From the Frontlines: February Advocacy Update

SALDEF Policy Update: February 2026

In February, SALDEF engaged lawmakers, filed legal briefs, strengthened coalitions, and ensured that Sikh American perspectives were represented in critical federal and state policy discussions. Here is exactly what your support made possible.

1. Protecting the Right to Vote

Sikh Americans, like many immigrant communities, face outsized barriers when navigating voter registration systems: language access gaps, name discrepancies on documents, and unfamiliarity with bureaucratic processes.

The SAVE America Act, the Make Elections Great Again Act, and the original SAVE Act would have made those barriers worse.

SALDEF joined a national civil rights coalition to oppose all three, ensuring that eligible Sikh American citizens are not locked out of the democratic process that shapes the policies affecting their lives.

2. Defending Birthright Citizenship and Due Process

For Sikh families with mixed immigration status, a reality for many in our community, birthright citizenship is the legal foundation of their children’s lives in America.

This month SALDEF endorsed the Defend the Fourteenth Amendment Resolution and joined SAAJCO and the South Asian coalition on an amicus brief in Trump v. Barbara, standing in federal court in direct defense of this constitutional protection. As this right is challenged, with your support, SALDEF is pushing back.

3. Protecting Gurdwaras and Sikh Sacred Spaces

The sanctity of religious worship spaces is not a matter of preference; it is a matter of constitutional and moral principle. This month, SALDEF continued to put pressure by joining a letter urging Congress to enact the bill.

This federal legislation would formally protect houses of worship, including Sikh gurdwaras, from immigration enforcement actions that erode community trust and undermine religious free exercise.

4. Holding Government Power Accountable

SALDEF called for congressional oversight of Department of Homeland Security surveillance technologies through a coalition letter led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

SALDEF endorsed the Melt ICE Act, advocating for an immigration system grounded in due process and proportionality rather than punitive detention.

5. Leading the Nation on Transnational Repression

After California Governor Newsom vetoed SB 509 last year, we continued our advocacy in ensuring victims of transnational repression are protected.

This month, SALDEF successfully engaged with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to ensure that as the state develops official law enforcement training on transnational repression, the Sikh community’s experiences are centered.

Following the guilty plea entered by Nikhil Gupta in a plot tied to foreign threats against Sikh Americans on U.S. soil, SALDEF issued a public statement reinforcing that accountability is not optional.

6. Defending Religious Freedom and Fighting Online Hate

When X/Twitter became a platform for coordinated hate targeting minority religious communities, civil rights organizations that spoke up faced legal retaliation. SALDEF joined an amicus brief in Media Matters v. FTC to protect the right of advocacy organizations including our own to do this work without fear.

SALDEF also joined Interfaith Alliance v. Trump as a plaintiff, challenging the Religious Liberty Commission to ensure that religious freedom protections serve all Americans, not just some.

Because of your partnership, SALDEF continues to advocate for our community, ensuring that Sikh Americans are not only included in national conversations, but actively shaping them.

Thank you for your continued trust and investment in this work.

Support SALDEF’s Work on the Frontlines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joint Statement on the Hindu American Foundation’s Remarkable Comments Regarding the Plot to Assassinate Sikhs on U.S. Soil

February 23, 2026 — On a February 20 episode of “HAF Reacts,” Hindu American Foundation’s Managing Director for Policy and Programs Samir Kalra said the following about the recent guilty plea of Nikhil Gupta and his role in a conspiracy to assassinate U.S.-based Sikhs:

“Man, if you’re gonna do a job, fucking do it right, too. I mean that’s the other thing. Why did you send such a sloppy person to do the job? And again, I’m not advocating it should have been successful, but come on, I mean, that was, like, worse than the D-team. Like when you walk into a strip club in the middle of the day, you get like the worst dancers that are there, right? You gotta go to like, prime time at night to get the best dancers, not during the daytime. And that’s like, this kind of operation! You have, like, the daytime dancers that were part of this operation. If you’re going to do it, freakin’ do it right. If you’re going to have somebody indicted, at least be successful in your operation. Shame on India or whoever was ordering this hit or whoever was involved in it for doing such a horrible, sloppy job.”

SALDEF (the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), The Sikh Coalition, and Hindus for Human Rights, offered the following joint reaction:

“It is truly remarkable to watch HAF’s leadership openly yucking it up about a foreign government’s plot to kill U.S.-based individuals. In the course of his misogynistic shock jock routine, it is pretty incredible that Kalra appears to overtly concede that India could have been involved in ‘ordering this hit’—which, again, is an attempt to murder an American on American soil.”

