Washington, DC – National Iranian American Council Action Executive Director Jamal Abdi issued the following statement following Donald Trump’s election victory:
Many in our community feared this day – worried about the return of the travel ban, attacks on our civil liberties, demonization of immigrant communities and deepening militarism in the Middle East. But we have been here before and our resilience is unwavering in standing up for our community and our rights.
We are ready to fight any reimposition of the Muslim ban and other grave threats to our community and loved ones’ rights. And, as Trump has positioned himself as an anti-war candidate who favors diplomacy, we will work to hold him to those commitments to the American people.
This election outcome didn’t arise in a vacuum. The Democratic Party failed to listen and respond to many of their own constituents, including those who truly value peace and abhor war – including Biden’s failure to uphold his promise to restore the Iran nuclear deal, and his administration’s enablement of Israel’s devastating war that has taken so many innocent lives and is expanding across the Middle East. This inability to engage with real and pressing needs has proven catastrophic, paving the way for the rise of policies that risk undermining fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Our work begins now. In the coming weeks, Trump, along with his new Vice President, J.D. Vance will select the advisers who will shape his policies. We will not stand down, disengage, or give up but will redouble our efforts for peace and justice by any means necessary. The resilience and unity of our community are more vital now than ever.
Register to join NIAC’s virtual Post-Election Symposium on November 12, 2024
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