SALDEF at the Forefront of Protecting Sikh Americans

SALDEF at the Forefront of Protecting Sikh Americans

Faith-based communities in America have repeatedly come under attack.

These attacks not only threaten individual faith groups, such as Sikh Americans, but they also threaten the idea of religious freedom, one of the core principles under which our nation was founded. 

At SALDEF, the safety and security of the Sikh American community is our top priority.

We’re proud to share a significant step forward achieved through SALDEF’s leadership.

Since 2022, SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill has served as Chair of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Faith-Based Security Advisory Council (FBSAC). This council plays a vital role in ensuring houses of worship, faith communities, and faith-based organizations have the resources and support they need to stay safe.

Leadership Leads to Action

Under Kiran’s leadership and based on SALDEF research and analysis, the committee has worked to identify substantive and meaningful recommendations to support and enhance faith-based communities’ ability to be able to prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of targeted violence.

In an effort to protect Sikh Americans and others from incidents of transnational repression, the subcommittee has published recommendations that the government should enact.

Not only does the report heighten domestic awareness of this threat, but it also includes recommendations for prosecuting perpetrators of transnational repression, increased victim support services for targeted communities and language-accessible resources and outreach.

The DHS also announced an increase of $390 million in grant funding for faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations, bringing the total FY2024 total to over $664 million.

Earlier this year, SALDEF engaged in successful advocacy to get Congressional funding for our sangats through this program.

The Committee reports and recommendations are on the FBSAC page, and you can find them here: Faith-Based Security Advisory Council | Homeland Security (dhs.gov).

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

We encourage you to visit https://saldef.org/transnationalrepression and https://saldef.org/nonprofit-security-grant-program-nsgp-application/ for the latest updates on security resources and initiatives.

SALDEF’s leadership role in this DHS committee demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all faith-based communities. SALDEF’s work in protecting the Sikh American community never stops. We will continue to advocate for your safety and security at every level.

WELCOME 2024 SikhLEAD DC INTERNS!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our exceptional Washington DC SikhLEAD Summer Internship participants at SALDEF!

This year’s cohort brings together eight talented young Sikh professionals from diverse communities across the nation:

  • Salonee Raheja | Becket Law Firm
  • Karamjot Singh | Senator Chuch Schumer
  • Komal Samrow | United States Government Accountability Office
  • Harbani Kohli | Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)
  • Shaan Dhaliwal | New Heights Communication
  • Noorkaran Chima  | United States Commission on Civil Rights
  • Sareena Datta  | Congressman Andy Kim
  • Harman Singh Kohli  | APIAVOTE

Throughout the summer, they will have a unique opportunity to engage with influential leaders in Washington, D.C., including those on Capitol Hill, at key federal agencies, and at esteemed organizations like Becket Law Firm and the United States Government Accountability Office.

Through their participation in the SikhLEAD Internship Program, these interns will not only cultivate relationships with our nation’s leaders but also learn how to align their Sikh values with their chosen careers. Additionally, they will gain valuable professional experience that will equip them to serve the Sikh community effectively.

As a reminder, we have a summer fundraising goal of $75,000 to support the SikhLEAD Internship Program. Your contribution to this campaign will help us empower these and future aspiring leaders.

On behalf of these inspiring young leaders and the entire SALDEF team, thank you for your continued support!

Sikhs in Storytelling – A Smash Hit!

Our Sikhs in Storytelling event in New York City was an unforgettable evening with over 100 attendees in person and a whopping 500+ tuning in on the livestream!

The impact of your support was evident in the energy and enthusiasm that filled the room. Stories were shared, connections were made, and a powerful message of resilience and pride was amplified.

The evening unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Sikh American experiences. A captivating panel discussion titled Storytelling for a New Era, delved into the heart of Sikh identity in the modern world.

Esteemed panelists Nardeep Khurmi, Nav the Poet, Ravjot Mehek Singh, Vishavjit Singh, and Anoopreet Kaur Rehncy shared their personal journeys and powerful voices, sparking thought-provoking discussions on representation, overcoming media stereotypes, and the vital role of storytelling in shaping a more inclusive future.

Next, the event took a powerful turn with From Margins to Mainstage: Sikh Women Reimagine Their Power, an interactive session that had the audience buzzing.