“As a reminder, this is an ongoing threat—not just in our eyes, but in the eyes of the United States government. A former RAW official is still wanted by the FBI for his role in coordinating this conspiracy. Other Sikh activists received ‘duty to warn notices’ that they could be targets for assassination. And other governments, most notably Canada, have both publicly expelled multiple Indian consular officials for their role in transnational repression against the Sikh diaspora, as well as accused high-level officials of being involved in these plots.”

“We strongly encourage others in the civil rights ecosystem, media, and elsewhere to review this recording. The choice to post it without apology or qualification is illustrative of HAF’s positions, values, and seriousness; it is also essential context for any of their advocacy work moving forward on laws or policies that would seek to address the very real and persistent threat of transnational repression.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2026
Contact: Media@saldef.org

Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty To Plotting To Assassinate Sikh U.S. Citizen 

Foreign-directed assassination plot underscores urgent need to protect constitutional rights of diaspora communities

Washington, D.C. – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) acknowledges today’s guilty plea by Nikhil Gupta to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City. This case represents a chilling confirmation of what Sikh Americans have long warned about: the reach of transnational repression onto American soil.

“Today’s guilty plea validates the serious concerns our community has raised about transnational repression targeting Sikh Americans who exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful advocacy,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “No one in America should fear assassination for their political beliefs or advocacy. This case demands a comprehensive governmental response to protect all diaspora communities from foreign threats.”

This case is not isolated. SALDEF has documented and advocated against transnational repression tactics employed against Sikh Americans, including surveillance and intimidation of community members and activists; coordinated harassment campaigns targeting Sikh institutions and leaders; and attempts to influence U.S. policy through coercion rather than legitimate diplomatic channels.

As FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky stated, “The U.S. citizen became a target of transnational repression solely for exercising their freedom of speech.” This is the definition of an attack on American values and constitutional protections.

SALDEF has been at the forefront of combating transnational repression, including engaging federal agencies such as the FBI, Department of Justice, and State Department to ensure robust protection of Sikh Americans; advocating for legislative solutions to strengthen U.S. responses to foreign government interference; educating policymakers about the scope and nature of transnational repression affecting our community; and building coalitions with other diaspora communities facing similar threats.

While we commend U.S. law enforcement for bringing Gupta to justice, this guilty plea must catalyze further action: full accountability for all individuals involved, including any foreign government officials who directed this plot; diplomatic consequences for governments that engage in transnational repression on U.S. soil; enhanced protective measures for at-risk community members and activists; increased resources for investigating and prosecuting transnational repression cases; and legislative action to strengthen legal frameworks protecting diaspora communities.

“The targeting of American citizens by foreign governments represents an assault on our democracy and the fundamental freedoms we hold dear,” continued Gill. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every person in America can exercise their rights without fear of violence.”

SALDEF remains committed to protecting the civil rights and religious freedoms of Sikh Americans and stands ready to support community members facing threats. We urge anyone experiencing intimidation or threats to contact SALDEF and report incidents to the FBI.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2026

Defending Religious Liberty for All: SALDEF Takes Legal Action

Trump-Vance Administration Commission Using Secretive Advisory Group to Promote Narrow and Exclusionary Understanding of Religious Liberty

New York City – SALDEF, alongside a multi-faith coalition, have united to file a lawsuit challenging the unlawful creation of the Trump-Vance administration’s so-called Religious Liberty Commission, pointing to violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the unbalanced and biased viewpoints assembled for the panel.

The commission was established by Executive Order 14291 on May 1, 2025. Despite the guidelines set by law through FACA, the commission’s membership consists exclusively of Christians, except for one Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, all of whom collectively represent the narrow perspective that America was founded as a “Judeo-Christian” nation and must be guided by Biblical principles.

No members of the commission represent other minority religions, such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism, or non-religious Americans, and the commission’s meetings have expressly adopted and promoted purportedly Judeo-Christian ideals and viewpoints, with members routinely expressing their views during meetings that the United States is a Judeo-Christian or Christian nation.

The legal challenge is being brought by SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), Interfaith Alliance, Muslims For Progressive Values, and Hindus For Human Rights. It asks that the court declare that the commission was created and administered in violation of federal law, to require the disclosure of documents that should already be public, and to ensure that any recommendations produced by this body are clearly identified as coming from an unlawfully constituted commission. The coalition is represented by Democracy Forward and Americans United for Separation of Church and State in the matter.

