(SEATTLE, WA, 2/14/19) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Washington (CAIR-WA), condemned President Trump’s planned emergency declaration to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and said it’s “more crucial than ever” to support immigrant communities at the state and local level.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said today that Trump will sign legislation to prevent a government shutdown while at the same time declaring a national emergency to try to build the border wall.
READ MORE: CAIR Condemns Trumps Planned Border Wall Emergency Declaration as Abuse of Executive Authority
In response to the planned emergency declaration, CAIR-WA Executive Director Masih Fouladi said:
“This abuse of Executive power is motivated by Trumps upcoming 2020 campaign,” said Fouladi. “That’s why it’s more crucial than ever that we engage politically at the state and local level to protect immigrant communities and communities of color.”
Bills like Keep Washington Working–which is part of CAIR-WA’s legislative agenda this session–restrict the use of state resources to further the Federal government’s immigration enforcement activities and ensures that schools, hospitals, courthouses and shelters are safe place for immigrant families.
“Real people suffer from decisions and policies by the administration – whether the government shutdown or the Muslim Ban,” said Aneelah Afzali, Executive Director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS-AMEN). “During these times of crisis, it’s up to us in the community to help and protect each other. Our Muslim faith requires that we help those in need and it’s good to see these examples of faith in action. We hope the government shutdown ends soon, but regardless, we will continue to serve those in need.”
CAIR 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. CAIR has repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic, white supremacist and racist Trump administration policies and appointments.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Stuteville, CAIR-WA Media Director, sstuteville@cair.com , 206-403-3931