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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Our Community Statement Here. 

Standing Against Hate: Defending Sikh American Values

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

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 PLANNING PURPOSES— MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Amrita Kular, Director of Communications, amrita.kular@saldef.org

Groundbreaking “Sikhs in Storytelling” Event in Chicago: A Celebration of Sikh Voices in Arts, Media, and Public Life

WASHINGTON D.C. — May 11, 2025 – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is proud to present Sikhs in Storytelling, a groundbreaking celebration of Sikh American voices through art, film, media, and live performance. Taking place at the Copernicus Center in Chicago, the event brings together renowned artists, public figures, and creators to explore the power of storytelling in advancing Sikh American narratives.

The event includes panel discussions, performances, art exhibits, and live storytelling that reflect the depth and breadth of Sikh American experiences. From Emmy-nominated filmmakers to global artists, the program will showcase a diverse lineup of talent, including: 

  • Humble the Poet – Bestselling author, spoken word artist, cultural influencer, with over 540k followers on Instagram.
  • Inkquisitive (Amandeep Singh) – Global visual artist known for vibrant, thought-provoking work with over 290k followers on Instagram
  • Jag Bains – Winner of T.V. show Big Brother Season 25
  • Jeevin Singh Neelam – Actor, CBS S.W.A.T., supported by SALDEF
  • M’Laah Kaur Singh – Actress, Marvel’s Avengers. Dhoom 3, and more
  • Harvind Kaur Singh – Emmy-nominated journalist and producer
  • PJ Randhawa – NBC Investigative Reporter
  • Ranjeev Puri – House Democratic Leader, Michigan Legislature, and currently the highest-ranking Sikh elected official in America.
  • Other notable local and internationally renowned speakers 

WHAT:

Sikhs in Storytelling is a first-of-its-kind immersive experience celebrating Sikh identity and representation across creative industries. Programming includes:

  • Art gallery and panel with local and global Sikh artists
  • Film & TV representation panel with actors from CBS S.W.A.T., Big Brother, and Avengers, and more
  • Storytelling & advocacy discussions featuring activists and elected officials
  • Live Performances including a rock band set, a DJ set, and poetry readings
  • Mother’s Day Tribute with live music, art, and poetry
  • Networking & community building opportunities throughout the day

WHEN:

Sunday, May 11, 2025
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST

WHERE:

The Copernicus Center
5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

WHY:

Sikh Americans remain deeply underrepresented in mainstream arts, media, and policy. This event is part of SALDEF’s ongoing mission to change that through narrative power and community investment. Sikhs in Storytelling is a space for reimagining and uplifting what Sikh representation looks like across sectors—and who gets to tell our stories.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Interviews with featured speakers and artists
  • Behind-the-scenes access and photo/video opportunities
  • Expert commentary on narrative change, identity, and visibility in media
  • High-quality visuals of art exhibits, panelists, and performances

RSVP & PRESS CREDENTIALS:

Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP in advance for press access. To secure credentials or schedule interviews, please contact media@saldef.org

For more information about Sikhs in Storytelling, visit https://SikhsinStorytelling.eventbrite.com

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 

March 21, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Washington State Senate Recognizes Sikh American Contributions

We are excited to share that the Washington State Senate has passed a resolution honoring Sikh Americans for their contributions to Washington and the U.S!

Sponsored by State Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the first Sikh American elected to a state legislature, the resolution highlights Sikh values of service, truth, and equality and acknowledges the resilience of our community.

“We are a community deeply rooted in truth and service,” said Senator Dhingra. “At a time of rising hate, we must ensure all people feel safe and welcomed. I am honored to be able to represent Sikh Americans in Washington state.”

Senator Dhingra also reflected on the 1907 Bellingham Riots and the progress made today with Satpal Singh Sidhu serving as Whatcom County Executive—a testament to the strength of the Sikh American community.

“This recognition reflects our journey from exclusion to representation and the vital contributions of Sikh Americans breaking barriers for us all,” said Whatcom County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu.

At SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), we are proud to uplift this achievement.

“This resolution stands as a testament to the Sikh American community’s enduring impact on the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Washington State and the nation.” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “It is a powerful affirmation of the strength, unity, and values we bring to our shared communities, and we are grateful for Senator Dhingra’s leadership in advancing this important recognition.”

We thank Senator Dhingra, Whatcom County Executive Sidhu, and community leaders for championing Sikh representation.

Watch the full Senate session here.

Click Here to Watch the Full Senate Session