I stood up for Muslim Americans — and Nancy Mace doubled down on her anti-Muslim rhetoric. I’m not backing down.
I'm furious, John.
Nancy Mace just declared herself a “total Islamophobe” because I had the nerve to stand up for Muslim Americans and call out her hateful rhetoric.
I’ve seen this kind of anti-Muslim rhetoric before. I’ve lived it time and time again.
I came to this country from India when I was just 16 years old. And after 9/11, I watched many people’s fear and grief turn into something ugly — hatred directed at Muslim Americans and immigrant communities across the country.
People I knew. People I cared about. People who had done nothing wrong, they simply existed as exactly who they are.
That’s when I became an organizer — and it’s why I’ve fought for immigrants’ rights and dignity my entire career.
Let me be clear, John. Hatred and bigotry have no place in our country, much less in our government. I refuse to stay silent while a sitting member of Congress uses her platform to dehumanize Muslim Americans and call it patriotism.
To Muslim Americans across this country: I meant every word I said, and I’ll keep saying it for as long as I need to. Your presence is not a threat, and you belong here. In our government, and in every corner of America.
This fight is personal to me — the people this administration and its allies keep targeting need fierce defenders. If you’re able, will you pitch in $3 to help me keep standing up in Congress?
Contribute $3
Thank you,
Pramila Jayapal
