Government & Politics

How Arabs and Muslims helped Biden win Michigan and the White House Election data shows increase in turnout in Arab and Muslim communities that overwhelmingly favoured Biden in the presidential race

(Middle East Eye) In one of his first decrees as president in 2017, Donald Trump signed an executive order banning travellers from several Arab, Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. Less than four years later, Arab and Muslim communities in Michigan […]

Government & Politics

‘We don’t have much of a choice’: Florida’s Muslim voters disenfranchised by both parties In largest swing state, most voter advocacy taking place is for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, but not everyone is happy about it

(Middle East Eye) As the US November elections edge closer, much of the nation’s attention has zeroed in on swing states, with some, such as Florida, set to be battlegrounds that may determine the outcome. While there are only about 3.45 million […]

Crime

Joe Biden says Muslims would serve ‘at every level’ in his administration Speaking to Muslim-American advocacy group, Biden reiterates pledge to repeal Trump's 'Muslim ban' on day one of his presidency

(Middle East Eye) Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden vowed Muslim Americans would be included in every social and political aspect in his administration, and reiterated his pledge to repeal President Donald Trump’s “Muslim ban” on his first day in office. In a […]

Government & Politics

Muslim Voices for Trump event cut short after being ‘Zoom bombed’ by activists The call had to be abandoned less than 20 minutes in when it turned into a disorderly free-for-all

(Middle East Eye) An online event organised by “Muslim Voices for Trump” descended into chaos late on Tuesday when activists infiltrated the call in another case of the new viral threat termed “Zoom bombing.” The call, arranged by US President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in […]

Government & Politics

‘Out-vote the hate’: Tlaib and Omar call for large Muslim turnout At virtual event hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders, the congresswomen and other prominent US Muslims called for 'historic' turnout to defeat Trump

(Middle East Eye) Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar along with other prominent Muslim Americans have called for high voter turnout from their community to push back against bigotry and defeat President Donald Trump in next month’s election. Speaking at a virtual […]

Crime

Joe Biden’s plan for Arab Americans: Six takeaways The Biden campaign released a platform addressing domestic and foreign policy issues that affect Arab Americans; here's what's in it

(Middle East Eye) US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has released a comprehensive platform outlining his plans for the Arab-American community, emphasising commitment to civil rights and prosperity at home as well as a more balanced foreign policy in the Middle East. […]

Government & Politics

Muslim-American groups mobilise to get voters registered for election day Organisations are aiming to register Muslim voters ahead of November's presidential election

(Middle East Eye) Muslim-American activists are rallying across the country on Friday in an attempt to ensure every eligible voter from the faith group is registered for November’s presidential election. MPower Change, which bills itself as the biggest Muslim digital advocacy organisation in the […]

Government & Politics

Biden aides apologise privately over attack on Linda Sarsour In a private call with community activists, a recording of which was obtained by MEE, Biden campaign officials said statements against Sarsour were an 'egregious misstep'

(Middle East Eye) Top aides to presidential candidate Joe Biden have apologised to Arab and Muslim Democrats over an attack on Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour by the campaign, in an effort to quell anger over the controversy. In a private call with […]

Government & Politics

Biden campaign’s attacks on Linda Sarsour alienate Muslim voters, activists say Muslim advocates say the campaign's statement against Sarsour shows disregard for Muslim voters who may play key role in November's election

(Middle East Eye) Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour offered advice to the Democrats on Tuesday on how to engage Muslim voters: ensure representation, treat Muslims as a decisive voting bloc in swing states and reach out to them in their communities. “The Democratic […]

Government & Politics

‘Dismantle’ racism: Muslim-American Democrats issue platform proposals Coalition of Muslim Democratic delegates puts forward list of recommendations including ending surveillance programmes and US aid to Israel

(Middle East Eye) In 2016, the Democratic Party’s platform sounded an alarm on the harm that a Donald Trump presidency would cause by outlining potential damages to different communities targeted by the then-Republican nominee’s proposals. “The stakes have been high in previous […]

Government & Politics

Ilhan Omar campaign mailer accuses opponent of being ‘in the pocket of Wall Street’ and only quotes Jewish donors by name The mailer references three Jewish donors, plus 'Michael, a donor from Scarsdale, New York.'

(Vice) Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-Minn.) campaign recently sent out a mail piece ripping her primary opponent, attorney Antone Melton-Meaux, for the large donations he’s gotten from wealthy and moderate donors. The only donors to her opponent identified by name in the mailer […]

Discrimination & “Islamophobia”

House votes to repeal Trump travel ban

(Hill) The House passed legislation to repeal President Trump’s controversial travel ban in a 233-183 vote along party lines on Wednesday. The legislation — spearheaded by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and backed by 219 co-sponsors — includes language aimed at reining in […]

Government & Politics

Hosting Linda Sarsour, Engel challenger rails against congressman’s ‘uncritical’ support of Israel 'One is bad and one is outrageous,' Sarsour says of presidential candidates

(Jewish Insider) New York congressional candidate Andom Ghebreghiorgis hosted Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour on Wednesday evening for a digital town hall discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential platform. Details: Ghebreghiorgis, a 33-year-old activist from Mount Vernon, […]

Government & Politics

Bernie Sanders’ next-level outreach gives Muslims solid footing in presidential politics Candidates on both sides of the aisle have rarely formalized their attempts to draw in Muslims. Sanders has succeeded and lifted up an often-overlooked voter base.

(HuffPost) Super Tuesday saw former Vice President Joe Biden leap ahead in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) got knocked out of the lead. Despite the losses, the Sanders campaign has advanced how presidential candidates have […]

Government & Politics

Group of Palestinian Americans endorses Bernie Sanders for president Collection of activists and organisations says Sanders draws attention to the 'injustices of the occupation'

(Middle East Eye) A coalition of Palestinian-American activists and advocacy groups has endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for president, lauding the Democratic candidate as a “supporter of justice, equality and human rights for all, including the Palestinian people.” “We call upon all Palestinian […]

Government & Politics

Trump administration expands travel ban The White House placed restrictions on immigration from half a dozen additional countries, including Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.

(Politico) President Donald Trump will expand his contentious travel ban, placing new restrictions on six additional countries, just as he embarks on a tough reelection campaign where he will tout his hard-line stance on immigration. Immigrant visas will be suspended for citizens […]