Assalamu'alaykum John, When MLFA began funding cases in 2001, our goal was to provide financial support to American Muslims targeted on the basis of their faith and identity who face obstacles in the legal system and violations of their constitutional
rights.
In the 18 years since we started, we’ve alleviated the costs of litigation to hundreds of beneficiaries, established a premiere law center to institutionalize knowledge and build capacity, and developed programs to protect and empower our communities from the inside, out.
One case that we've been sharing is a heart-breaking example of why building legal power for Muslims in America is needed now more than ever, and a reminder that while the road to justice may be long and winding, it is still indeed possible.
Hamid Hayat's story follows the pattern of many cases we fund, where an innocent, vulnerable Muslim is targeted by FBI informants, goaded into a false confession, and charged for a crime they never committed.
Hamid’s story also demonstrates why effective legal representation is crucial. His case suffered due to the ineffective counsel he received in the face a government wielding secret evidence and pushing an agenda to incriminate Muslims simply on the basis of their faith.
But Hamid’s story also represents hope. Although his case was fraught with problems from the start and he was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison, the legal system has avenues
to challenge one’s conviction - and thanks to the support of our donors, MLFA was able to fund essential assistance to argue for Hamid’s innocence and freedom.
It took five years, but justice eventually prevailed.
There are many more stories like Hamid’s that need your support.
With your help, we can continue to fund the work that makes justice possible.
CLCMA recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of Hemza Menade Lefsih in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the denial of his application for naturalization to become a
U.S. citizen.
After five years of living and working legally in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, Mr. Lefsih applied for U.S. citizenship, which USCIS initially approved. After an unannounced follow-up interview, Mr. Lefsih was arrested and charged with lying on his application and has spent years challenging these claims and the injustice he has experienced. Mr. Lefsih has since been exonerated and acquitted on all charges, but his naturalization application remains denied.
CLCMA is representing Mr. Lefsih in the fight to obtain his U.S. citizenship, and is committed to defending the constitutional rights of all Muslim immigrants to ensure that legal
wrongs such as these do not go unchallenged.
We've been hard at work funding cases and programs that make justice possible - now we're improving the way we share our progress with our valued supporters. Stay tuned for updates on our new and improved website, coming soon!
Have any feedback to share with the team in the meantime? Fill out our survey here:
