SALDEF Marks Fourth Annual National AANHPI Mental Health Day

SALDEF Marks Fourth Annual National AANHPI Mental Health Day

On May 10, 2024, SALDEF is proud to join the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), the U.S Congress, and over a hundred community organizations, businesses, cities, and states across the country to commemorate the fourth annual National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day.

May 10 has been recognized as AANHPI Mental Health Day since 2010, when it was first proclaimed in the State of California. In 2021, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced the first congressional resolution to recognize May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day and last year, a Senate companion was introduced for the first time by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI). The congressional resolution calls upon members of Congress to promote national awareness of mental health issues unique to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and urges state and local health agencies across the nation to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for this population.

In the United States, AANHPIs have the lowest rate of mental health care utilization compared to other racial or ethnic groups, with only 36 percent of AANHPI adults with a mental illness receiving treatment in 2022. In recent years, suicide has been the leading cause of death for AANHPI youth ages 10 through 24 in the United States, and AANHPI youth are the only racial or ethnic group in this age category with this first leading cause of death. 

AANHPI Mental Health Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about mental health within the AANHPI community, leveraging resources for our community organizations, developing partnerships, and advocating for policies that increase access to culturally relevant mental health services.

We stand in solidarity with the AANHPI community and aim to destigmatize AANHPI mental health. We invite you to join us and NAAPIMHA in our collective movement to promote and redefine the mental health and well-being of AANHPI individuals and communities in the U.S.

Visit naapimha.org/resources for support.

Learn more: www.naapimha.org/aanhpimentalhealthday

SALDEF Marks Sixth Annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

On May 18, 2024, anti-bullying nonprofit Act To Change is rallying the nation in commemorating the sixth Annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. SALDEF is committed to ending bullying and hate in the AAPI community and is proud to join over 100 organizations and over 40 cities, states and jurisdictions in this movement.

Act To Change’s commemoration on May 18 is part of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and marks the birthday of Vincent Chin. In 1982, Chin was falsely blamed for the layoffs in the auto industry, and brutally murdered in a racial hate crime. He lost his life simply because he was Asian. Chin’s death launched the modern Asian American movement, and we’re proud to join Act To Change in continuing this movement.

America has a longstanding history of anti-AANHPI racism and violence, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese American internment camps, colonization of Hawaiian islands, post 9/11 stereotyping, COVID-19 fueled hate crimes, and the use of the harmful “model minority” myth. AAPIs are continually portrayed as the “perpetual foreigner” and AAPI youth grow up feeling the need to prove their Americanness. Queer children – especially trans, nonbinary and two-spirit youth – also often feel the need to hide or change their identities for safety and a sense of belonging.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a staggering rise in verbal and physical violence against people of AAPI descent, with nearly 11,500 incidents reported to Stop AAPI Hate. The most vulnerable communities, including youth and elders, bore the brunt of this violence, and AAPI youth continue to become targets of ridicule, social isolation and physical violence in schools. Cyberbullying is another worrying issue, contributing to low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. The Trevor Project reports that 40% of AAPI LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide.

The National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is a celebration of AAPI youth. AAPI youth continue to organize within their schools and communities, and fight bullying with awareness, art, creativity and compassion for each other. Act To Change’s Youth Ambassadors and Homeroom Anti-Bullying Workshop participants lead exceptional programming and workshops among their peers. AAPI youth grow up to become exceptional leaders, and inspire the nation.

We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, and publicly denounce all forms of bullying and hate. We invite you to join us and Act To Change in our collective movement against bullying and hate.

Visit acttochange.org/resources for support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 25, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

Dr. Bains’ bill protecting diaspora communities is a historic first for California

AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of
transnational repression.

(Sacramento, CA) April 22, 2024 – Dr. Jasmeet Bains’ (D-Delano) proposal to address transnational repression continues to move swiftly with unanimous and bipartisan support through the legislative process, passing out of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee.

“Foreign governments are increasingly attacking the rights of dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities – not just within their borders, but after those individuals make new homes in places where they should be safe, including within US borders.” Dr. Bains said. AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of transnational repression. The bill defines transnational repression in law, requires local law enforcement to develop training to recognize and respond to transnational repression, and asserts that the State of California has a policy of protecting communities from transnational repression. Transnational repression is any action by a foreign government that attacks or intimidates an individual outside its borders. The attacks can come in many forms, including extrajudicial killings, surveillance, cyberattacks, and online harassment.

