American Muslim Community Watchlist Survey Launched by CAIR
This one-minute survey aims to shed light on a critical issue that affects the Muslim community and contribute to ending the federal government’s discriminatory and illegal watchlisting of Muslims in the US and abroad.
Community members also have the option of either printing out a Word document or a PNG file with the survey QR code. You can find the links to the QR code below.
In recognition of this coming September marking the 20th anniversary of the discriminatory and unlawful federal terrorism watchlist, CAIR is calling upon all American Muslims to take part in this survey, running until Friday, September 15. CAIR notes that all survey responses will be anonymous.
This survey of American Muslims seeks to shed light on a concerning reality: A recent report by CAIR found 98 percent of the 1.47 million names on a 2019 leaked copy of the watchlist are of Muslim origin. A stark illustration of this fact emerges from CAIR’s analysis is that the top 50 most frequently occurring names on the list are all Muslim names.
The implications of an individual’s watchlist status are profound and far-reaching, as government agencies employ it to harass and humiliate people during their travels, outright forbid them from flying, deny licenses and permits, refuse employment or terminate existing jobs, and even delay or deny visas and applications for US citizenship or a US passport.
“Muslim community insights through this survey will contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue and potentially drive meaningful change or complete reform,” said CAIR Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw. “CAIR believes that every voice matters, and this survey empowers American Muslims to share their experiences, challenges, and concerns related to the watchlist system.”
“CAIR will continue to fight to end the unconstitutional and Islamophobic watchlist,” said CAIR Staff Attorney Hannah Mullen. “Every response to this survey will provide valuable information to help us stand up for the American Muslim community against the federal government’s two-decade effort to marginalize, target, and surveil them.”
As an organization committed to civil liberties and justice, CAIR is seeking insights from a diverse range of participants to comprehensively understand the challenges posed by the watchlist system. The survey delves into various aspects, including experiences with travel restrictions, interactions with law enforcement, and the broader consequences of watchlist inclusion.
CAIR encourages participants to share the survey within their communities, mosques, and Islamic institutions, emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting positive change. By raising awareness and increasing engagement, CAIR aims to address the injustices perpetuated by the watchlist system.
Source: CAIR.com
