Standing Against Hate: Defending Sikh American Values

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.

 

Historic Victory: SB 509 Passes CA Senate Unanimously!

We are thrilled to share that SB 509 has passed the California Senate floor with a unanimous 38-0 vote and bipartisan support! This overwhelming result reflects both the credibility of the bill and the strength of our community’s advocacy.

SB 509 is a landmark piece of legislation that:

  • Strengthens the protections of American sovereignty and freedom of speech
  • Defines transnational repression as a civil rights violation under California law. 
  • Directs the California Office of Emergency Services to train state and local law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to threats of transnational repression
  • Ensures that all Californians can safely exercise their First Amendment rights, without interference or intimidation from foreign entities.

With unanimous passage with every vote in the Senate, SB 509 is now poised to keep its momentum in the State Assembly. 

We want to recognize and thank everyone who helped make this win possible—especially the community members who showed up in person and educated legislators on the importance of anti-TNR police training, the Gurdwaras who signed letters of support, the community-based advocates drawn from across the diaspora and from across California, and for the countless California sangat who signed on to our support letter urging their Senators to vote YES on this bill. 

A special thank you Senator Anna Caballero (D-14) for authoring and carrying this bill to passage in the Senate, and to all partners involved in making this historic feat a reality: the Sikh Coalition, Jakara Movement, American Sikh Caucus, Hindus for Human Rights, and various civil rights leaders across the nation.

Together, we are helping California continue to lead in protecting the free speech rights of all diaspora communities from any foreign repression.

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
We’re One Step Closer (SB 509): Send a Letter to your State Senator!

Thanks to your continued advocacy and support, SB 509 is headed to a full vote on the California Senate Floor in the coming days — a major milestone in the ongoing effort to protect diaspora communities, including Sikh Americans, from transnational repression.

SB 509 provides training and resources to law enforcement in the state of California on the topic and threats of transnational repression by foreign actors.

Just yesterday, SALDEF stood alongside community leaders in Sacramento for a legislative advocacy day, meeting directly with state legislators to champion SB 509. Together with our coalition partners, we made a strong case for the bill’s potential to establish essential protections and frameworks to confront transnational repression.

Why is this bill important? SB 509 would:

  • Create a legal definition of transnational repression in California.
  • Authorize California officials, such as the Attorney General and law enforcement, to investigate and act when individuals in California are being harassed or threatened by foreign actors; helping ensure that those targeted by transnational repression are not left vulnerable or isolated.
  • Protect the sovereignty and freedom of speech of Americans

If you live in California, Take Action Now: Click Here to Urge Your State Senator to Vote YES on SB 509.

Transnational repression poses a serious threat to the freedoms we all hold dear. With your support, SALDEF is helping lead the charge — mobilizing communities, engaging lawmakers, and shaping bold policy like SB 509 to protect civil liberties across California and beyond.

Now, we need your voice once more. Help us ensure SB 509 becomes law and sets a national precedent. Take action today — and triple your impact by sharing this message with 3 friends and family in California.

Together, we can turn advocacy into action and safeguard the rights of our communities for generations to come.

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.”

###

For Immediate Release
Contact: media@saldef.org
Monday, March 3rd, 2025

SALDEF Secures Passage of Virginia’s House of Worship Safety Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) congratulates Virginia House Delegate JJ Singh on the successful passage of HB 2594, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at developing best practices to keep houses of worship safe from hate crimes. This critical bill, now headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature, is an important step in protecting communities of faith across the Commonwealth, including Sikh gurdwaras, from rising threats and acts of hate. Through dedicated advocacy, SALDEF not only championed this essential measure but also played a key role in rallying support from a diverse coalition of groups committed to protecting places of worship. This victory marks a critical step forward in enhancing the safety and security of places of worship across Virginia.

As the first turbaned Sikh elected to any state legislature in the United States, Delegate Singh’s leadership has already made history. Through this bill, he continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that places of worship—spaces meant for prayer, community gathering, and peace—are protected and respected. By uniting various communities and organizations, SALDEF helped secure broad backing for the bill, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the Sikh community were central in the fight against rising threats and acts of hate. 