“Religious freedom and religious liberty for all are foundational American values. America thrives when all religious traditions are respected and diverse perspectives are considered in the public realm. As Americans, we must work together to ensure these values are upheld,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

“Religious freedom for some is religious freedom for none,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “The government has no right to pick and choose which religious beliefs to promote, and which to marginalize. The Trump administration has failed to uphold our country’s proud religious freedom tradition, and we will hold them accountable. Today’s lawsuit is our recommitment to fight for religious liberty for all with every tool available to us.”

“As a Muslim American organization, we have seen first hand how elevating a singular religion above others, especially in a country as religiously diverse as the United States, leads to the oppression and possible persecution of minority faiths,” said Ani Zonneveld, President and Founder of Muslims for Progressive Values. “As Americans, we must work together so that no form of religious supremacy cements itself in our country.”

“Religious liberty means religious liberty for everyone, not just one faith community. By stacking this Religious Liberty Commission with a narrow set of voices and hiding the commission’s work from the public eye, the Trump administration is evading the transparency and balance that federal law requires. Hindus for Human Rights is proud to stand with our multifaith partners to defend a pluralistic democracy where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, and nonreligious people all belong as equals,” said Ria Chakrabarty, Senior Policy Director of Hindus for Human Rights.

Congress enacted FACA in 1972 to curb the executive branch’s reliance on secretive and biased advisory committees, and the law establishes strict requirements for the creation and conduct of committees that are intended to influence national policy. Every advisory committee must meet public transparency requirements, be in the public interest, be fairly balanced among competing points of view, and be structured to avoid inappropriate influence by special interests.

“Since the nation’s founding, the values of religious liberty and pluralism have been central to the American identity. These values are now under accelerated attack. The Trump-Vance administration’s Religious Liberty Commission is not about religious liberty, it is about pursuing a culture of Christian Nationalism that seeks to divide and isolate people across our nation,” said Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward. “The fatally flawed way this commission was assembled makes clear that the outcome isn’t just un-American, it’s against the law. Inspired by this diverse multifaith coalition of plaintiffs and their commitment to true religious liberty, we will continue to use every legal tool available to protect the American people and the best of our nation’s values.”

“The Religious Liberty Commission isn’t about protecting religious liberty for all; it’s about rejecting our nation’s religious diversity and prioritizing one narrow set of conservative ‘Judeo-Christian’ beliefs,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “The commission’s public meetings – most of which have been held at the Museum of the Bible and have been dominated by a very specific brand of Christian faith, Christian prayers, and predominantly Christian speakers – are a vivid example of this favoritism. The commission’s true purpose and operations can’t be squared with America’s constitutional promise of church-state separation.”

The case before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York is Interfaith Alliance et al. v. Trump et al. The legal team on this case includes Anna Deffebach, Robin Thurston, and Ayesha Khan from Democracy Forward and Jenny Samuels from Americans United.

Read the filing here.

*Perryman also serves as a member of the Board of Interfaith Alliance.

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From the Frontlines: January Advocacy Update

In moments of challenge, communities show their true strength.

Across the country right now, neighbors are stepping up to protect one another, uphold dignity, and demand accountability from those in power. This is exactly the kind of collective action that creates lasting change and we’re grateful to have you as part of this movement.

Below, we share critical updates on immigration enforcement, religious liberty, and language access, along with concrete ways you can take action today.

On Immigration

Demanding Justice After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

From Minneapolis to Chicago to Los Angeles, people are being killed on the streets, families are being separated, and communities are being destabilized.

We joined Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Minneapolis City Council members in condemning these actions and calling for full transparency and accountability. Read our statement here.

Challenging Secret Police Tactics

“When law enforcement officers conceal their identities, or when non-officers impersonate police, community members who already face religious profiling, language barriers, or immigration vulnerability are placed at serious risk.”

– Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director

In January, SALDEF filed a federal court brief in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California and Bird Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim, LLP, opposing the use of masked federal agents and concealed badges during immigration raids. Our brief defends two California laws designed to protect public safety: SB 627 (the No Secret Police Act) and SB 805(the No Vigilantes Act).

Standing With a National Coalition to Rein In ICE

SALDEF joined more than 500 civil and human rights organizations in urging Congress to reject increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol and to include meaningful guardrails and accountability measures in any Department of Homeland Security appropriations.

Why This Matters: These developments directly affect our community through workplace raids, border profiling, and the climate of fear pervading our neighborhoods.

