Policy

Executive Summary

January 2025 will usher in a new presidential administration and a new Congress, and for the first time since 2018 Republicans will control all three policy making arms of the federal government.This change in control of the White House and Senate, combined with the start of a fresh legislative session, provides us with an opportunity to recenter and recommit ourselves towards policies that will have a direct positive impact on the lives of Arab Americans, as well as those that our communities care deeply about. Some of the policies that we will be pursuing can be realized through executive action by the incoming Trump Administration, others will require legislation passed by Congress, but they all must be seriously considered and acted upon.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), our nation’s largest grassroots Arab American civil rights and advocacy organization, is ready to face everything that the next year will bring. Our core mission remains unchanged, regardless of who controls the federal government. We will continue to defend and promote the human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties of Arab Americans and all people of Arab descent, all while serving as a voice for our communities wherever policy is being made.

As ADC gears up for 2025, we are cognizant of the rhetorical and policy threats targeting our communities. That is why, in addition to pursuing a positive, proactive policy agenda, the ADC Government Affairs and Legal Departments will be working hand in hand to address, protect, and defend against any attacks that may arise. Strategically, our work will have both offensive and defensive aspects, all in service of securing strong, vibrant Arab American communities.

Throughout American history, as our nation has struggled and changed, we have always strived towards the ideal of “a more perfect Union.” The fight for a future that is more equal, more just, and more free is ongoing, but it is not out of our reach. ADC, in part through the policy priorities we pursue, is committed to playing a role in achieving that progress. Together with our partners and allies, we will create a better tomorrow for all Americans.

In pursuing this policy agenda, ADC is advocating for a vision of governance that uplifts communities, centers humanity, promotes rights, and enshrines protections. It is intended to serve as a roadmap for our work that allows for rapid response to emerging situations, while at the same time mitigating the risk of resource overextension. Therefore, ADC is calling upon both the incoming Trump Administration and 119th Congress to implement the following policies:

Fundamentally Change US Policy towards the Middle East

 

1. Acknowledge and impose consequences on apartheid regimes.
2. Prioritize diplomatic solutions over military interventions, respecting the sovereignty and rights of Arab nations.
3. Reject the use of sanctions as a tool for regime change.
4. Impose an arms embargo on all weapons sales and transfers to Israel.
5. Demand reciprocity in the Visa Waiver Program.
6. Extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and establish a humanitarian parole program for Lebanese nationals.
7. Restore funding to UN refugee agencies.
8. Reopen the US Consulate in East Jerusalem.
9. Reinforce independent and credible international judicial bodies.
10. Affirm the illegality of Israeli occupation, and impose all requisite legal consequences.

 

Promote and Defend Civil and Constitutional Rights

 

1. Reject attempts to use politically-motivated investigations to shut down or threaten civil society and advocacy organizations.
2. Combat discrimination in education, employment, and public accommodations while improving hate crime response at federal, state, and local levels.
3. Reject attempts to codify or institutionalize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
4. Uplift and bolster the constitutional rights to free speech, expression, and protest.
5. End gerrymandering, and incentivize states to automatically restore voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies no longer incarcerated.
6. Protect and promote academic freedom, including the right of students and faculty to protest.

 

End National Security Overreach

 

1. Eliminate the use of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and related programs.
2. Substantially reform the entirety of the watchlisting enterprise, including the “watchlist” and “no-fly list” processes, redress systems, and communication practices.

 

 

 

 

Address Hate Crimes Targeting Arab American Communities

 

1. Bring Alex Odeh’s killers to justice.
2. Advocate for enhanced and more accurate hate crimes reporting by state and local law enforcement agencies, including by accelerating the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

 

Address Failings of the Criminal Justice System

 

1. Reform the criminal justice system, including by addressing mass incarceration, parole, bail, and officially ending the federal use of the death penalty.

 

Develop and Champion Economies

 

1. Include Arab Americans in federal minority business programs to ensure access to contracting opportunities and support for minority-owned business.
2. Invest in the development of Arab American owned businesses and business communities.
3. Eliminate the use of automated and out-dated metrics in SNAP/EBT monitoring.
4. Establish tax reforms that ensure fair tax burdens on working families and small businesses while addressing corporate tax loopholes.
5. Guarantee a living wage for all workers.
6. Reduce the overall burden of inflation on American consumers.
7. Protect workers’ rights and strengthen labor protections.

 

Ensure an Accurate Census

 

1. Ensure the effective implementation of the new Middle East or North African (MENA) demographic category.

 

Reform Inconsistent Immigration Policies

 

1. Pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and TPS holders.
2. Streamline the mechanisms for asylum, work authorization, and temporary protected status applications to address the massive backlogs and delays.

 

Improve Health Outcomes

 

1. Invest in improving access to quality and affordable healthcare.
2. Safeguard reproductive healthcare access, including prenatal care, maternal health, and family planning services.

 

 

 

Invest in Education

 

1. Invest in k-12 education, including both access and quality.
2. Support student loan forgiveness programs to alleviate the burden of student debt.
3. Expand vocational education and training programs to provide alternative career pathways for students.

