Vetoed but Not Silenced: SALDEF Statement on SB 509

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 14, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Vetoed but Not Silenced: SALDEF Statement on SB 509

Sacramento, California — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) expresses profound disappointment in Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto SB 509, legislation that would have provided critical protections against transnational repression and enhanced law enforcement training to better serve California’s Sikh community.

While we are disheartened by this outcome, we are deeply moved by and profoundly grateful for the overwhelming community support demonstrated throughout this legislative process. Sikh Americans, civil rights advocates, and allies across California came together in an unprecedented show of solidarity: signing petitions, attending hearings, contacting their representatives, taking time away from work and family to testify, and making their voices heard in Sacramento.

Your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to this cause have been nothing short of extraordinary. This coalition understood that transnational repression is not just a Sikh issue, but a threat to all Californians and to the fundamental values of safety and freedom that define our state.

“The veto of SB 509 is a setback for the safety and security of all Californians,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “At a time when foreign governments seek to intimidate and silence their critics on American soil, this legislation would have equipped law enforcement with the tools and training needed to protect all residents. The outpouring of support we witnessed from community members who took time away from work and family to testify, to the countless individuals who contacted their representatives demonstrates that Californians understand what’s at stake. Together, we will create the California we all deserve, one that truly protects all its people.”

SALDEF remains committed to advancing policies that protect our community from transnational repression, ensure law enforcement is equipped to recognize and respond to these threats, and safeguard the civil rights of Sikh Americans. We are grateful to Senator Caballero for her leadership on combatting this issue and for every individual and organization that stood with us in support of SB 509.

Today’s setback does not diminish our hope but instead it fuels our determination. We invite all Californians who believe in safety, justice, and the fundamental right to live without fear to join us in building a future where every person can speak freely, practice their faith openly, and thrive without intimidation.

🎥 Film Preview + Conversation in San Diego, CA

Join SALDEF and the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California on October 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. for a special film-in-progress preview with award-winning filmmaker Mridu Chandra.

View never-before-seen footage from Saund vs Cochran, a nonpartisan documentary in development about how Dalip Singh Saund made history as the first Asian, Indian, and Sikh American elected to the U.S. Congress, serving California’s 29th District from 1957–1963.

Don’t miss this chance to engage in a powerful conversation about Saund’s legacy and its continued relevance today.

👉 RSVP now for FREE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saund-vs-cochran-film-in-progress-preview-event-tickets-1712288213139

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2025
Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Endorses September 11th Congressional Resolution

Washington, D.C. – SALDEF endorses a House Resolution introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal, which acknowledges the hate and targeting that the Sikh, Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities faced in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. 

We are grateful that the bill acknowledges the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man who was murdered in Mesa, Arizona on September 15th, 2001. This was the first fatal act of hate violence in the post 9/11 aftermath.

The same divisive and xenophobic rhetoric that resulted in hate violence against the Sikh community continues to cause harm. Communities are often targeted with overreaching policing, surveillance, and criminalization, as outlined by the bill. 

The bill does not simply recognize the attacks against our communities, but also advocates for the creation of an independent commission to work with community-based organizations to review harmful government policies and to provide recommendations for dismantling them, as well as build out support avenues for victims of hate and State violence. 

We thank the co-leads and sponsors of the resolution: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. André Carson (IN-07), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), and Rep. Lateefah Simon (CA-12)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Responds to 2024 FBI Hate Crimes Data Release

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released their national report on hate crimes, indicating 143 anti-Sikh hate crimes documented in calendar year 2024. We continue to see Sikhs as one of the top three most targeted religious groups in the country, behind the Jewish and Muslim communities. 

Unfortunately, we know that these numbers do not account for the true scope of hate around the country. Law enforcement agencies continue to under-report, or sometimes fail to report the number of hate crimes in their region. Since agencies often fail to report to the FBI,  many victims develop a lack of trust in law enforcement, which causes individuals to often not report their hate crimes, perpetuating a cycle of underreporting. 

“Anti-Sikh hate remains prevalent, although this is not always reflected most accurately in the data,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “SALDEF continues to push for data collection approaches that ensure that our community is heard, supported, and empowered to come forward.” 

We continue to push Congress, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to combat hate and provide our community with resources. SALDEF urges Congress to pass the Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act (IRPHA). Passage of the IRPHA will support localities in reporting credible and accurate data, which is critical for our community to access.

If you are a victim of an act of hate or bias, we encourage you to share your experience with SALDEF. You can find more resources on how to respond to acts of hate here. 

Report an Incident View SALDEF’s Free Resources

SALDEF Responds to Executive Order Undermining Birthright Citizenship

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) that would restrict birthright citizenship based on the documentation status of a child’s parents, but the EO was challenged and temporarily blocked by lower courts. In Trump v. Casa, the Supreme Court did not rule on the legality of changing the birthright citizenship rules, but ended the ability of federal district judges to freeze unlawful executive policies nationwide–allowing the White House to proceed, in some parts of the country, toward an unprecedented narrowing of the definition of precisely who is an American. 