ACT NOW: Urge your Senators and members of Congress to oppose expanded funding for ICE and border patrol and to support accountability measures that protect communities.

On Religious Liberty

Major Relief for Sikh Religious Workers

SALDEF welcomes a new regulatory change from the Department of Homeland Security that provides meaningful relief for R-1 visa religious workers. This ruling comes at a critical time, as green card backlogs for religious workers now stretch for decades. This rule eliminates the one-year waiting period that previously forced religious workers to spend extensive time outside the United States between R-1 visas.

What’s Next: While we celebrate this regulatory progress, SALDEF’s advocacy continues for the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA). This legislation would provide the comprehensive solution our community needs, allowing 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 receive a decision on their green card application.

On Language Access

Protecting Multilingual Services for 25 Million Americans

Many Sikh Americans, particularly our elders and recent immigrants, rely on Punjabi language services to access critical federal programs.

SALDEF is honored to sponsor groundbreaking legislation introduced by Representatives Meng, Chu, Goldman, and Vargas that protects language access for 25 million individuals in the U.S. with limited English proficiency. This legislation ensures that language is never a barrier to accessing healthcare through Medicare and Medicaid or receiving Social Security benefits and disability services.

On Hate Crimes

SALDEF signed on in support of bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Mazie Hirono and Susan Collins to improve the accuracy and credibility of hate crime reporting nationwide.

  • The Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act would require the Department of Justice to assess whether law enforcement agencies are reporting credible hate crime data and require jurisdictions that fail to do so to strengthen reporting systems and conduct community education to remain eligible for certain federal funding.

SALDEF emphasized that Sikh Americans are among the most targeted religious groups per capita and that consistent, reliable data is essential to accountability, effective policymaking, and ensuring impacted communities receive appropriate protections and resources. The full text of the legislation is available here.

ACT NOW

If you or someone you know experiences immigration enforcement activity, civil rights violations, or religious discrimination, contact SALDEF immediately. Our team is here to help.

This work is only possible because of you. Every victory we secure, every injustice we challenge, every community member we protect: it all flows from your commitment to our shared vision of justice, dignity, and equality.

Report an Incident Sustain This Work

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Jan 7, 2025
Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Condemns Fatal Shooting During ICE Operation in Minneapolis, Calls for Accountability and Transparency

Washington, D.C. – January 7, 2026 – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is deeply disturbed by the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis by a masked ICE agent. We are monitoring this situation closely as more information becomes available.

Federal law enforcement operations should protect communities, not terrorize them. While details continue to emerge, local authorities and independent video evidence raise serious concerns about the circumstances of this shooting. Minneapolis leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council members, have questioned the federal narrative and demanded accountability and transparency—calls that SALDEF fully supports.

“Today’s shooting in Minnesota is a devastating reminder of the deadly consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement,” said SALDEF Executive Director Name, Kiran Kaur Gill. “No one should lose their life during a civil immigration action. We must demand accountability and transparency from those entrusted with power.”

SALDEF stands in solidarity with the Minneapolis community as they grieve this loss. We urge federal authorities to cooperate fully with independent investigations and to provide complete transparency about the actions that led to this tragedy. True public safety requires accountability, restraint, and respect for human life.

How do you explain Guru Nanak Dev Ji to a toddler growing up watching Cocomelon?

How do you pass on the Janamsakhis when your children’s world looks so different from the one you grew up in?

Shawn Singh Ghuman felt this too. As he prepared for fatherhood in 2023, he realized the stories he grew up loving needed a refresh for this generation of Sikh American kids.

So he created Guru Nanak Stories, a children’s book series that brings our Guru’s adventures to life through modern, beautifully illustrated picture books. Today, his books are read in homes, classrooms, and gurdwaras around the world, turning bedtime into a bridge between heritage and identity.

In our Faith in Action series, we celebrate Sikh Americans like Shawn who live their values and strengthen our community through action.

SALDEF: Can you share what inspired you to create Guru Nanak Stories and bring Janamsakhis to life for today’s children?

Shawn: During the pandemic, I saw a wave of self-published books with Sikh characters come to life, which was wonderful to see. At the same time, teachers like Nanak Naam were making Sikhi accessible in modern, thoughtful ways. Those trends felt powerful to me.

I grew up loving the Janamsakhis, and I always felt they deserved a refresh — especially for our children who are being raised in such a different cultural context than previous generations. Those three threads came together and sparked the idea for Guru Nanak Stories.

