SALDEF Expresses Support for Administration’s Regulatory Change to Support Religious Workers in the United States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2026
Contact: Media@saldef.org

SALDEF Expresses Support for Administration’s Regulatory Change to Support Religious Workers in the United States

Washington, D.C. — The issuance of the Interim Final Rule (IFR) entitled “Improving Continuity for Religious Organizations and their Employees,” was announced by the Department of Homeland Security on January 14th, 2026. 

Previously, Sikhs on a temporary religious worker (R-1) visa were required to depart the U.S. after five years, the maximum period of stay for that visa. Then, they were able to possibly return to the country on a subsequent R-1 visa after spending at least one full year outside of the U.S. between R-1 visas. 

Now, with the issuance of this rule, there is no minimum time outside of the country before religious workers can return on a subsequent R-1 visa. R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the U.S., but there is no minimum period of time they must reside outside the U.S. before seeking readmission. In addition, this change applies to religious workers who departed the U.S. before the IFR was published, meaning that they are no longer subject to the one-year timeframe and can return as soon as their subsequent application is approved. 

The wait time for a green card for religious workers is now several decades long due to backlogs. This rule aims to provide religious workers and the communities that they serve some relief while workers await a decision on their green card applications. 

“The IFR is a step in the right direction, however, SALDEF’s ideal relief for Sikh religious workers remains the Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA), and we continue to urge Congress to enact this bill,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. The RWPA is a bipartisan bill that, if enacted, would allow those already in the U.S. on an R-1 visa who have applied for permanent residency to remain in the country for renewable periods until they are able to receive their green card. The bill aims to ensure stability for faith communities nationwide.

In times of uncertainty, knowledge is power. As immigration policies rapidly change, we must be well informed about our civil rights. From encountering immigration enforcement at home and at work, SALDEF is here to help you learn your rights. That’s why we’re excited to announce our Know Your Rights webinar series this fall, designed specifically for Sikh Americans facing real challenges in schools, workplaces, and daily life.

These aren’t just theoretical discussions, they’re practical sessions that will equip you with the tools to protect yourself, your family, and your community when discrimination or violations occur. We will be joined by SALDEF staff and immigration attorneys. All sessions will be conducted in English and Punjabi.

💼 October 15 at 8pm EST // 5pm PST
Know Your Rights: Immigrant Workers’ Rights
What happens if immigration enforcement shows up at your workplace? What are your rights if ICE agents approach you while you’re working? Your immigration status doesn’t eliminate your civil rights. Learn how to protect both your livelihood and your dignity.

Every day, Sikh Americans face questions about their rights at work, school, and in public spaces. These webinars will give you confidence to:

  • Navigate difficult conversations with authority figures
  • Understand when your civil rights are being violated
  • Know exactly who to contact for help
  • Protect your family from discrimination

What You’ll Get:

✅ Expert guidance from civil rights attorneys and advocates
✅ Real-world scenarios and practical solutions
✅ Downloadable resources and contact information
✅ Q&A sessions to address your specific concerns

Register Now – It’s Free!

Can’t attend live? No problem—all registered participants will receive recordings and resource materials.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Justice without Prejudice: SALDEF Responds to Florida Tragedy Involving Harjinder Singh

St. Lucie County, Florida — SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) mourns the three lives, Herby Dufresne (30), Rodrigue Dor (54), and Faniloa Joseph (37), that were tragically lost in a truck driving accident in Florida involving Harjinder Singh.

SALDEF calls for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident, which prioritizes justice and accountability for the tragedy above all else. Everyone is entitled to due process and equal treatment under the law, regardless of their background. Exploiting Mr. Singh’s identity or immigration status to push xenophobic narratives undermines the lives that were lost. 

Justice must be rooted in facts and not prejudice. This incident has been sensationalized by the current charged political climate, which too often fuels harmful rhetoric. This moment of tragedy must not be weaponized to spread bias, dangerous assumptions, or perpetuate harm to divide communities. 

The case of Mr. Singh presents an opportunity to prioritize accountability, healing, and genuine safety for all communities.

SALDEF will continue to monitor this case to ensure Mr Singh’s rights are being protected during his trial and time in custody. As this situation unfolds, we urge the Sikh American community to verify the validity of any GoFundMe pages and petitions being shared.

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Traveling this Summer? Join Our FREE Know Your Rights Webinar!

SALDEF is hosting a FREE Know Your Rights webinar on Wednesday, June 18th at 6PM EST. Learn how to protect yourself and your family during travel during this uncertain time.

From encountering immigration enforcement at home to border patrol after traveling abroad, SALDEF is here to help you learn your rights. 

