SALDEF Policy Roundup: Defending Rights, Securing Places of Worship, and Shaping Policy Nationwide
Your continued support enables SALDEF to protect Sikh American rights and values at the national level, in state legislatures, and in your community. Here’s the latest on the policy front:
National Advocacy
DEFENDING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
What’s Happening:
A recent Executive Order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship for the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders.
Legal Status:
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on May 15, 2025, following consolidation with Trump v. Casa, Inc. and Trump v. New Jersey. Watch the hearing here.
SALDEF Action:
We joined a national amicus brief opposing the order, defending birthright citizenship as a constitutional guarantee essential to Asian American communities and American democracy.
Why It Matters:
This policy echoes the discriminatory legacy of United States v. Thind, when Indian immigrants were stripped of citizenship. SALDEF is standing firm with allies to ensure these injustices are never repeated.
IMPROVING HATE CRIME REPORTING
What’s Happening:
The Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act (IRPHA) requires the Department of Justice to monitor localities’ hate crime data reporting—and educate areas that fall short. Communities failing to improve may risk losing federal funding.
Legislative Status:
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee—awaiting a vote.
SALDEF Action:
We proudly endorsed IRPHA and were named among leading civil rights advocates during its formal reintroduction.
Why It Matters:
FBI data shows Sikh Americans are the most targeted religious group in hate crimes per capita. Yet local law enforcement often underreports or fails to report these incidents. This bill ensures better data and more resources to protect our community.
Call to Action:
If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime or bias incident, you’re not alone. Our team is here to support you.
➡️ Read our guide: A Guide to Responding to and Reporting Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents Against Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
State Level Wins for Our Sangat
VA HB 2594: Securing Gurdwaras and Places of Worship
- Summary: Requires Virginia to train law enforcement and private security on the unique needs of religious spaces, including gurdwaras.
- Status: Signed into law on April 2, 2025.
- SALDEF Action: Led coordinated civil rights endorsements to support JJ Singh’s house of worship security bill in VA.
- Impact: Enhances cultural sensitivity and ensures gurdwaras are protected by informed law enforcement.
CA SB 509: Combating Transnational Repression (TNR)
- Summary: Requires TNR recognition and response training for CA law enforcement.
- Status: Passed Senate committees; pending vote in Appropriations.
- SALDEF Action: Direct advocacy to CA state senators and coalition-building across civil rights groups.
- Impact: Protects Sikh Americans and other diaspora communities from foreign surveillance and intimidation.
➡️ Call to Action: California residents—email your State Senator today using our quick form: www.saldef.org/takeaction
California Department of Corrections: Religious Headwear Policy Win
- Summary: New policy allows religious headwear like dastaars to be worn during prison visits, with clear and respectful screening procedures.
- Status: Memo issued April 22, 2025. Training for staff mandated within 90 days.
- SALDEF Action: SALDEF led successful advocacy urging the California Department of Corrections to revise its visitor policy—now explicitly protecting the right to wear religious headwear, like the Sikh dastaar. Under the new policy, headwear can only be inspected after a failed screening and must be done privately and respectfully.
- Impact: Ends confusion and discrimination against visitors with religious clothing—especially Sikh visitors wearing dastaars.
LOOKING AHEAD: HELP POWER OUR 2025 ADVOCACY
With your partnership, SALDEF will continue advancing bold, community-driven policy work in 2025. Here’s where we’re headed—and where your support is needed most:
- Tracking and preventing hate crimes with stronger data, systems, and community response
- Combating transnational repression and caste discrimination that threaten civil liberties
- Defending humane immigration policies that keep families together
- Holding social media platforms accountable as deregulation fuels hate speech
- Strengthening our democracy through civic education and Sikh American empowerment
These fights are urgent. Your support ensures we have the resources to lead them. Donate today to keep this work moving forward.
Thank you for standing with us. Your commitment allows SALDEF to fight for policies that safeguard our rights and tell the truth about our community’s experiences.