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CAIR-New Jersey Calls for Dismissal of ICE Spokesman With Ties to Anti-Muslim Hate Groups
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR New Jersey Calls for Dismissal of ICE Spokesman With Ties to Anti-Muslim Hate Groups
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 8/6/2018) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), today called for the dismissal of New Jersey’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman who has ties to anti-Muslim hate groups and designated Islamophobes.
According to an investigation by Star-Ledger and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Emilio Karim Dabul, the spokesman for the state’s ICE office, previously edited and wrote for anti-Muslim hate groups including ACT for America and David Horowitz Freedom Center.
“It is unacceptable for someone with ties to known Islamophobes and anti-Muslim hate groups to speak on behalf of a government agency such as ICE,” said James Sues, executive director of CAIR-NJ. “We call for Emilio Karim Dabul’s immediate dismissal and will consider his continued employment as ICE’s acceptance of Islamophobia.”
SEE: ICE's spokesman in N.J. has disturbing ties to hate groups
ACT for America has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). “Brigitte Gabriel,” the anti-Muslim group’s founder, has argued that, “America is at stage two Islamic Cancer.” She believes “every practicing Muslim is a radical Muslim,” a Muslim “cannot be a loyal citizen of the United States,” and that Arabs “have no soul.” [NOTE: “Brigitte Gabriel” is also known as Hanah Kahwagi Tudor and Brigitte Tudor.]
In the past, CAIR released two short videos exposing ACT for America’s bigotry and its links to White supremacist organizations.
SEE: CAIR Releases Videos Exposing Anti-Muslim Hate Group ACT for America’s Bigotry, Links to White Supremacist Organizations
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: ACT For America
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-organizations/36-act-for-america.html
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: Brigitte Gabriel
In addition to being an editor for Gabriel, Dabul wrote for David Horowitz Freedom Center’s publication, FrontPage Magazine. According to the SPLC, Horowitz works closely with Pamella Geller to help her fund the designated anti-Muslim group, Stop Islamization of America.
Both Gabriel and Horowitz are listed as members of the nation’s "Anti-Muslim Inner Circle," according to the SPLC.
Dabul has also praised and defended anti-Muslim activist Steven Emmerson.
An Arab-American Thanks Steve Emerson
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_neTsm-RNc
While Emmerson self-describes as an “expert on terrorism,” he previously accused Gov. Chris Christie of having a “strange relationship with radical Islam” and claimed that the Oklahoma City bomber’s attack in 1995 showed “a Middle Eastern trait.”
The Center for American Progress (CAP) classifies Emmerson’s group, the Investigative Project on Terrorism, as part of “the Islamophobia network in America.”
Yesterday, CAIR-Georgia welcomed Anti-Iranian Judge Sharon Dickson's decision to step down from the Municipal Court of Sandy Springs after she made bigoted comments in the courtroom.
SEE: CAIR-Georgia Welcomes City's Decision to Overturn Jail Sentence Imposed by Anti-Iranian Judge
Recently, CAIR has also called for the dismissals of Interior Secretary Zinke’s former spokeswoman Faith Vander Voort and top Trump appointee of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Thayer Verschoor.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Interior Secretary Zinke to Drop Spokeswoman Who Claimed a Muslim Can’t Be President
SEE: CAIR Calls for Firing of VA Official Who Spread Conspiracy Theories, Islamophobic Comments
Last June, CAIR applauded the decision by members of the United Nation’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) to reject President Trump’s nominee for the position of director general to lead the organization because of his history of Islamophobic statements.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Rejection of Trump’s Islamophobic Nominee for U.N. Migration Post
https://www.cair.com/cair_welcomes_rejection_of_trump_s_islamophobic_nominee_for_u_n_migration_post
CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president. The Washington-based civil rights organization has also repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic and racist Trump administration policies and appointments.
The Washington-based organization’s recently-released 2018 Civil Rights Report, “Targeted,” showed a 17 percent increase in bias-motivated incidents against American Muslims from 2016 to 2017, and a 15 percent increase in the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in that same time period.
SEE: CAIR 2018 Civil Rights Report: Targeted
CAIR 2018 Civil Rights Report: Targeted
http://www.islamophobia.org/reports/224-2018-civil-rights-report-targeted.html
Community members are being urged to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR-NJ's Civil Rights Department at 908-668-5900 or by going to: https://nj.cair.com/your-rights/report-an-incident.html
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CAIR-New Jersey Joins in Condemnation of Racist ‘Turban Man’ Reference to AG Gurbir Grewal by Radio Hosts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., 7/26/2018) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today joined Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Corey Booker in condemning the hateful rhetoric coming from NJ 101.5 radio hosts Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco, who referred to NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal as “Turban Man” on air yesterday.
