a new Congress in 2021, Poligon will continue to work towards the inclusion of vulnerable communities. While we support the economic relief this package will provide, we recognize that the American people need more help than this bill provides. Poligon urges Congress to pass another round of direct stimulus checks to help families who have been struggling for months. Our tax dollars must be invested in our communities and center the domestic human needs and rights of our people.”
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Poligon Applauds Muslim Civic Engagement Progress Highlighted in ISPU 2020 Muslim Poll

10/1/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2020
Contact: info@poligonnational.org

​
Poligon Applauds Muslim Civic Engagement Progress Highlighted in ISPU 2020 Muslim Poll
Washington, D.C. - Today, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) released the results of their fifth annual American Muslim Poll 2020: Amid Pandemic and Protest. The survey found that compared to members of other faith groups, Muslim political activity exceeds the general public, Muslim voter registration has increased, and nearly one quarter of Muslims have attended a town hall meeting, which is much higher than other faith groups.  

Poligon Board President, Wardah Khalid, issued the following statement:
“The 2020 American Muslim Poll shows encouraging progress within our community’s civic engagement efforts. Muslims are more ready and fired up to vote and be civically engaged than ever before. We look forward to harnessing that energy and continuing our work to educate the Muslim American community and facilitate opportunities to have their voices heard in the policy making process.”

While we applaud these successes, we must also acknowledge the disheartening statistics revealed in the poll, namely that Muslims face institutional discrimination at higher amounts than the general public and their children encounter religious-based bullying at nearly double the level of families in the general public. Clearly, there is still much work to be done to ensure the Muslim community feels safe and valued. The results of this poll will help organizations like Poligon continue to fight against Islamophobia and stand for social, racial, and economic justice, and encourage Muslims in America to get out and vote this November.
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Poligon Education Fund Joins Muslim Coalition to Share Results of ‘Muslims in America Policy Poll’

8/26/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26th, 2020
Contact: info@poligonnational.org


Poligon Education Fund Joins Muslim Coalition to Share Results of ‘Muslims in America Policy Poll’
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday a coalition of national Muslim organizations released the results of their pre-election “Muslims in America Policy Poll” – an online survey of 1,500 Muslims in America that highlights issue and policy priorities of the Muslim community just months before the 2020 General Election. 

READ THE SURVEY: https://www.poligonnational.org/resources.html

WATCH THE LIVESTREAM PRESENTATION: https://www.facebook.com/406859649705218/videos/600924637260465/

Highlights of survey results, announced at a livestream news conference, include:
  • In asking what general issues were the most pressing priorities for Muslim Americans, the poll found civil rights (over 80%) was the greatest priority followed by healthcare (over 65%); education; foreign policy; immigration; climate change, energy, and the environment; economy, national security; and other.
  • American Muslims have prioritize issue areas similarly to non-Muslim allies such as Civil Rights and Healthcare.
  • Over 60% of Muslim respondents would like to see policy changes to the Muslim Ban, which allows vast immigration restrictions for travelers from several Muslim-predominate countries.
  • Over 45% of Muslim respondents would like to see policy changes in these four areas: international humanitarian, religious discrimination, Medicare for all, and gun control.
  • Among the various age groups examined, most ages agreed they would like to see a policy change to the Muslim Ban. Over 75% of seventy and over age group of Muslim respondents agree that they want to see a policy change with the Muslim Ban.
  • In the key battleground states of Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, heading into the election — the issues of Civil Rights, Healthcare, Immigration and Education prove to be the biggest issue area of concern for Muslims.
The report also noted that in a separate voter report published by Emgage, just from Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia alone Muslim turnout jumped from about 130,000 votes to over 285,000 from 2014 to 2018.
 
Report sponsors plan to use the results of this report to engage candidates, elected officials, to advocate for policy reforms that serve the best interests of the Muslim community in America.

ABOUT THE POLL:
 
The poll’s 1500 respondents reflected a snapshot of the diverse Muslim community— comprising of African American/Black, Arab/Middle Eastern, South Asians and White community members from over 45 states.
 