President Trump’s executive order (EO) aimed at ending birthright citizenship attempts to change the application of the 14th Amendment; something that no president has ever attempted. The EO targets not just the children of parents who are undocumented but also the children of those with an array of legal, non-permanent statuses such as H-1B visas or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This sweeping change would erode a foundational principle of American identity–that all people born here are afforded the full rights and protections of the Constitution–and is dangerous for all immigrant communities, including Sikh Americans.

“We will always stand for the rights enshrined in the 14th Amendment and support a unified, humane immigration system that does not vary from state to state,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “We look forward to the Supreme Court ultimately ruling on the merits that this threat to the promise of equality, a bedrock principle of our democracy, is blatantly unconstitutional.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2025
Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Responds to Rep. Mary Miller’s Xenophobic Remarks About Sikh House Prayer

Washington, D.C. — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) strongly condemns the xenophobic and factually incorrect remarks made by U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) in response to a Sikh Granthi (priest) delivering the opening prayer in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In a now-deleted post, Rep. Miller expressed that such a prayer “should never have been allowed,” inaccurately identifying the Sikh faith and questioning the legitimacy of a non-Christian leading the House in prayer.

“U.S. Representative Mary Miller’s remarks are inexcusable and contrary to the principles our country was founded on,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “America’s strength comes from its diversity and acceptance of people of all faiths, races, and backgrounds. We call upon Rep. Miller to issue an immediate apology for her hateful and reprehensible remarks, and urge House leadership and the Republican Party to repudiate and condemn these statements.”

“To say that Sikhs, or our Muslim brothers and sisters, are not American is not only shameful, it’s dangerous,” Gill continued. “These statements, especially from a sitting member of Congress, have real-life consequences. Sikh Americans already face discrimination, hate crimes, and targeted violence simply because of how we look and what we believe. Rep. Miller’s comments don’t just reflect ignorance—they actively fuel bigotry and give cover to those who seek to divide and harm.”

SALDEF extends an invitation to Rep. Miller and her staff to meet with Sikh American community members to discuss the impact of her remarks and to provide a better understanding of Sikhism and the contributions of Sikh Americans to our nation.

Read Our Community Statement Here. 

Standing Against Hate: Defending Sikh American Values

SALDEF is deeply troubled by remarks made today by U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R-IL), which are not only inexcusable but also fundamentally at odds with the principles on which our country was founded. These remarks are now deleted.

Our nation’s strength lies in its diversity—in the rich tapestry of faiths, backgrounds, and cultures that define the American experience. To suggest that Sikhs—or our Muslim brothers and sisters—are not American is not only false, but dangerous. These statements, especially from a sitting member of Congress, have real and harmful consequences.

Sikh Americans already face discrimination, hate crimes, and targeted violence simply because of how we look and what we believe. Rep. Miller’s comments go beyond ignorance—they stoke the flames of bigotry and embolden those who seek to divide and harm.

We are calling on Rep. Miller to issue an immediate apology for her reprehensible remarks. We also urge House leadership and the Republican Party to clearly repudiate and condemn these statements.

At SALDEF, we welcome Representative Miller and her staff to meet and to offer a better understanding of the Sikh faith and the contributions of Sikh Americans to our nation.

Your support enables us to respond swiftly and forcefully when our community is under attack. Thank you for standing with us in defense of dignity, equality, and justice for all.

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.

Support SALDEF

For Immediate Release
Contact: amrita.kular@saldef.org
Monday, April 7, 2025

SALDEF Statement on the Confirmation of Harmeet Dhillon 

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Senate confirmed Harmeet Kaur Dhilllon, a prominent Sikh American attorney, as the next  Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The Civil Rights Division plays a critical role in upholding the constitutional protections of all individuals, enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring that marginalized communities are safeguarded from injustice. 

“This position requires a steadfast, impartial commitment to upholding the rights of all communities,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education (SALDEF). “We look forward to continuing our work to advance the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: media@saldef.org, media@sikhcoalition.org

 

Sikh Organizations Release Joint Statement on Closure of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Watchdog Agencies

March 26, 2025 (Washington, DC) — Today, SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) and the Sikh Coalition released the following joint statement on last week’s reports that the Department of Homeland Security is closing three key “watchdog” agencies.

“As longtime advocates for Sikh civil rights, we are disturbed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a ‘reduction in force’ that all but eliminates the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. While we are clear-eyed about the enforcement capabilities of these offices, we know firsthand that a legal venue for challenging abuses against migrants is important.” 

“For years, our organizations have been working collaboratively with allies to stop the mistreatment of Sikhs and their articles of faith. As recently as February, in fact, individuals in DHS custody have alleged that their turbans were seized and destroyed (among other mistreatments) in the course of their detention and deportation. Each of our organizations have sought answers and accountability from the Trump Administration on this matter, and neither has received a response. The closure of these offices will only make it harder to protect Sikh detainees’ religious rights—and the human rights and basic dignity to which all detainees, regardless of their background, are entitled to under the Constitution.” 

“It is additionally chilling to see these closures against the backdrop of the Trump Administration’s escalating battle with the judiciary regarding their invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and subsequent rendition, without due process, of individuals alleged to be Venezuelan gang members to third-party countries. We call on leaders within DHS, the Department of Justice, and elsewhere in the federal government to commit to respecting the religious and civil rights of all people—even in the course of immigration enforcement.”

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