The brilliant writers behind the book Kaurs Reimagine: Meeta Kaur, Sonia Kaur, and Saranjit Banga took center stage, led by the ever-inspiring SALDEF Board Member, Juspreet Kaur.

Together, they wove a tapestry of captivating stories featuring Sikh women who shattered expectations and carved their own paths to strength and leadership. It was a session that left everyone feeling empowered and ready to embrace their own unique experiences.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling in Media and Journalism, brought together this a powerhouse group of women: Brahmjot Kaur, Harmeet Kaur, Asees K. Singh, and Sona Simran Kaur.

Their stories weren’t just about navigating a competitive field, they offered a refreshing perspective on how to tell Sikh stories in the media.

From personal anecdotes to practical advice on news cycles, this panel was a breath of fresh air, leaving the audience eager to see more diverse voices shaping the media landscape.

Weaving a fascinating thread through our Storytelling for Change panel was the unlikely historical figure, Bhagat Singh Thind.

Panelists Nardeep Khurmi, Anoopreet Kaur Rehncy, Harjus Singh, Vishavjit Singh, and Joy Kanwar, despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, all connected to Thind’s legacy of resilience and fighting for justice.

This panel also sparked a powerful conversation about how storytelling can empower our community to advocate for a more just and equitable world, leaving a lasting impression on our engaged audience members.

Beyond Words: Performances that Stirred the Soul

From captivating musical performances to a thought-provoking spoken word session, the evening pulsed with the vibrant energy of Sikh American creativity.

Manav Singh, Unnat Singh & Dashmesh Singh’s captivating rendition of Raag Gond (the 17th Raag in the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) set the perfect tone for an evening filled with unforgettable stories and vibrant culture.

Gurpreet Sarin‘s stirring vocals captivated the audience, while Nav the Poet‘s spoken word piece delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the attendees.

These diverse performances showcased the rich tapestry of Sikh American artistry and left a lasting impression on all who witnessed them.

Your continued support makes events like this possible.

The success of “Sikhs in Storytelling” wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and the support of our sponsors, The Asian American Foundation and Comcast.

Your contribution allows us to continue amplifying Sikh American voices and challenging the one-dimensional narratives prevalent in society.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Sikh American community.

Sikhs in Storytelling Captures Hearts in NYC!

Engaged Audience Members
Kaurs Reimagine Team
Storytelling for Change Panel

SALDEF’s groundbreaking Sikhs in Storytelling event in NYC was a resounding success! Over 100 attendees packed the Five Angels Theater for a night filled with captivating performances and insightful panels.

Sikh American creatives and local community members (the sangat) came together to share powerful stories and ignite a movement of cultural understanding. This event was a pivotal step in redefining the narrative of Sikh Americans through the power of storytelling.

Thank you to all who made this event a success!

Missed the event? Don’t worry! You can still experience the magic virtually! View the entire event via the recorded livestream below for FREE!

SALDEF Marks Fourth Annual National AANHPI Mental Health Day

On May 10, 2024, SALDEF is proud to join the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), the U.S Congress, and over a hundred community organizations, businesses, cities, and states across the country to commemorate the fourth annual National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day.

May 10 has been recognized as AANHPI Mental Health Day since 2010, when it was first proclaimed in the State of California. In 2021, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced the first congressional resolution to recognize May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day and last year, a Senate companion was introduced for the first time by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI). The congressional resolution calls upon members of Congress to promote national awareness of mental health issues unique to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and urges state and local health agencies across the nation to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for this population.

In the United States, AANHPIs have the lowest rate of mental health care utilization compared to other racial or ethnic groups, with only 36 percent of AANHPI adults with a mental illness receiving treatment in 2022. In recent years, suicide has been the leading cause of death for AANHPI youth ages 10 through 24 in the United States, and AANHPI youth are the only racial or ethnic group in this age category with this first leading cause of death. 

AANHPI Mental Health Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about mental health within the AANHPI community, leveraging resources for our community organizations, developing partnerships, and advocating for policies that increase access to culturally relevant mental health services.

