MEDIA ADVISORY
CAIR-NJ to Join New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Rally in Trenton
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 6/21/2022) – On Wednesday, June 22, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) will join a coalition of pro-immigration groups at a rally on the steps of the State House Annex in Trenton, N.J., to urge lawmakers to use surplus funds to invest in communities most impacted by economic and social consequences of the pandemic.
Coalition groups will also draw attention to the contrast between the size of New Jersey’s immigrant communities and their relatively small share of budget and policy priorities.
June is immigrant heritage month and the time of year when the state budget negotiations reach their conclusion. Coalition members and community speakers will cover topics from economy, pandemic relief, police reform and accountability, and protections against ICE.
WHAT: Rally to urge Trenton to use surplus to invest in communities most impacted by economic and social consequences of the pandemic
WHEN: June 22, at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: State House Annex at 131-137 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 908-267-3119, smaksut@cair.com
SEE: NJAIJ Immigrant Heritage Rally
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UOHX7cJRGfboLNr9nLAmaW8vJne4TVPROR-JujYZ4Ik/edit
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Although Muslims are not new to America — the first Muslims were brought to America as enslaved people — we, along with many other communities of color, continue to be misrepresented and underrepresented.
“American Muslim communities fall at the intersection of Black America, immigrant America, and working-class America, yet census data consistently undercounts and misrepresents our diversity.
“We are disappointed in the data aggregation surrounding our communities, which ultimately leads to a disproportionate share of state budget and policy priority being taken away, but we are hopeful in our power and numbers.
“We are proud to witness the impact of our sisters and brothers, and we will continue to fight for better representation, whether that’s in the many pockets of public life or census data.”
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.
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