“Transnational Repression is a unique and growing threat to an increasing number of diaspora communities including Sikh Americans, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian communities. Last year, the Sikh community witnessed two prominent cases, one resulting in the tragic death of a Sikh activist in Canada, and the other in an indictment of a perpetrator targeting a Sikh American,” said Kavneet Singh, Acting Executive Director of SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund).

In a coordinated attack on June 18, 2023, Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed outside a place of worship in Surrey, British Columbia. By September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of organizing the killing and stated that there was credible evidence of a link between the killers and agents of the Indian Government. United States law enforcement agencies thwarted an additional plot to murder an American Sikh, this time in New York City, in November 2023. The incident on United States soil also pointed to the credible involvement of the Indian Government. SALDEF, in their letter of support for AB 3027, calls the bill “a necessary effort by California to protect the lives of its residents from foreign authoritarian regimes and stop transnational repression.”

The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are also considering similar legislation on transnational repression this session. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-4) have both introduced bills in 2023, but no action has been taken on these bills since.

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will next consider the bill.

About SALDEF

SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Based in Washington D.C., SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more. SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. www.saldef.org

About State Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains 

Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2024

Contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

SALDEF & GA LEADERS MOURN TRAGIC DEATH OF SIKH MIGRANT IN GEORGIA IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTER

Civil Rights Organizations Urge for a More Humane Immigration Process

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) expresses deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Jaspal Singh, a 57-year-old Indian national, who passed away while in custody at the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia. 

The Folkston ICE Processing Center is operated by the GEO Group, a private prison company, that has a documented history of abuse and neglect for migrants in their facilities. SALDEF joins the Southern Poverty Law Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Atlanta), and Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes (SD-7) in urging federal policymakers to enact meaningful reforms that prioritize alternatives to detention and ensure the humane treatment of all individuals in immigration custody.

While the circumstances surrounding Mr. Singh’s death remain unclear, his passing raises serious concerns about the pattern of mistreatment of immigrants in detention facilities, particularly those run by private prison corporations like the GEO Group.

Kavneet Singh (Acting Executive Director of SALDEF):

“We are deeply saddened upon hearing of the tragic passing of Mr. Jaspal Singh,” said Kavneet Singh, Acting Executive Director at SALDEF. “Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. We call upon ICE and local prison authorities to fully investigate the causes and circumstances that led to this death, including if any abuses occurred, and provide a complete accounting of the events.”

State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes (GA SD-7):

“The death of Jaspal Singh in ICE custody is a tragedy fueled by a system with a troubling history,” said State Senator Nabilah Islam. “We must hold FIPC accountable for its ongoing human rights violations and ensure a humane immigration process that respects the dignity of all, especially those from marginalized communities like the Sikh American community.”

Meredyth Yoon (Litigation Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta):

“Mr. Singh’s untimely passing occurs within the context of the Folkston ICE Processing Center’s history of mistreating Indian nationals and Sikhs in particular. Tragically, Mr. Singh’s name joins a long list of more than 230 people who have died while in ICE custody since its creation in 2003.”

Maura Finn (Senior Lead Attorney – Southern Poverty Law Center):

“We are horrified by the loss of Jaspal Singh while in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the GEO Group. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones as they face this cruel injustice.” said Maura Finn, Senior Lead Attorney at Southern Poverty Law Center. “Despite longstanding and well-documented human rights abuses, Congress continues to expand the number of beds in immigrant detention and direct millions of taxpayer dollars towards this inhumane system. Singh’s death is another reminder of the barbaric conditions that color our country’s broken immigration system. As politicians wield immigration as a wedge issue to score political points, Black and Brown migrants are dying in detention facilities handed over to the for-profit private prison industry.”

About SALDEF

SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Based in Washington D.C., SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more. SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. www.saldef.org

About State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes

Nabilah Islam Parkes is the youngest woman ever elected to the Georgia State Senate. She is also the first Muslim woman and the first South Asian woman elected to the Senate. The daughter of working-class immigrants from Bangladesh, Nabilah watched her parents work long hours to put food on the table. When she was in high school, her mother was injured at the warehouse. Nabilah saw firsthand the devastating effects our broken healthcare system can have on families. Since that moment, Nabilah has been a staunch advocate fighting for quality healthcare and Medicaid expansion. In the State Senate, Nabilah has emerged as a strong fighter not only for healthcare access but also women’s reproductive rights, veterans, and tax relief for working families.

About Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.

About Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) and other immigrant communities in Georgia and the Southeast. 

