This year, advocacy days participants focused their lobbying efforts on issues such as the Trump administration’s “Muslim Ban,” “Digital Muslim Ban” and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Hosted by the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local Muslim organizations, the advocacy days draw hundreds of Muslims.

This two-day event was designed to connect national, regional and state Muslim organizations and community members with their elected representatives in Congress. USCMO’S advocacy days focused on promoting a legislative agenda in support of equality and social justice issues that will be of benefit to all Americans, regardless of faith or background.

Some of these issues include:

• A round-up endorsement of all legislation pushing back against the Trump Administration’s “Muslim Travel Ban” and “Digital Muslim ban.” Advocates will also urge support for measures that secure the rights of all travelers.

• Supporting DREAMers, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and opposing legislation that would further restrict immigration to the U.S.

• Promoting common sense gun-safety reform that does not impact the rights or safety of minority communities, including American Muslims.

• Ensuring all communities have a right and means to access nutritious, sufficient, affordable and culturally appropriate food in this year’s Farm Bill.

Last year’s event was attended by more than 450 delegates from 30 states who met with nearly 230 congressional offices. Muslim delegates participating in last year’s advocacy days event met with a third of the House of Representatives and almost half of the Senate.

Source: Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)