The hosts of the “Dennis and Judi” radio show repeatedly referred to the attorney general as “Turban Man” and “the guy with the turban” during a discussion on proposals to decriminalize marijuana in New Jersey. On Wednesday night, the radio hosts were suspended by the station until further notice.
SEE: NJ 101.5 Suspends Hosts After They Called NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal 'Turban Man'
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2018/07/25/attorney-general-grewal-called-turban-man-nj-radio-hosts/838984002/?csp=chromepush
Dennis Malloy, Judi Franco Off New Jersey 101.5 Until Further Notice
http://nj1015.com/dennis-malloy-judi-franco-off-new-jersey-101-5-until-further-notice/
“The mockery of religious attire in a public forum cannot be tolerated in a state in which religious and cultural diversity are celebrated and vigorously defended,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues. “These bigoted comments are a symptom of the legitimization of hateful rhetoric nationwide that has occurred under the Trump administration. We applaud Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Corey Booker for their courage and leadership in taking a stand against hate.”
Grewal who is Sikh and, as such, wears a turban was appointed by Phil Murphy to be New Jersey’s Attorney General earlier in the year. He is the first Sikh American to be appointed to a cabinet post in the State of New Jersey.
[NOTE: Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.]
CAIR and the American Muslim community have in the past expressed solidarity with Jewish, Christian, Native American, African-American, and Sikh communities in New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and other states following acts of hate, threats, violence, vandalism, arson, or bombings.
CAIR recently released a report documenting an unprecedented rise in bias-motivated incidents targeting American Muslims linked to Trump’s election.
SEE: CAIR's 2018 Civil Rights Report Offers Data on Impact of Growing Anti-Muslim Bias
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CAIR-New Jersey Condemns Distribution of White Supremacist Fliers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR-New Jersey Condemns Distribution of White Supremacist Fliers
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 7/18/2018)—The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the distribution of fliers promoting the white supremacist group Identity Evropa in Bridgewater, Somerville, Morristown, and surrounding areas.
Residents first learned of the fliers through an online photo of a utility pole plastered with an Identity Evropa poster, which read: “Our Generation, Our Future, Our Last Chance.” Pamphlets and fliers promoting the group’s racist ideology have been found on vehicles and in the Bridgewater mall.
“The promotion of a racist and white supremacist group should not be tolerated in our communities,” said James Sues, executive director of CAIR-NJ. “These fliers are a symptom of the spread of white supremacist ideology nationwide that has occurred under the Trump administration. While we condemn the distribution of these fliers, we also stand with the local residents who took action to reject Identity Evropa’s presence in our state.”
CAIR said it has witnessed an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
The Washington-based civil rights organization has also repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic and white supremacist Trump administration policies and appointments.
CAIR recently released a report documenting an unprecedented rise in bias-motivated incidents linked to Trump’s election.
SEE: CAIR's 2018 Civil Rights Report Offers Data on Impact of Growing Anti-Muslim Bias
This past April, CAIR-NJ condemned the racist vandalism of a campaign poster with a Nazi swastika in South Plainfield.
SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Racist Vandalism Targeting Campaign Poster in Newark
CAIR has also noted an increasing unity between white supremacy groups such as Identity Evropa and anti-Muslim organizations like ACT for America. Members of the group attended a series of rallies hosted by ACT for America, where an Identity Evropa banner called for an “End to Islamic Immigration.”
SEE: CAIR Urges Cities to Boost Security for Next Wave of Nationwide Hate Rallies on September 9
The Hate that ACT for America Wrought
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON MUSLIM BAN 3.0: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
On June 26, 2018 the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in support of Trump’s bigoted Muslim Ban. This is bad but we will keep fighting. It’s more important than ever to know your rights despite this decision. Since December 4, 2017, the Muslim Ban has been in full effect for certain individuals from: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. All are facing difficulty in their applications for visas to be united with family, study in the U.S., get medical treatment, or visit for tourism.
In this advisory we cover the current status of the Muslim Ban, who is impacted, as well as information about the so-called waiver process. Please note that this information is subject to change based on the various legal challenges. We will update you should changes happen.
Timing
The Supreme Court allowed Muslim Ban 3.0 to go into effect on December 4, 2017. On June 26, 2018 the Supreme Court issued a decision allowing the Muslim Ban to remain in effect.
Who Is Impacted?
Certain nationals of seven countries – Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Muslim Ban 3.0 only applies to individuals who are:
Outside of the U.S. on the effective date,
Who did not have a valid visa on that date, and
Who have not obtained a waiver (discussed below).
