CAIR-NJ Leads Dozens at Congressional Meetings Urging Civil Rights Protections During 10th Annual #MuslimHillDay
(Newark, NJ – 5/1/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) recently met with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to raise concerns about civil rights, discriminatory legislation, and international human rights violations affecting Muslims and other marginalized communities.
The delegation of more than 50 people was led by the CAIR-New Jersey team to engage in dialogue with members of Congress to advocate for stronger protections for nonprofits, ensure discriminatory travel bans do not return, and demand accountability for global human rights abuses, particularly in Gaza, Sudan, China, and Burma.
The New Jersey delegation included student activists, community organizers, and religious leaders who marked the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. CAIR-New Jersey scheduled 10 meetings on April 28 and April 29 at Congress members’ offices.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Associate Maheen Mumtaz said:
“CAIR-New Jersey was proud to urge our representatives to protect free speech for individuals and nonprofits and to oppose harmful policies such as the Muslim travel ban. Additionally, we called on them to take stronger action to end the persecution of Muslims worldwide, including in Palestine, Sudan, China, and Burma.
Our united message echoed powerfully through the halls of Congress. We will continue building on this momentum and strengthen our collective impact.”
Stopping the “Nonprofit Killer Bill”
CAIR-NJ voiced strong opposition to the reintroduction of several bills in the new session of Congress —H.R. 6408, S. 4136, and H.R. 9495— warning that these measures could unjustly target nonprofit organizations. Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of the Treasury would be granted broad authority to revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status based on mere suspicion of terror affiliation, without the need for substantive evidence.
“These bills threaten to erode the fundamental civil liberties of nonprofit organizations, including many that serve marginalized and underserved communities. The presumption of guilt without due process is deeply troubling and unconstitutional.
“We urge Congress to reject these proposals and instead pursue policies that protect both national security and civil rights,” Mumtaz continued.
Opposing the Return of Discriminatory Travel Bans
CAIR-NJ also expressed concerns about efforts to reinstate or reintroduce travel bans that previously targeted Muslim-majority and African nations. These bans separated families, prevented access to medical care and education, and fueled anti-Muslim and xenophobic sentiments nationwide.
Human Rights Advocacy Abroad
The delegation further called on lawmakers to support robust action against ongoing human rights violations worldwide, including the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, the military repression in Sudan and Burma, and the surveillance and internment of Uyghur Muslims in China.
CAIR-NJ emphasized the role of U.S. foreign policy in either perpetuating or preventing these abuses and urged Congress to end military and financial support for regimes implicated in violations of international law.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com
