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Washington, DC | www.mpac.org | – January 21, 2025 – The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) expresses concern with the inauguration remarks and initial executive actions of President Donald J. Trump. We recognize the peaceful transfer of power as a cornerstone of our democracy and remain committed to engaging constructively with the new administration to uphold the values of mercy, justice, peace, human dignity, freedom, and equality for all.

On his first day in office, President Trump issued several executive orders and made remarks that raised significant concerns about their potential impact on marginalized communities, including American Muslims. Notably, his speech referenced the Alien Enemies Act, suggesting a possible expansion of its use. This law, originally intended for wartime, could be applied in ways that unfairly target immigrant communities, particularly those from Muslim-majority nations.

Several executive actions also warrant close attention:
* National Security and Public Safety Screening: Enhanced vetting measures targeting individuals from certain regions risk functioning as a de facto Muslim ban under the guise of security protocols.
* Ending Birthright Citizenship: Efforts to reinterpret the Fourteenth Amendment to remove constitutional rights for native-born Americans threaten to undermine constitutional principles and create widespread legal uncertainty.
* Suspension of Refugee Admissions: Halting the refugee program undermines America’s role as a haven for those fleeing persecution and human rights abuses. This is particularly harmful to asylum seekers from regions where U.S. military involvement has contributed to population displacement.
* Pardons for January 6 Rioters: The pardoning of individuals convicted of violent crimes during the January 6 insurrection is deeply concerning. This action undermines accountability for those who sought to disrupt the democratic process through violence, targeting the U.S. Capitol, the heart of our nation’s representative democracy.
* Rescinding Sanctions on Extreme West Bank Settlers: The removal of sanctions against extreme West Bank settlers, including individuals accused of war crimes, weakens international efforts for peace and accountability, jeopardizing the possibility of Palestinian statehood and human rights protections.

MPAC remains steadfast in its mission to improve public understanding and policies affecting American Muslims. Our 100-day agenda ([link removed]) prioritizes countering Islamophobia, empowering communities, and advocating for inclusive policies.

We accept President Trump's stated desire to unify the country, but his remarks point to policies that risk dividing the country further, rather than upholding constitutional rights and honoring America’s values of diversity, inclusion, and justice. MPAC stands ready to engage constructively and advocate for a future that reflects our nation’s highest ideals.

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Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed]) improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our policy analysts provide insight from D.C. to the palm of your hand on the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims. Email is an important way for us to communicate with supporters like you. Should you want to stop hearing from us or change your preferences, click here to Update your contact info ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed]) .

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