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

  • Your rights during travel, regardless of immigration status
  • What to do if you’re stopped or questioned by TSA or border patrol agents
  • How to prepare before leaving and returning to the U.S.
  • How different immigration statuses may impact your travel
  • Practical tips to stay safe and confident while traveling

This webinar will be conducted in English and Punjabi featuring:

  • Anas J. Ahmed, Attorney (New York)
  • Manjit Singh, SALDEF Co-Founder

Register now: www.tinyurl.com/kyrsikhtravel

Disclaimer: This webinar is for informational purposes only. SALDEF and its speakers cannot provide legal advice about your specific case.

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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(Washington, D.C.) – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund is extremely disappointed in the House’s passage of H.R. 2 the “Secure the Border Act.”

 

At a time when we see an increase in people seeking asylum and refugee status, including Sikhs from India, this bill shuts down legal pathways for humane entry. The bill eliminates protections for children and would allow us to return to horrible practices of family detention that shocked the country during the Trump Administration. Finally, the bill would break down relationships between nonprofits serving migrants as part of their sewa, including gurdwaras that serve migrants from Punjab.

As a part of our ongoing effort to empower the community, a Know Your Rights Forum was held in Las Vegas, NV. Representatives from the FBI, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Las Vegas Metro Police Department discussed issues, such as cyber fraud, hate crimes, and employment discrimination. Each agency also presented career opportunities in their respective agencies to the sangat. To read a more detailed report about this, please click here. To conduct a similar forum in your community, please contact us. Founded on the principle of dasvandh, One Tenth Designs, an apparel company that donates 10% of each sale to a non-profit organization, will donate 10% of proceeds made in April to SALDEF. We encourage the Sikh American community to support this charitable company, thereby supporting SALDEF. Following the opening of the new San Jose Gurdwara in California, a local news station interviewed a number of Sikh American attendees of the celebratory event. In the airing of the segment, however, a young Sikh American student, whose image was displayed, was wrongly identified as a Muslim. SALDEF immediately contacted the local CBS station to notify them of their error, at which point they corrected the segment for the evening broadcast. SALDEF thanks volunteer Satinder Singh for bringing this error to our attention. Last month SALDEF volunteers Satinder Singh Mahli and Kavneet Singh conducted three one-hour workshops for roughly 100 students at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, CA. This is the fifth year SALDEF has been invited to participate in the school’s Days of Diversity event. The first workshop provided an introduction to Sikhi and the history of Sikhs in the U.S., and was followed by a question and answer session, while the second workshop focused on specific civil rights issues faced by Sikh Americans. Students watched a turban tying demonstration and received SALDEF’s 2011 Pocket Calendars and Who are the Sikhs brochures. Later in the month, SALDEF Chairman Manjit Singh similarly presented on the Sikh faith to social science students at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD. The group of 25 students were very engaged and active participants in the discussion, and one student even had the opportunity to have a turban tied. If you would like SALDEF to conduct an anti-bullying or cultural awareness presentation at your or your children’s school, please contact us. Last month, SALDEF staff attended the Safe Schools Advocacy Summit, a three-day summit highlighting national support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). The SSIA, which would require schools and districts receiving federal funds to implement and report on anti-bullying programs, was introduced in the Senate on March 8 and in the House on April 15. As part of the summit, more than 90 meetings were held with Senators, representatives and congressional staff to garner support for this bill, which would importantly protect Sikh American students. SALDEF has joined a broad coalition in addressing a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for changes to current immigration policies that force the separation of immigrant families. Notably, a 2009 DHS Office of Inspector General report estimated that between fiscal years 1998 and 2007, the federal government deported over 108,000 parents of U.S. citizen children. The letter, which can be read here, urges DHS to reform policies that protect family unity and stability.