In 2023, as my wife and I were preparing for parenthood, I realized I wanted to create something that would help me explain Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sikhi to my own children one day. That personal intention is what ultimately brought the series to life, and now I get to read these stories to my 18-month-old son!

SALDEF: Is there a reaction from a parent or child that has stayed with you or affirmed the impact of this project?

Shawn: Yes! One in particular stays with me. A family friend I had gifted the books to shared a photo of her daughter reading one because the story “made her feel better.” 

That touched me deeply because it reminded me that children often turn to stories for grounding, comfort, and meaning, and the fact that Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message played that role was incredibly moving.

I also often hear that kids want to re-read the books over and over. Now that I’m a dad, I fully understand that. My own son wants to re-read the same few books every night.

It makes me happy knowing Guru Nanak Dev Ji is becoming part of that nightly comfort ritual for families.

SALDEF: How do you hope these stories strengthen Sikh identity, confidence, and connection in young children growing up in the diaspora?”

Shawn: As more generations are born and raised in the diaspora, our understanding of “Sikh culture,” or the shared immigration stories and community structures our parents leaned on, naturally becomes diluted over time.

But the beliefs and values of Sikhi are timeless. They apply anywhere and at any age. The challenge is that they must be taught in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and relatable to children growing up in an ever-changing world.

SALDEF: What has this journey taught you about the responsibility and power of telling Sikh stories?

Shawn: This journey has taught me that kids absorb everything — the tone, the images, the values. They understand more than we think, especially when spirituality is offered with clarity and love.

That means every detail matters.

Sikhi is not inherited; it is experienced. And for many children, these early stories become their first experience of Sikhi. This has made me more thoughtful and intentional about how I present concepts and morals in each book.

I’m grateful that families resonate with the stories and support the mission. Our history is kept alive not only through gurdwaras and classrooms, but through the stories we choose to tell at home.

SALDEF: What message would you share with Sikh parents, caregivers, and educators who want to pass Sikhi on to the next generation?

Shawn: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to try.

Sikhi is passed through small moments like a story at bedtime or a line from Gurbani shared during a car ride. It can be as simple as explaining Seva or Vand Chakko to your little one when helping a neighbor.

Shawn’s work reminds us that preserving our faith isn’t just about what happens in the gurdwara, it’s about the stories you choose to share at home, the moments you create with your children, and the values you model every day.

At SALDEF, we’re committed to creating space for Sikh Americans like Shawn who are building bridges between our heritage and our future. Your support makes this work possible.

Learn more about Guru Nanak Stories → www.gurunanakstories.com or at Amazon

Support SALDEF’s Work to Hear More Stories Like Shawn’s >>>

SALDEF’s Faith in Action series celebrates Sikh Americans who live their values every day and strengthen the communities around them. In this interview, we speak with Ruby Basi, a dedicated community advocate who has built a powerful online presence connecting Sikhs across North America and beyond with vital resources, trusted guidance, and a voice that speaks up for those who cannot.

SALDEF: You’ve built such a strong online presence and local reputation as someone the Sikh community can turn to for trusted guidance. What inspired you to start sharing information and resources through your social media platforms?

Ruby: My inspiration comes from a strong desire to connect and support our Sikh and South Asian communities, both here in North America and globally. I realized there was a real need for accessible, reliable information about resources, opportunities, and community stories, and I also felt the need to speak up for those who are afraid to share.

Social media gave me a platform to share that information in a way that’s immediate and engaging, and to be a voice that people of all ages—whether they speak Punjabi or English—can connect with. It’s always been about helping people feel informed, represented, and connected, whether through highlighting cultural events, important news, or resources that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

SALDEF: You often answer community questions about immigration, government forms, and other challenges new immigrants face. What patterns or needs do you see most often, and how do you decide which topics to cover?

Ruby: While I’m not an attorney or lawyer, I often hear from community members about challenges with immigration, government forms, and adjusting to life in a new country. The most common needs I see are clarity on procedures, access to reliable resources, and guidance on where to turn for help.

To support them, I share accurate, publicly available information and trusted resources, and I’m connected with attorneys and lawyers in both the U.S. and Canada who often join videos or live calls to answer questions directly. I always remind everyone to double-check their sources and consult or reschedule with their own attorney as needed—ensuring they get reliable guidance while I serve as a bridge connecting them to the help they need.

SALDEF: How does Sikhi influence the way you approach your work—both online and in person—when serving and educating the sangat?