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Have you ever wondered about some lesser-known aspects of Sikhi?

Here are 5 intriguing facts about Sikhi that might surprise you. From the significance of the Five Ks to the concept of Langar, there’s so much to explore about this vibrant and inclusive faith. Dive into the world of Sikhs with us and expand your understanding of the fifth largest religion in the world.

ONE. Sikhism was a catalyst for gender inclusivity in a society that at the time, was dominated by an archaic patriarchal system. The Sikh Gurus emphasized the equality between men and women in the eyes of God. This led to an increase of women’s participation in religious, political and social aspects of society. Many Sikh women were warriors and active participants in civic society. 

TWO. The central holy scripture for Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, contains sacred hymns and verses referred to as Gurbani. The recitation of Gurbani is a way in which Sikhs are able to connect with God. Some Sikhs partake in reading the entire Guru Granth Sahib uninterrupted for several days in a very powerful spiritual practice called Sehaj Path. 

THREE.  The beacon symbol of the Sikh faith is called the Khanda. Khanda means “double edged sword” and there is one shown in the center of the symbol. Surrounding the Khanda is a Chakkar, a round throwing blade, with two Kirpans, single-edged swords and one of the 5 articles of faith, crossed at the bottom.

FOUR. The amrit ceremony is how Sikhs join the Khalsa. It was established by Guru Gobind Singh as a response to the persecution faced by Sikhs in that tumultuous period. During the amrit ceremony today, Sikhs who join the Khalsa must pledge to uphold all the tenets of the Sikh faith and “take amrit” by drinking water sweetened with crystalized sugar and stirred with a Khanda.

FIVE. Sikhs have a deep rooted history in the United States. The first Sikh Americans landed on the West Coast of the United States during the 1890s. In 1957, Dalip Singh Saund became the first Asian American and Sikh American elected into the United States House of Representatives where he served three terms representing California’s 29th congressional district under the Democratic Party. 

To learn more about Sikh Americans and the Sikh faith, please visit www.saldef.org/about-sikh-americans/

Join SALDEF and the Fremont Gurdwara Sangat on Saturday, March 30th for a free mental wellness check-in at 4PM PST at the Fremont Gurdwara Sahib. 

The session will be led by experts in the field and members of the community: Jagmeet Sangha, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Dr. Preet Kaur Sabharwal, co-author of “Counseling and Psychotherapy for South Asian Americans: Identify, Psychology, and Clinical Implications”

Practicing mental wellness and well-being can be challenging, particularly while navigating the stigmas that surround these topics of conversation in our communities and trying to find experts and resources that understand cultural differences. SALDEF recognizes this gap, and is committed to opening up these avenues of dialogue in the hopes of creating a happier, healthier sangat by providing resources to community members and connecting them with experts who understand cultural context. 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

February 20, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700

 

SALDEF Releases Groundbreaking Report on Transnational Repression and Minority Censorship

WASHINGTON D.C. — This World Social Justice Day, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) unveiled a pioneering  report titled, Virtually Vulnerable: Exposing the Human Cost of Digital Harassment. This in-depth study examines the escalating problem of online harassment and censorship, specifically targeting the Sikh diaspora and allied communities like secular Hindus, Indian Muslims, and Dalits.

The report traces the evolution of digital censorship against all non-Hindu supremacist advocates and leaders in the 2020s, offering a detailed analysis of the sophisticated methods used to silence minority voices online. It highlights the troubling practices of Big Tech, specifically social media firms in censoring content under the guise of preserving national integrity, often resulting in the shadow banning and deletion of community-based social media accounts.

Key sections of the report include:

  • Online Harassment and the BJP IT Cell: Analyzing the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party in controlling online narratives.
  • Censorship of the Sikh Diaspora: Documenting the trends in misinformation and suppression of Sikh voices on significant dates and events–by SALDEF .
  • Silencing Dissent: Examining the strategic misinformation campaign against various minority groups, including Indian Muslim and progressive Hindu communities–by the Indian-American Muslim Council (IAMC) and Hindus for Human Rights (HHR).
  • Big Tech’s Failure to Protect Caste Equity: Discussing the manipulation of technology by nationalist groups and the implications for caste equity–by Equality Labs.

In addition to detailing these critical issues, SALDEF and our co-authors of “Virtually Vulnerable” present a series of policy recommendations aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration between tech companies and democracy-oriented nonprofits. These recommendations are geared towards mitigating international censorship and supporting the rights of free speech for diasporic communities.