In April, Arizona’s Governor signed SB 1070, a controversial law aimed at stopping illegal immigration.  A coalition of civil rights organizations filed suit challenging the law.  The case, Friendly House v. Whiting, argues that the law is unconstitutional.  Yesterday, the case was presented in federal court in Arizona.  The argument advanced by the plaintiffs, the people bringing the suit, is that the law violates the U.S. Constitution, the Arizona Constitution, and the U.S. Code. SALDEF joined thirty-seven other organizations in filing an amicus brief with the District Court, urging the Court to prevent the law from going into effect on July 29, as planned, until the lawsuit has ended and the courts have determined if the law is constitutional.  An amicus brief is chance for people who are not parties to a case (not the people suing or being sued) to submit their expert opinion to the Court.  These opinions are designed to help give the court a better sense of the legal and policy implications of the law. So what does this mean and why are we interested in a bill that is aimed at regulating immigration into a US-Mexico border state?  A few reasons. Under the proposed law, law enforcement is allowed to request proof of citizenship or immigration status from anyone whose legal status they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ about. This seemingly simple task has extreme implications.  The phrase  ‘reasonable suspicion’ without guidelines or definitions is recipe for assumption of guilt, until proven innocent.  The United States is a country that prides itself on the inherent nature of law and justice within the concept of ‘innocent until proven guilty’; the implementation of this law goes against this very belief. The brief SALDEF joined focuses on the impact that the law will likely have on minority communities—that it will result in discrimination and will have a negative impact on safety.  First, the law “will subject United States citizens and legal residents who are racial and/or ethnic minorities, and particularly those who may be perceived to be foreign, to the stress and humiliation of detention and interrogation, and to the constant fear of the possibility of such treatment.”  Second, the law “will chill the willingness of many United States citizens and legal residents to report and cooperate in the investigation of crimes, including hate crimes.”  Finally, the law, while ostensibly written in a neutral fashion, improperly targets and subjects members of minority communities to extra scrutiny. This takes us into the core of the issues that many civil rights organizations are fighting, with one tactic of the battle being the amicus brief. Under this law, people who look “foreign” are more likely to be stopped for minor infractions – having a broken taillight, jaywalking or having an overgrown lawn – and then asked for their papers if police believe, just by looking at them, that they could be in the country unlawfully. That means that U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike will be required to carry papers on them at all times.  And how exactly is it that a law enforcement officer can ‘tell’ just by looking at someone that they are or are not an illegal immigrant?  Does the standard of review start at how you dress? How you talk, your accent or lack-of? The clothes you are wearing?  Being Sikh Americans, some of us may know this treatment or mentality very well.  Being judged based on what you look like, sound like, or pray like is un-American and unacceptable. By requiring law enforcement officials to question every individual they stop about their citizen or immigration status, the law is inviting things like race, gender, ethnicity, and language as ‘structures’ to rely upon. This law actually invites racial profiling at two junctures. First, law enforcement might find a reason to stop people on a very minor infraction based on the way they look, and then demand their papers. Or they can stop them for an unbiased reason and then, based on appearance and nothing else, demand their papers. Furthermore, imagine living in a society that operates as a police-state; community safety is no longer the primary goal.  It actually makes us less safe because community members will be reluctant to report crimes, violence, or disturbances for fear that a family member (for example) might be detained or deported because law enforcement was called.  This means domestic violence situations are MORE likely to go unreported, as are thefts, robberies, and assaults. These crimes affect all residents, legal or not.  Furthermore, it is important to realize that this is not a single-minority race issue, it includes everyone.  Even though  the majority of the immigrant population in Arizona is from Hispanic or Latin backgrounds, all other minorities that look ‘reasonably suspicious’ will be affected. Several civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits, in addition to the one that SALDEF has signed on to, contesting the constitutionality of this law, in concept, practice and deliverance. To read a more detailed opinion, Kevin Johnson, Dean of the UC Davis School of Law, has a great summary of the case and the arguments at his blog.

Immigration policy. It’s been one of the most hotly debated issues in recent years and especially this year with the passing of Arizona’s SB1070. Should America provide amnesty for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country? Should we create a deportation plan for them over the years to come? Is there a middle road? These were the questions asked at the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership’s (CAPAL) 2nd intern evening for their Washington Leadership Program (WLP). The evening was set up as an Oxford-style debate, with a pro and con side. Each team was to support or negate the motion America should provide illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Pro Points: Most of us interns (about 75%) were in support of the motion before the debate. We heard the usual arguments from the pro — illegal immigrants are an integral part of our economy, they are willing to take jobs that Americans are not interested in, and providing them amnesty would allow us to focus on allocating resources to border protection to reduce the influx of additional illegal immigrants. Additionally, many children of illegal immigrants have been receiving an education in this country through the public school system for years. Deporting them would be a waste of the federal money previously invested in them. The ‘Pro-Immigration’ debaters advocated that instead of creating a plan for deportation, which would be difficult and costly, it would be easier to invest that money in the legalization process so that illegal immigrants can start to contribute to the economy and create healthy American competition. Con Points: Although the Pro side offered a lot of strong support, it was the con points that really got us thinking. According to the ‘Anti-Immigration’ debaters, amnesty was offered to illegal immigrants in 1996 but was ineffective in stopping new illegal immigrants from entering the country, hence the present number of 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. They also pointed out that currently about 2,000 to 4,000 illegal immigrants leave the country every year and if we were to stop any illegal immigrants from coming into the country, essentially by investing in security on the border that actually works, then over the next decade or two, immigrants would filter themselves out of the country and the US would not have to physically deport anyone. Countering the Pro-Immigration argument about immigrants doing jobs Americans don’t want to do, the debaters highlighted that there is an average unemployment rate of 20% for Americans who are seeking blue-collar jobs. They contended that these jobs are offered to illegal immigrants because they are willing to work for lower wages and longer hours than American natives. And finally, it’s unfair for immigrants who go through the legal process of getting a Green Card and then applying for citizenship when people who came to the country illegally are given automatic amnesty. Though the Pro Points had initially sounded convincing, by the end of the debate only 46% were in favor of the motion. The Anti-immigration debaters had changed our views. Why? Perhaps it had to do with the quality of the debaters and they way their points were presented. But it was probably because their points incited ideas that a lot of us had never considered before. Both arguments were very compelling and well thought out. I actually ended up being completely undecided after the debate. Immigration policy is one of those touchy subjects that needs to be addressed. It affects our economy, our foreign policy, and our education system, among many other aspects of American government. What do you think? And on a side-yet-related note, I would like to commend the Department of Justice on suing Arizona for passing SB1070, which has incited a surge of racial profiling in the state. For more information, click here.

Coming to you from 1413 K Street, Jasleen K. Singh

  • SALDEF Announces Job Openings for New Positions
  • USCIS to Issue Redesigned Green Cards
  • SALDEF Presents at California High School Diversity Event
  • Dept of Homeland Security and Dept of Justice Training in Boston
  • SSA Spotlight: Princeton Sikh Student Association Celebrates Vaisakhi
  • College Students – Apply for a Scholarship
  • SALDEF Remembers Life and Contributions of Dr. Dorothy Height

SALDEF Announces Job Openings for New Positions SALDEF is pleased to announce the opening of three new positions. We are looking for experienced candidates to fill the positions of Executive Director, Community Relations Associate/Manager and Grant Writer. Candidates applying must be able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and have a passion for working towards the strengthening of the Sikh American community. To read more about the positions, click here. USCIS to Issue Redesigned Green Cards U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card – commonly known as the “Green Card” – to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. Beginning May 11, 2010, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format. In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card’s nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement. For more information on permanent residency and other immigration benefits, visit www.uscis.gov, or call USCIS’s National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283 SALDEF Presents at California High School Diversity Event This past March, SALDEF Representative Gaganpreet Kaur and Managing Director Kavneet Singh, conducted four one-hour workshops for students at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, CA as part of their annual Days of Diversity program. This is the fourth straight year that SALDEF has been invited to participate at this forum. The first workshops introduced students to Sikh culture and the history of Sikhs in the United States and was followed by a question and answer session. The following workshops discussed specific civil rights issues faced by Sikh Americans. Students also engaged in an interactive discussion about how law and policy affect people of faith and received copies of SALDEF educational resources. If you would like a SALDEF volunteer or staff member to conduct an anti-bullying and cultural awareness presentation for students at your children’s school, please contact us. Dept of Homeland Security and Dept of Justice Training in Boston On April 8th, SALDEF Board Member Navjeet Singh, trained roughly 40 members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency Office of Investigations along with special guests from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Relations Service. The Cultural Awareness training seminar consisted of an overview of the Sikh faith, religious practices and culturally sensitive protocol for interactions with Sikh Americans. The training was hosted by the DHS ICE Office of Investigations and the DOJ Office of Community Relations in Boston, MA. SSA Spotlight: Princeton Sikh Student Association Celebrates Vaisakhi Last month, like Sikh Student Associations (SSA) across the country, the Princeton SSA took the opportunity to educate their fellow students about the Sikh faith. They invited attendees to learn about Sikh practices, theology and history through a slideshow presentation. Following the presentation, Langar was served while Kirtan played in the background. During the presentation, the SSA distributed SALDEF’s Who are the Sikhs brochures and 2010 Sikh American Pockets Calendars to the attendees. Congratulations to the Princeton SSA on a great event. If we can assist your SSA in any way – by providing speakers, materials, etc – please contact us. College Students – Apply for a Scholarship The Sikh Education Fund, a project of the Association of Sikh Professional has been granting scholarships and interest free loans to college students since 1989. The Association is now receiving applications for the academic year 2010-2011. The last date for receiving applications for new applicants is June 1, 2010. Apply here or email the Association for more information SALDEF Remembers Life and Contributions of Dr. Dorothy Height On April 20th, the civil rights community, and the country lost a pioneering voice for civil, women’s, and human rights. Dr. Dorothy Height, passed away at the age of 98 from natural causes. She will be remembered for her legacy of empowerment and over seven decades of community service. Throughout her distinguished career, she served as President Emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women and Chair of The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, where she worked closely with a broad coalition of groups for several decades.  Read more here.