SALDEF’s Advocacy Makes Major Strides on Capitol Hill

Positive Developments:

• Bipartisan Support: Our efforts to engage lawmakers continue to yield positive results. We’re excited to announce that Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL) and Kevin Mullin (CA) have joined the ranks of co-sponsors for the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This growing bipartisan support demonstrates the increasing recognition of this crucial issue and support for the Sikh American community, and is a direct result of SALDEF’s lobbying.

• This morning, the timely hearing, “India: Recent Human Rights Reporting” hosted by The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, served as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about human rights abuses faced by Sikhs in India and their impact on Sikh Americans. SALDEF submitted a written testimony to the committee to highlight these concerns.

Take Action: Urge President Biden and his administration to prioritize addressing transnational repression and its impact on Sikh Americans and all American communities. By advocating for policies and legislation that counter transnational repression, we can ensure that Sikh Americans can live and thrive in America without fear, free from the shadows of foreign intimidation.

With reports of Sikh Americans facing specific instances of transnational repression, including threats, harassment, and even attempted violence, we must work to expose these threats, advocate for justice, and ensure the safety and security of the Sikh American community.  Together, we can ensure that the Administration understands the immediate concerns of the Sikh community and also the broader implications for American democracy.