Ruby: Sikhi is my foundation, and everything I do reflects our teachings. We are taught not to judge, to do sewa, to help those in need, and to remain humble and grounded. I was raised to never think we are better than anyone else—everyone carries the light of the Guru within them. We don’t know it all, which is why learning is a lifelong journey. Sikh values guide me every day, and I strive to live them until my last breath.

SALDEF: Social media can sometimes feel overwhelming or even discouraging. How do you maintain authenticity, compassion, and credibility while growing your platform and engaging thousands of followers?

Social media is not always easy—you see all kinds of profiles, and many have fake pictures or names—but I go back to our teachings. Sikhi reminds us to help anyone we can, and compassion and determination come from within.

Maintaining credibility while growing a platform with thousands of followers means staying true to these values: sharing accurate, verified information, connecting people with trusted resources or professionals when needed, and engaging thoughtfully with the community. For me, building trust and providing meaningful guidance is more important than chasing numbers, and that authenticity naturally helps the platform grow.

SALDEF: Many immigrants rely on social media for guidance, but misinformation is common. How do you ensure the accuracy of your content, and what advice would you give others who want to be responsible educators online?

Ruby: I cannot stress this enough—always do your own research! Too often, people share information they’ve heard from a friend of a friend, which can cause unnecessary panic. While many immigrants turn to social media for guidance, I’m very mindful that the information I share needs to be accurate and reliable. I always verify my sources, rely on publicly available official information, and connect with trusted professionals.

Often, I host one- or two-hour live sessions with legal professionals to answer questions directly. That said, I always remind everyone to double-check information and consult their own professionals—accuracy and caution are key. As an educator, please double-, triple-check anything you’re posting about. If you’re not sure, it’s better not to post on it.

SALDEF: What’s next for you? Are there new projects, collaborations, or goals you’re excited to pursue to expand your impact?

Ruby: I have several new projects lined up, including presenting a family-friendly play called MAA DI PENSION. It’s a comedy show with an educational twist, designed to bring families together and encourage our elderly community to get out, enjoy themselves, and engage socially. In addition, I have more projects in the works and will be appearing on Rukas Avenue, my new show covering headline news in Punjabi-English. I’m excited to continue creating content that entertains, educates, and connects our community.

SALDEF: What message would you like to share with Sikh Americans—especially younger generations—about using their voice, skills, and platforms in service of the community?

Ruby: To the younger generation: you all have a voice. Stand up for your rights, and if you can help someone, do it. If you’re going through something, speak up and if you see something, say something. I’m always here if you need anything, just send me a message. I try my best to respond to every follower, no matter who they are. Again, I’m a Sikh-American and we have a lot of work to do—let’s make a change!

Share Your Story: Know a Sikh American who’s making a difference through their commitment to Sikh values? We want to feature them in an upcoming Faith in Action spotlight. Click here to tell us about their story and contact information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Organizations Condemn Governor Newsom’s Veto of SB 509

As organizations committed to defending civil rights and democratic freedoms, we are profoundly disappointed in Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 509, a measure that would have fortified California’s ability to counter growing patterns of transnational repression (TNR) – harassment, intimidation, surveillance, or threats by foreign governments targeting individuals on U.S. soil. 

If enacted, this bill would have directed the California Office of Emergency Services to develop and regularly update a training program for law enforcement that provides them with the tools necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to the intimidation of Americans by foreign governments. California is home to vulnerable diasporic communities that face a heightened risk of TNR. By vetoing SB 509, the governor missed a critical opportunity to protect Californians from foreign interference and ensure that California stands firmly against entities that weaken democratic safeguards. The decision leaves vulnerable communities without a critical tool that could have been solidified via statute, thereby leaving bad actors to continue their threats and intimidation campaigns unchecked. 

The veto of SB 509 is a setback for the safety and security of all Californians. We stand together to reaffirm the foundational freedoms that everyone is entitled to, including the right to speak freely without fear of foreign interference. Californians deserve to have their voices protected from intimidation, and to have leadership that prioritizes protecting their civil rights. We call on the international community, particularly the United States, to take a strong stance against transnational repression, including ongoing attacks on human rights and free speech. 

Signed:

Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund 

Hindus for Human Rights

The Sikh Coalition 

Amnesty International USA 

South Asian Network 

Uyghur Human Rights Project 

Indian American Muslim Council 

India Civil Watch International

Human Rights in China

Hong Kongers in San Diego

Washingtonians Supporting Hong Kong (DC4HK)

ChinaAid Association

Overseas Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Alliance

Humanitarian China