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APRIL 2020

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  |   VOLUNTEER     |    GET
INVOLVED    |    SUSTAIN

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Assalamu'alaykum John,

This month, Muslims the world over began observing the holy month of
Ramadan. Here in the U.S., many communities entered it at the height of
the COVID-19 pandemic in their cities. Social distancing rules and stay
at home orders are still largely in effect, necessitating the continued
closure of mosques around the nation.

Not only are we avoiding food and drink from sunrise to sunset, we must
now also avoid nightly congregational prayers and large community
gatherings as well. We empathize with those who regularly face food
insecurity through our daily fasts, but this year, we are also stepping
into the shoes of those who were forced into social isolation long
before the current crisis, due to oppression and injustice. Whether they
were separated from family by walls and bans, unable to travel due to No
Fly List designations, or unjustly incarcerated behind bars, their
struggles are compounded by the contagion of xenophobia. This pandemic
has undoubtedly affected us all, but it has made the situation far worse
for those who are vulnerable to begin with.

While Ramadan is generally considered a communal time, it is also one of
introspection. This year, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the
tests we face, from an individual, community, and global perspective.
What kind of people, nation, and world do we want to be when the crisis
passes? What kind of people will we be during it?

"Oh you who believe! Observing (the fast) is prescribed for you as it
was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous."
(Quran 2:183 )

May we learn the lessons, reap the blessings, earn mercy, forgiveness,
and salvation, and be among the righteous this Ramadan.

In this issue of MLFA Monthly, we share ways you can stay engaged with
us online, provide legal resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and
celebrate the moments that make justice possible.

Please keep MLFA in your prayers and in your charitable giving
this
month, so that the work of justice persists as the pandemic continues,
and endures far beyond.

In faith and for justice,

 

 

Stay Connected!

 

We have many exciting programs lined up this Ramadan!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and releases!

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Khalil Meek, Executive Director of the Muslim Legal Fund of America,
will be sharing important cases that MLFA took on in a video series
entitled MLFA Promises: Stories of Success. Coming soon!

Attorneys at the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America will
also be sharing legal lessons and reflections in their series CLCMA:
Changing the Game. Coming soon!

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Islamic Society of Central Louisiana and MLFA cordially invite you to
their upcoming fundraising event featuring nationally recognized scholar
Sh. Alaa El-Bakri, on Sunday, May 3, 2020 @ 6:00 pm CST. All are welcome
to this joint virtual fundraiser! Register Here!

Tune in on Facebook every
evening for Quran recitation and reflections with Imam Zakir Ahmed!

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Ramadan Campaign

 

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Learn how MLFA fulfills promises and upholds an America for all
by visiting our Ramadan campaign on Launchgood
today!

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Donate Now

 

 

Community Resources

 

 

Understanding the Presidential Proclamation Temporarily Suspending
Immigrant Entry

President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation on April 22, 2020
entitled "Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S.
Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19
Outbreak." It became effective on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 11:59 PM
(ET) and continues for 60 days. Here's what you need to know:

Read more

Guidance on Inmate Home Confinement Program

CLCMA attorneys prepared guidance regarding a policy introduced by
Attorney General William Barr that addresses an inmate's possible early
release from prison due to COVID-19. Click below to read more about the
program, it's requirements, and how to request an inmate's release,
including a sample letter individuals can use to modify as appropriate
for their family member's circumstances.

Read more

 

 

Case Update

 

 

Judge Rules for CLCMA's Client in No Fly Challenge, Calling
Government's "Watchlisting Overview" Document Insufficient to Warrant
Dismissal

**** Denying the government's Motion to Dismiss in a case challenging
a No Fly list designation, a federal court in Washington, D.C. ruled
that the "Watchlisting Overview" document provided by the government is
insufficient to support dismissing the Plaintiff's claims.

CLCMA attorneys brought suit on behalf of a client who has been placed
on the No Fly list, yet has received no meaningful reason why or
opportunity to challenge that placement.  CLCMA's client has been
trying for two years now, with the guidance of CLCMA's Civil
litigation attorneys, to find out why he is not able to fly and then
to  have an opportunity to challenge any reasons.  Yet even after
filing a lawsuit to compel the government to provide this information,
CLCMA and its client don't know the reasons.

"[T]he government tends to use the same arguments to defend its actions
in most if not all of our cases challenging the No Fly and Watchlists,"
observed Christina Jump, CLCMA's Civil Litigation Department Head, who
is litigating the case along with Civil Staff Attorney Leila Mustafa. 
"Our clients and others like them deserve to receive true due process,
and exactly what the Constitution guarantees - meaningful due process
and a right to be heard. Hopefully, the government will now shed more
light on this process so that those who are wrongly designated can prove
their innocence.  We look forward to proceeding with litigation in this
case and receiving exactly the answer the Judge wants as well."

READ MORE 

 

 

Stay at Home Campaign

 

A message from American Muslim community leaders across the U.S.:

 

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Help Fund the Work that Makes Justice Possible

Donate Today!

 

Follow Us

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Muslim Legal Fund of America
833 E Arapaho Rd
Suite 209
Richardson, Texas 75081
United States

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