The poll was conducted online over the course of January 2020-June 2020, just ahead of the November elections. The poll’s responses that survey participants could choose from on “pressing policy issues” and “policy changes” that respondents wanted to see were predetermined and presented without any politicizing context.
 
The highest percentage of participants of the survey were between the ages of 40-54 (21%) and 55-69 (17%). In contrast, the lowest percentage of respondents were under the age of 18. The poll was conducted online over the course of January 2020-June 2020, just ahead of the November elections.
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LIVESTREAM: "Muslims in America Policy Poll," What Muslims Want Heading into the 2020 General Election

8/25/2020

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LIVESTREAM: "Muslims in America Policy Poll," What Muslims Want Heading into the 2020 General Election

​Washington, D.C. - Today a coalition of national Muslim organizations will release the results of their pre-election “Muslims in America Policy Poll” - an online survey of 1,500 Muslims in America that highlights issue and policy priorities of the Muslim community just months before the 2020 General Election.
Join national Muslim organizations live today, Tuesday August 25 at 12 p.m. (ET) to learn more about what priority policies American Muslims - especially those in key battleground states - would like to see addressed in the upcoming election.

Watch the Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational/live/ 
[NOTE: Please submit your questions to aajeen@cair.com]

Poll results will answer:
  • What are the most important issues for Muslims?
  • What are the policy changes Muslims would like to see?
  • How Muslims views differ by key battleground states (PA, WI, FL, MI)?

The poll was created and distributed through a partnership of Muslim organizations including America Indivisible, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Emgage USA, Jetpac, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), MPower Change and Poligon Education Fund — consolidating efforts to educate and mobilize a Muslim constituency. 
​
Speakers include: 
Robert S. McCaw, CAIR Director of Government Affairs Department
Ishraq Ali, MPower Change, Organizing Director
Zayn Hasan, Poligon Education Fund, Legislative Fellow
Mohammed Missouri, Jetpac Executive Director
Aysha Ahmed, Deputy Organizing Director, Emgage Action
Lida Azim, Program Director, America Indivisible 
Adam Beddawi, Policy Analyst, Muslim Public Affairs Council
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Poligon Education Fund Applauds House Passage of NO BAN Act

7/22/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22nd, 2020

​Contact: info@poligonnational.org


Poligon Education Fund Applauds House Passage of NO BAN Act

Washington, D.C. - Poligon commends the House of Representatives for passing the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or NO BAN Act today. The bill repeals the Muslim travel bans and imposes limitations on the President’s authority to suspend or restrict immigrants from entering the U.S. and prohibits religious discrimination in immigration-related decisions without statuatory basis. 

Poligon Board President, Wardah Khalid, issued the following statement:

“Today is a historic day. Over a year after the NO BAN Act was introduced, the House finally passed this important legislation. Innocent families have been separated for three and a half years due to this Islamophobic and racist ban, and it is encouraging to see American lawmakers take a step towards ending this cruel policy. This has been a monumental, multi-year effort by diverse advocates and everyday Americans working with Members of Congress to raise awareness about the issue, write the legislation, and gather co-sponsors. For some, this was the first time they ever engaged with Congress. 

"While I'm disappointed that the bill did not end up having more Republican support (discrimination against a faith group should not be a partisan issue), I'm pleased that it passed today. In this time of uncertainty, it is crucial that we come together and unite, rather than give into fear and divisive ideas. We look forward to working with the Senate on this legislation and continuing to build our community engagement with the political system to ensure that all people, regardless of background, are treated equally by the law and can live in prosperity.”

The Muslim Ban was President Donald Trump’s first action upon taking office. He made clear that his intentions were bigoted, claiming he wanted a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”

For Poligon’s previous statements surrounding the Muslim Ban, please click here.

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Poligon Education Fund is a national non profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening Muslim American engagement with Congress through research, education, and advocacy. Learn more at www.poligonnational.org.