Muslim Ban 3.0 Does NOT Apply To:
U.S. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
People admitted or paroled into the U.S. on or after the effective date of the new Muslim Ban;
People with a document other than a visa that allows them to travel to the U.S., if the document is dated on or after the effective date of the new Muslim Ban;
Dual-nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country;
People who have been granted asylum by the U.S.;
Refugees already admitted to the U.S.; or
Individuals granted withholding of removal, advance parole, or protection under the Convention against Torture.
Unlike past decisions, this decision does NOT allow for an exception for “Bona Fide Relationships” (i.e. close family ties such as a parent, spouse, child, sister, brother, fiancé(e), etc.)
Details on Impacted Countries
Iran
All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are suspended for Iranian nationals except for those with F, J, or M visas.
Those with F, J, or M visas will most likely be subject to heightened screening.
Libya
All immigrants and nonimmigrant visas, including business (B-1), tourist (B-2), business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are suspended for Libyan nationals.
Somalia
All immigrant visas are suspended for Somali nationals.
Non-immigrant visas are permitted, subjected to heightened screening.
Syria
All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for for Syrian nationals are suspended.
Yemen
All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are suspended for Yemeni nationals.
North Korea
All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are suspended for North Korean nationals
Venezuela
Visa issuance for officials of government agencies of Venezuela involved in screening and vetting procedures and their immediate family members, as nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, is suspended. Additionally, nationals of Venezuela who are visa holders are subject to heightened screening.
Venezuelans traveling on diplomatic visas are not affected by this order.
Waivers Seeking an Exception to Muslim Ban 3.0
A “waiver” is permission to obtain a U.S. visa, even though the Muslim Ban says you are not eligible to get one. Muslim Ban 3.0 states that banned individuals can ask for a waiver to request an exception that would allow the visa to be issued as long as they can show that:
Denying entry would cause the visa applicant undue hardship;
Entry to the U.S. would not pose a threat to the national security or public safety of the U.S.; and
Entry would be in the national interest of the U.S.
The law states that a consular officer or Customs and Border Protection official has the authority to grant a waiver on a case-by-case-basis. The law also lists several examples where a waiver can be granted (such as needing urgent medical care, reuniting with immediate family members in the U.S., business ties etc.).
Unfortunately the waiver process has been very unclear and applied unevenly. The government has provided very little guidance on the waiver process. Here are some trends we have seen:
There is no formal process to request a waiver. There is no available form online to fill out. Any documents submitted to the consulate outlining why you qualify for a waiver may or may not be accepted.
Many consulates have been notifying individuals that either:
The consulate is denying the waiver for their case, stating that the visa is “refused under 212(f)”:
In this case, there is no appeal process for the decision. Many individuals are submitting waiver requests, however, it is unclear if they are being accepted.
The consulate is considering their case for a waiver:
In this case, the consulate may or may not ask you about the above criteria in the interview; the consulate may or may not accept a written letter outlining why you meet the above criteria either during your interview or if you try to email/mail it in; the consulate may or may not refer your case to Washington D.C.
If you have an upcoming interview before a consulate please seek legal advice about the waiver process.
As of May 15, 2018, 655 waivers have been confirmed to have been granted since the Ban went into effect. At this point it is very unclear how these cases will be processed and what the next step is until the government issues more guidance. Information around waivers can change very quickly, so seek legal help (while watching out for scams) and please check back frequently.
How to Get Legal Help
Contact CAIR-NJ if:
You or someone you know is impacted by this Muslim Ban and would like free legal advice or assistance;
Your community would like to request a “Know Your Rights” presentation.
CAIR New Jersey:
908-668-5900 or http://nj.cair.com/your-rights/report-an-incident.html
CAIR-NJ, American Muslims for Palestine Partner to Seek Peace and Justice for People of Gaza
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 6/5/2018) – The New Jersey chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) today announced that they have formed a joint task force to work with elected officials in an effort to seek peace and justice for the people of the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, May 30, the two organizations joined a coalition of groups to hold a demonstration outside the Newark, N.J., offices of Senators Corey Booker and Robert Menendez to call on those elected officials to condemn the recent mass killings in Gaza.
The coalition delivered a letter to each of the senators to call on them to condemn Israel’s actions in shooting civilians and met jointly with the staffs of both Senators to voice concerns and discuss ways to move forward.
SEE: Activists urge Cory Booker, Bob Menendez to speak out on Gaza killings
“We need to make sure this dialogue in support of peace and justice continues,” CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues. “We need to let our elected officials know that the atrocities committed in Gaza cannot be tolerated, thereby demonstrating that America will be a beacon of hope for the oppressed.”
“American political discourse has generally been void of effective advocacy for the people of Gaza, and broader Palestine,” stated AMP-NJ Government Relations Director Wassim Kanaan. “This partnership, coupled with the embracing of these efforts by our elected officials, will ensure that Americans who stand for justice in Palestine will be heard and counted.”
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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