We stand in solidarity with the AANHPI community and aim to destigmatize AANHPI mental health. We invite you to join us and NAAPIMHA in our collective movement to promote and redefine the mental health and well-being of AANHPI individuals and communities in the U.S.

Visit naapimha.org/resources for support.

Learn more: www.naapimha.org/aanhpimentalhealthday

SALDEF Marks Sixth Annual National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

On May 18, 2024, anti-bullying nonprofit Act To Change is rallying the nation in commemorating the sixth Annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. SALDEF is committed to ending bullying and hate in the AAPI community and is proud to join over 100 organizations and over 40 cities, states and jurisdictions in this movement.

Act To Change’s commemoration on May 18 is part of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and marks the birthday of Vincent Chin. In 1982, Chin was falsely blamed for the layoffs in the auto industry, and brutally murdered in a racial hate crime. He lost his life simply because he was Asian. Chin’s death launched the modern Asian American movement, and we’re proud to join Act To Change in continuing this movement.

America has a longstanding history of anti-AANHPI racism and violence, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese American internment camps, colonization of Hawaiian islands, post 9/11 stereotyping, COVID-19 fueled hate crimes, and the use of the harmful “model minority” myth. AAPIs are continually portrayed as the “perpetual foreigner” and AAPI youth grow up feeling the need to prove their Americanness. Queer children – especially trans, nonbinary and two-spirit youth – also often feel the need to hide or change their identities for safety and a sense of belonging.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a staggering rise in verbal and physical violence against people of AAPI descent, with nearly 11,500 incidents reported to Stop AAPI Hate. The most vulnerable communities, including youth and elders, bore the brunt of this violence, and AAPI youth continue to become targets of ridicule, social isolation and physical violence in schools. Cyberbullying is another worrying issue, contributing to low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. The Trevor Project reports that 40% of AAPI LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide.

The National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is a celebration of AAPI youth. AAPI youth continue to organize within their schools and communities, and fight bullying with awareness, art, creativity and compassion for each other. Act To Change’s Youth Ambassadors and Homeroom Anti-Bullying Workshop participants lead exceptional programming and workshops among their peers. AAPI youth grow up to become exceptional leaders, and inspire the nation.

We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, and publicly denounce all forms of bullying and hate. We invite you to join us and Act To Change in our collective movement against bullying and hate.

Visit acttochange.org/resources for support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 25, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

Dr. Bains’ bill protecting diaspora communities is a historic first for California

AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of
transnational repression.

(Sacramento, CA) April 22, 2024 – Dr. Jasmeet Bains’ (D-Delano) proposal to address transnational repression continues to move swiftly with unanimous and bipartisan support through the legislative process, passing out of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee.

“Foreign governments are increasingly attacking the rights of dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities – not just within their borders, but after those individuals make new homes in places where they should be safe, including within US borders.” Dr. Bains said. AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of transnational repression. The bill defines transnational repression in law, requires local law enforcement to develop training to recognize and respond to transnational repression, and asserts that the State of California has a policy of protecting communities from transnational repression. Transnational repression is any action by a foreign government that attacks or intimidates an individual outside its borders. The attacks can come in many forms, including extrajudicial killings, surveillance, cyberattacks, and online harassment.

“Transnational Repression is a unique and growing threat to an increasing number of diaspora communities including Sikh Americans, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian communities. Last year, the Sikh community witnessed two prominent cases, one resulting in the tragic death of a Sikh activist in Canada, and the other in an indictment of a perpetrator targeting a Sikh American,” said Kavneet Singh, Acting Executive Director of SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund).

In a coordinated attack on June 18, 2023, Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed outside a place of worship in Surrey, British Columbia. By September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of organizing the killing and stated that there was credible evidence of a link between the killers and agents of the Indian Government. United States law enforcement agencies thwarted an additional plot to murder an American Sikh, this time in New York City, in November 2023. The incident on United States soil also pointed to the credible involvement of the Indian Government. SALDEF, in their letter of support for AB 3027, calls the bill “a necessary effort by California to protect the lives of its residents from foreign authoritarian regimes and stop transnational repression.”

The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are also considering similar legislation on transnational repression this session. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-4) have both introduced bills in 2023, but no action has been taken on these bills since.

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will next consider the bill.

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 Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains 

Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.

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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