“This bill is a direct response to the concerns voiced by Sikh Americans and other religious communities who, far too often, find themselves targets of hate and intimidation,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “We commend Delegate Singh for his leadership and foresight in addressing these urgent safety needs, and we are proud to have supported this effort to protect not just gurdwaras, but all houses of worship across Virginia. This is the kind of proactive, inclusive policymaking that keeps our communities safe.”

“I’m grateful to SALDEF for providing insights and support in getting this legislation to the Governor’s desk,” said Delegate JJ Singh (VA-26). “This bill is an important step in keeping Virginia’s religious communities safe and ensuring our houses of worship remain places of peace and sanctuary.”

The House of Worship Safety Bill establishes best practices for safeguarding religious institutions, including security planning, emergency preparedness, and strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes targeting faith communities.

###

SALDEF Policy Expert: Upholding Community Values in a Shifting Political Climate

Check out our interview with SALDEF Policy Expert, Jyot Singh, to discuss SALDEF’s unwavering commitment to values-driven advocacy. Even amidst political volatility, we’re pushing for progress on issues like transnational repression and combating mis/disinformation, where bipartisan support exists. Continue reading to learn how SALDEF is pushing for change and how you can get involved.
What are SALDEF’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session, and how will these priorities benefit the Sikh community?

In terms of Washington, D.C., we are focusing on issue areas where there might still be a bipartisan consensus. For instance, legislation or resolutions standing opposed to transnational repression tend to draw in bipartisan sponsors and votes because that is an attack on citizens’ constitutional rights. We also anticipate continuing traction in the areas of mis- and dis-info and censorship, again because it is a bipartisan push to protect all Americans’ rights to access verified and accurate information about the world in which they live.

Sikh Americans are among many communities targeted offline and online in TNR efforts, and they deserve advocacy on those fronts no matter who is in office. More broadly, it is important to remain constant in values-driven community-based advocacy. Issues that matter greatly to our community, like immigration, are the subject of intense political activity and SALDEF prioritizes the continued presence of Sikh Americans advocating for Sikh Americans in these conversations alongside our allies in Congress, the dedicated civil servants with whom we continue to work, and in coalition with our fellow federal advocates in AANHPI civil society.

How does SALDEF collaborate with other organizations and coalitions to advance its policy agenda, and what are some recent examples of successful partnerships?

Research-driven narrative disruption is best achieved in partnership. Our Virtually Vulnerable landscape reportis a microcosm of our method: we worked with partner advocates from other ethno-religious groups in the Indian-American diaspora to share our experiences with the same basic set of tactics employed by the same repressive state on social media. In so doing, we began to operate in a narrative frame not of our individual groups (Sikh, Indian Muslim, progressive Hindu) set against a monolith but as a values-based coalition.

The feedback loop between our establishing technical expertise on policy issues via research and demonstrating that expertise in our advocacy is an open door: on every issue, we work in coalition with the right partners to amplify impact. We also use our presence in coalitions and working groups to build new coalitions with new partners, always keeping one step ahead of the narrative frames used by those who oppose progress on our priorities.

How can Sikh Americans get more involved in the policy-making process and advocate for their own interests?

You are your legislators’ boss.Even if you didn’t vote for them, the job they hold is done in the name of representing you, your interests, and your priorities in the corridors of power whether they are in Washington, D.C., the capital of your state, or even your county board. They operate offices in their districts intended to serve your constituents, and you should know who they are and where those offices are.

Community groups should invite these legislators to visit the gurdwara, and (especially at the local level) show up to meetings open to the public. Public policy to create services that you need is the core of how our government is intended to work, and so every word of every draft bill is uploaded on the internet for free. Safeguarding democracy is a responsibility we all share as citizens, but there is no reason to accept the notion that we can only engage in governing at the ballot box.

What inspired you to work in policy and advocacy, and what advice would you give to young Sikhs who are interested in pursuing similar careers?

I say this with a smile – we don’t all need to be doctors. The advice I would give is actually a bit broader than policy – I would advise all young Sikhs, and young people, to trust their gut and heart more than they trust people who say they know best. I am an advocate because this is the place my path led once I decided to trust myself about what I wanted. In my case, I knew what I wanted was work that was dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding – but I had to learn more deeply than that about my purpose.

