Islamic Relief USA Supports ‘ Freedom of Religion’ Bill Prohibiting Blocking Entry to U.S. Based on Religious Identification

Islamic Relief USA expressed its support for the “Freedom of Religion” Act introduced by a house delegation in response to political rhetoric vilifying select religious groups and increasingly hostile rhetoric toward religious freedom in the immigration system. The purpose of the Act is to prohibit the use of religious litmus tests as a means to ban immigrants, refugees, and international visitors trying to enter the United States.

The delegation that introduced the bill included Reps. Don Beyer (VA),  Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Keith Ellison (MN), Joe Crowley (NY), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Mike Honda (CA), Betty McCollum (MN), André Carson (ID)

“Islamic Relief commends Congressman Beyer for introducing the Freedom of Religion Act. He and his colleagues in Congress have demonstrated the moral courage to stand against the unfortunate xenophobia that is stoking fear across America and threatening the values that have made America strong and prosperous,” Said Jihad Williams, Government & Public Affairs Manager at Islamic Relief USA, who was present at the press conference introducing the bill. “Representative Beyer’s bill will protect our nation’s long tradition of welcoming families in need, who want to do nothing more than find security, to be part of a beloved community, and to help their new country to be prosperous”

Representative Beyer stated during the press conference that he felt that the bill helps show the world that the United States is a welcoming country.

“We cannot allow fear and paranoia to drive our public policy, especially when it comes to the defining values of our country,” said Rep. Beyer.  “Our Founding Fathers guaranteed religious freedom for all in the First Amendment to our Constitution.  People all around the world look to us as the standard for freedom, liberty, and tolerance.”

Media Contact: Mayssoun Olabi molabi@irusa.org or 703-370-7202

XXXIslamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.

Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.