“This report goes beyond simply highlighting the challenges faced by the Sikh diaspora; it serves as a clear call to action,” said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Acting Executive Director. “We must urgently address the lack of transparency and accountability in the digital realm to safeguard the fundamental human and civil rights of all communities.”

“As the US government grows increasingly concerned about India’s escalating transnational repression, it is important to understand that this issue has roots in India’s ongoing abuse of online platforms against religious minorities and dissenters,” said Safa Ahmed, Associate Director of Media and Communications for IAMC. “This report offers critical recommendations to the US government on how to better protect Indian Americans from being targeted by the Modi regime online.”

“’Virtually Vulnerable’ sheds crucial light on the insidious ways digital harassment is employed against minority voices, including those in the Hindu community who stand for secular and democratic values. This report not only exposes these harmful practices but also provides vital policy recommendations. It’s essential that we come together to ensure that digital platforms are spaces of free expression and not tools of oppression.” said Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, HHR.

“We are currently witnessing the digitization of caste apartheid, violent disinformation campaigns, and an era of surveillance capitalism exacerbated by right-wing authoritarianism. Caste-oppressed people have a right to advocate for their communities without the fear of being attacked and targeted by foreign state actors. This report is a critical look into the correlations between Big Tech, civil rights advocacy, and repression of dissent, and anyone concerned with free and ethical digital spaces should pay attention to it,” said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of Equality Labs, the nation’s leading Dalit civil rights organization.

The report is available for download on the SALDEF website, as well as those of our partners, and is a must-read for policymakers, human rights activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, human rights, and minority representation.

For more information or to request an interview with the authors of the report, please contact Amrita Kular, Communications Director.

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights and community impact organization.

www.saldef.org

Read and Download the Report

SALDEF Drives Bill Momentum with Four New Congressional Co-Sponsors to the Transnational Repression Policy Act

 

In the wake of recent transnational repression incidents targeting a Sikh American citizen in New York City, SALDEF has been heavily engaging with our Congressional and federal government allies to educate our nation’s leaders.

Amidst rising concerns about transnational repression, SALDEF has secured four new co-sponsors for the Transnational Repression Policy Act this January: Representative Goldman (NY-10), Representative Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Representative Jayapal (WA-7), Representative Lee (CA-12). This critical bill, championed by SALDEF, offers targeted resources, protections, and government accountability to safeguard vulnerable communities.

By presenting compelling evidence and nuanced analyses of these transnational repression incidents, SALDEF is ensuring that Congress understands the immediate concerns of the Sikh community and also the broader implications for American democracy.

Here are some ways you can join the fight:

  • Contact the Biden Administration: Urge them to prioritize addressing transnational repression and its impact on Sikh Americans and all American communities.
  • Follow and share SALDEF’s social media content: Stay informed and amplify SALDEF’s message to raise awareness.
  • Donate to SALDEF: Your support fuels our critical work in protecting the rights and safety of Sikh Americans.

Sikh Americans have faced specific instances of transnational repression, including threats, harassment, and even attempted violence.  SALDEF works to expose these threats, advocate for justice, and ensure the safety and security of the Sikh American community. By advocating for policies and legislation that counter transnational repression, SALDEF seeks to create a safe environment for Sikh Americans to live and thrive.

The fight against transnational repression is ongoing, but SALDEF’s unwavering commitment is making a difference. By shining a light on this injustice and urging swift action, SALDEF is ensuring that Sikh Americans can live and thrive in America without fear, free from the shadows of foreign intimidation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2024

Contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

 

SALDEF Welcomes FBI’s Release of Punjabi PSA on Transnational Repression

Building on SALDEF advocacy, the release is an acknowledgement of community concerns

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) welcomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for releasing a public service announcement (PSA) in Punjabi, addressing transnational repression.

“By releasing this announcement in Punjabi, the FBI is validating the ongoing and very real threat of transnational repression against Sikhs in America, ” said SALDEF Acting Executive Director, Kavneet Singh. “This release builds on months of discussions with the Administration on how to effectively ensure the safety of the community in light of deep concerns shared with us by the sangat and other minority communities. Issuing it in Punjabi means that this information will reach the most members of our community as possible. This public service announcement underscores how seriously the government is taking our concerns around the safety, security, and sovereignty of America and its residents.”

The PSA highlights various forms of transnational repression such as surveillance, stalking, harassment, and cyberattacks. It underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting individuals in the United States from foreign threats and ensures that reports of repression are taken seriously, without the fear of information being shared with foreign governments. 

This critical development is a direct result of SALDEF’s continuous advocacy and engagement with the FBI, Congress, and the Administration to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh American community.

With detailed research reports in the past and a forthcoming report on transnational repression, SALDEF continues to lead the charge engaging with national leaders regarding the safety and advancement of Sikh American civil rights. 

SALDEF urges community members and the press to listen to and share the PSA, and to report any instances of transnational repression. The PSA is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to combat intimidation and threats from foreign entities.

—

Please see the PSA’s transcription below, and you can listen to the full audio here.

“FBI ਤੋਂ ਮੈਂ ਹਾਂ ਸੁਖਵੀਰ ਕੌਰ ਤੇ ਹੁਣ ਸੁਣੋ FBI ਵਲੋਂ ਜਰੂਰੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ

I am Sukhvir Kaur from the FBI. Listen to this important message from the FBI.

ਸਾਡੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਬਾਹਰਲੇ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ।

In our country, America, foreign governments are currently committing transnational repression. To stop this, the FBI needs your help.

ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਮੁਖਬਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੁਝ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਇਹ ਨੇ:

These are the types of TNR Foreign governments; their operatives or informants are conducting against any person living in America:

ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਰੱਖਣੀ, ਪਿੱਛਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਤੰਗ ਪਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ,  ਅਗਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਤੇ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਅਤੇ ਧਮਕੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਡਰਾਵੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜ਼ਬਰਦਸਤੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ(ਆਂ) ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਇਕੱਠੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨੀ।

Surveillance, stalking, harassing, attempting to kidnap or attacking someone physically. and coercively trying to gather intelligence about a community or individual(s) through threats and intimidation.

ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੜਨ ਲਈ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਉਸਦੇ ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇਦਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਡਰਾਉਣਾ ਜਾਂ ਹਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿਚ ਲੈਣਾ।

Forcing someone to return to their country of origin or intimidating or taking relatives into custody that live in the person’s country of origin

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇ ਕੰਪਿਊਟਰ ਜਾਂ ਫੋਨ ਨੂੰ ਹੈਕ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਨਿੱਜਤਾ ‘ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਟ ‘ਤੇ ਕੂੜ

ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਕਰਨਾ।

Hacking into someone’s computer or phone and attacking their privacy OR conducting disinformation campaigns against someone

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜ਼ਬਤ ਕਰਨਾ।

Forfeiting someone’s financial assets

ਜੇ ਤੁਹਨੂੰ ਲਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਰ ਹੋ ਤਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ  ਨੂੰ ਹੁਣੇ 1-800 CALL FBI ਜਾਂ 1 800 225 5324 ਤੇ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ ਤੇ ਜੇ ਤੁਹਡੇ ਲਈ ਅੰਗਰੇਜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਿਲ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਹਿ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।

If you believe you are a target of TNR, call the FBI now at 1-800 CALL FBI। 1 800 225 5324 or if you have difficulty speaking in English ask to speak to someone in Punjabi

ਜਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦੀ ਵੈਬਸਾਈਟ tips.fbi.gov ‘ਤੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਾਓ।

Or visit tips.fbi.gov to submit your complaint.

ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਦੇਖੋ, fbi.gov/TNR

For more information, check, fbi.gov/TNR

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਖਤਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ 911 ‘ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ।

If you are in immediate physical danger call 911

ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦਾ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਯੂਨਾਈਟਡ ਸਟੇਟਸ ਦੇ ਸੰਵਿਧਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਕਾਇਮ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਹੈ।

Your report will never be shared with any foreign government by the FBI. The mission of the FBI is to protect people living in the United States and uphold the Constitution of the United States.”

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights group based in Washington, D.C. focused on advocating for civil rights, investing in Sikh youth, and building capacity in the Sikh American community.

Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans.

We are grounded in our values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata), and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla). We envision a United States where Sikh Americans are recognized as a vibrant and integral part of the fabric of this nation and are respected for our shared values of service, social justice, and an unshakeable belief in freedom and equality for all.

You can learn more at www.saldef.org

 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 

media@saldef.org

SALDEF Submits Letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Transnational Repression

Along with other leading civil rights organizations, SALDEF submitted a statement urging the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to engage the Biden Administration on meaningfully confronting the Indian Government on the issue of transnational repression.

Letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Transnational Repression HearingDownload