For me, that purpose is doing my small part to defend and advance the great American experiment: the decision taken in 1776 to establish the world’s first government of the people, by the people, for the people. Any young Sikh who can look inside themselves, really listen to what moves them, and then pursue that purpose faithfully (in balance with the values our parents teach) will find the right path.

To stay updated on SALDEF’s advocacy efforts and discover ways YOU can support our policy agenda for Sikh Americans, sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, The SALDEF Scoop, at tinyurl.com/saldefscoop!

For Immediate Release

January 26th, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Condemns DHS Rescission of “Sensitive Areas” Guidelines Removing Protections for Gurdwaras

WASHINGTON D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) expresses grave concern over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent directive rescinding the guidelines that designated “sensitive areas,” such as houses of worship, where immigration enforcement actions were previously restricted. This troubling shift in policy comes in tandem with community reports of DHS agents visiting gurdwaras in the New York and New Jersey areas just days after the directive was issued.

“We are deeply alarmed by the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to eliminate protections for sensitive areas and then target places of worship like gurdwaras,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “Gurdwaras are not just places of worship; they are vital community centers that provide support, nourishment, and spiritual solace to Sikhs and the broader community. Targeting these spaces for enforcement actions threatens the sanctity of our faith and sends a chilling message to immigrant communities nationwide.”

The rescinded guidelines recognized the critical need to protect spaces like gurdwaras, churches, mosques, and schools from enforcement operations to uphold trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. SALDEF strongly opposes any policies or actions that undermine these principles and violate the sanctity of places of worship.

SALDEF urges DHS to immediately reconsider this directive and calls on the broader community to report any additional incidents of enforcement actions at gurdwaras or other places of worship. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to holding DHS accountable to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with existing laws and the fundamental rights of all Americans.

“We encourage members of the Sikh community to remain vigilant and report any DHS activity at gurdwaras to SALDEF,” added Gill. “We are committed to advocating for policies that respect the civil rights and religious freedoms of all communities, and we will continue to push DHS to act in alignment with these values.”

 

Know Your Rights (Gurmukhi) Know Your Rights (English)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024
Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Issues Clarification on Statement Regarding Harmeet Dhillon’s Nomination to DOJ  

WASHINGTON D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) acknowledges the concerns raised by members of our community regarding our initial statement on the nomination of Harmeet Kaur Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. Upon reflection, we recognize that our statement fell short of aligning with our mission and our duty to hold our leaders accountable. Our mission guides us to lead with nimrata (humility) and serve our sangat (community) with integrity and accountability and we thank all those who offered their feedback and counsel.

Our intention was to recognize the historical significance of Ms. Dhillon’s being the first Sikh American nominated for this role, given her prior contributions to civil rights advocacy, including her volunteer work with SALDEF and other Sikh causes in the years following 9/11. At that time, Ms. Dhillon actively supported efforts to address workplace discrimination, bullying, and the accommodation of Sikh articles of faith. In 2013, she was recognized by SALDEF for her contributions to civil advocacy, including serving on the board of the Northern California ACLU. In our original statement, we failed to appropriately address the deeply concerning aspects of her recent record. 

While we acknowledge Ms. Dhillon’s past contributions, we also recognize her more troubling recent positions and actions that warrant critical examination. In recent years, Ms. Dhillon has pursued positions and legal actions that undermine the very communities SALDEF is committed to advocating for by showcasing a concerning pattern of prioritizing partisan interests over civil rights protection. Representation alone is not enough—true leadership in civil rights must be rooted in the defense of all communities and the values of equity, justice, and inclusion. 

We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to fulfill its constitutional role to advise and consent by thoroughly vetting Ms. Dhillon’s record. Her nomination should rise or fall on the merits of her ability to lead the Civil Rights Division as a nonpartisan champion for justice, rather than in service of the short-term political goals of any administration.

If confirmed, SALDEF will work with Ms. Dhillon and the Department of Justice to advance the rights of all communities and hold them accountable to the highest standards of civil rights protections by speaking out on any failure to uphold these principles. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans, including Sikh Americans, are respected and protected at every level of government.

Since 1996, SALDEF has been dedicated to defending the rights of all Americans, especially those most marginalized and vulnerable to injustice. We thank our community for holding us accountable and reaffirm our pledge to act in service of sarbat da bhalla (welfare for all).

###