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Poligon Education Fund Welcomes Upcoming House Vote to Repeal Trump’s Muslim Ban

7/14/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14th, 2020
Contact: info@poligonnational.org

​Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives announced Monday that it will be voting on the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act or NO BAN Act, on Wednesday, July 22nd. The vote was delayed from the initial date in March, due to COVID-19. 

Poligon Board President, Wardah Khalid, issued the following statement: 

“Poligon Education Fund is excited to see the NO BAN Act finally being put to a vote in Congress. For over three and a half years, families have been separated due to this cruel and un-American ban. The NO BAN Act repeals those bans and places limitations the President’s authority to restrict immigration, as well as prohibit religious discrimination when issuing visas. The House of Representatives must pass the NO BAN Act next week. This is a chance to prove that America will not stand for racist policies that discriminate against individuals because of their ethnicity or religion.”

Poligon has worked tirelessly to advocate for this legislation since before it was even introduced, working in coalition to draft the bill, meeting with House members to educate and urge them to cosponsor the bill, and working in coalition to collect over 150,000 signatures in support of the NO BAN Act. Monday’s announcement is a win for civil rights and a major step towards ending this unjust travel ban.
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Poligon Education Fund Marks 2nd Anniversary of SCOTUS Decision to Uphold the Muslim Ban

6/26/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2020
Contact: info@poligonnational.org

Poligon Education Fund Marks 2nd Anniversary of SCOTUS Decision to Uphold the Muslim Ban
Urges Congress to Pass the NO BAN Act 
Washington, D.C. - 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.

Poligon Board President Wardah Khalid issued the following statement on the anniversary:
“The hate-fueled Muslim Ban, which has now extended into an Africa Ban, was introduced by this administration as a symbol of racism, religious discrimination, and white supremacy. Three and a half years since the first Muslim and refugee ban was enacted, countless families remain separated due to this policy, and U.S. refugee resettlement numbers continue to drop to historic lows. Congress must end this immoral anti-Muslim and anti-Black ban by passing the NO BAN Act now.”
​

The NO BAN Act, introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27) in the House and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in the Senate, prohibits religious discrimination when issuing visas to immigrants seeking to travel to the United States of America. Poligon has worked tirelessly in coalition to introduce and push forward this legislation and looks forward to the day when this unethical and un-American ban is repealed. 


Poligon Education Fund is a non profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening Muslim American engagement with Congress through research, education, and advocacy. Learn more at www.poligonnational.org.


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Poligon Condemns Anti-Black Police Brutality And Racism

5/29/2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2020
Contact: info@poligonnational.org

Poligon Education Fund Condemns Anti-Black Police Brutality and Racism, Urges Congress to Take Action
Washington, D.C. - Poligon Education Fund strongly condemns the recent incidents of police brutality against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbury. These acts of violence by law enforcement officials are inexcusable as are the discrimination, institutional racism, and abuses of power that have targeted Black people across the nation for far too long. This is highly concerning for our community, as African Americans and Blacks represent 25% of the American Muslim population.

We urge Congress to act now and pass H.R. 4408, the Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act, to prohibit police chokeholds and other harmful tactics that result in asphyxiation. We are also supportive of the House Judiciary Committee's demands that the Department of Justice open an investigation into the deaths of Floyd, Taylor, and Arbury.

In a country that boasts itself as being the land of equality and freedom, it is unacceptable that a police officer meant to protect their community can unlawfully murder a man and not be prosecuted by the law. We stand with our Black brothers and sisters in Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia, and across the country who are hurting deeply in this moment. To do so is a religious obligation for Muslims, as the Quran clearly states, "Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God." (Quran 4:15).
What is happening in our country right now is nothing less than brutal injustice. Poligon will continue to work with our communities and lawmakers in Congress to oppose and rectify it. 

Source: Who Are American Muslims: ISPU. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.ispu.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Who-Are-American-Muslims.pdf
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Poligon Education Fund

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