 

Invest in a Clean Future

 

1. Reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and support global efforts to combat climate change.

 

 

Fundamentally Change US Policy towards the Middle East

 

1. Acknowledge and impose consequences on apartheid regimes.

We advocate for the U.S. government to denounce and implement consequences against regimes that practice apartheid, including Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It is essential to hold such regimes accountable through international bodies, reinforcing the commitment to human rights and justice for all people, particularly those facing systemic oppression. Comparable, and at times even more aggressive and violent, to the separate and unequal system of segregation that existed in the United States before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, Israel’s system of apartheid is currently funded and supported by America.

The term “apartheid” originated in South Africa, where racial segregation laws systematically discriminated against non-White populations. International bodies like the United Nations later defined apartheid as a crime against humanity. Advocacy for anti-apartheid measures in Palestine reflects historical solidarity and the belief that international law should apply universally. During the 1980s, the U.S. imposed sanctions on South Africa’s apartheid government in response to international pressure. Calling for consequences against Israel underlines the ADC’s commitment to upholding human rights and opposing racial segregation.

1. Prioritize diplomatic solutions over military interventions, respecting the sovereignty and rights of Arab nations.

Promoting a U.S. foreign policy that respects the sovereignty and rights of Arab nations is critical. We call for an end to military interventions and a commitment to supporting diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts. U.S. interventions in the Middle East, from the Iraq invasion to the ongoing involvement in Syria, have often destabilized the region and led to humanitarian crises. Highlighting these consequences helps contextualize the ADC’s fervent opposition to war.

1. Reject the use of sanctions as a tool for regime change.

 

U.S. sanctions, like those on Iraq in the 1990s, have historically had devastating humanitarian consequences, disproportionately affecting civilians rather than targeted governments. The ADC’s stance against sanctions is informed by these historical impacts and a preference for policies that do not harm innocent populations.

While sanctions are often seen as an alternative to war and military force, they frequently result in devastating consequences that disproportionately affect civilians rather than the targeted groups. The well-documented impacts of broad economic sanctions in the region highlight the urgent need for a reevaluation of this approach. For instance, U.N. sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s led to the deaths of 1 to 1.5 million Iraqis, including an estimated 500,000 children, due to malnutrition and a lack of medical supplies. In Yemen, where the humanitarian crisis is already severe, imposing further sanctions could exacerbate the situation, restricting the Houthis’ ability to govern and control resources, thereby worsening food shortages and limiting access to medical supplies and vital humanitarian aid.

1. Impose an arms embargo on all weapons sales and transfers to Israel

We call for the U.S. to enact an arms embargo against Israel until it complies with international law and ends its occupation of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, ends its genocide of Palestinians, and dismantles its system of apartheid. This measure is essential for promoting peace and ensuring that U.S. arms do not contribute to further human rights violations. U.S. arms embargoes on nations, like the one imposed on South Africa, have served as tools to pressure governments violating human rights. Advocating for an arms embargo on Israel is consistent with this approach, applying similar principles to ensure compliance with international Law. The ongoing Israeli occupation and settlement expansions violate numerous U.N. resolutions. An arms embargo would signal that the U.S. upholds accountability standards and encourages adherence to international law.

1. Demand reciprocity in the Visa Waiver Program.

By allowing Israel to continue discriminating against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim American travelers, the US has ignored the core Visa Waiver Program concept of reciprocal treatment. ADC will use every available avenue to demand accountability and change, either in the form of equal treatment of travelers in Israel or in Israel’s removal from the program.

 

 

 

1. Extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and establish a humanitarian parole program for Lebanese nationals.

In recent decades, the U.S. has introduced temporary protections, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which have been crucial for communities affected by ongoing instability. For example, TPS extensions have provided vital protection to nationals of several Arab countries facing war or natural disasters. Today, however, the immigration system requires reform to meet the needs of both recent arrivals and those who have resided here for years without a clear path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Given the ongoing economic and political crisis in Lebanon, we advocate for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole for Lebanese nationals residing in the U.S. We also call for robust funding for services and resources that help new arrivals integrate and thrive, including the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), the Case Management Program (CCMPP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

1. Restore funding to UN refugee agencies.

 

Both the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress must commit to fully restoring funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main provider of aid in Gaza, including by working to reverse the immoral Congressional prohibition.

 

1. Reopen the US Consulate in East Jerusalem.

Reopening the US consulate serving Palestinians in East Jerusalem would send a powerful message to the world that the US takes seriously the rights of the Palestinian people. The incoming State Department must work to ensure that this consulate is reopened as quickly as possible.

1. Reinforce independent and credible international judicial bodies.

 

The independence and legitimacy of international judicial bodies must not be threatened. The attacks that we have seen on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) run counter to any sensible policy of accountability on a global scale, and must be denounced and shut down.

 

1. Affirm the illegality of Israeli occupation, and impose all requisite legal consequences.

 

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice issued an opinion finding that Israel was illegally occupying the West Bank. It is long past time for the United States to affirm what has been clear to Palestinians and their allies for decades. US policy must be changed to clearly and publicly acknowledge the illegality of the Israeli occupation and implement all of the requisite legal consequences that such a determination entails.

 

 

 

Promote and Defend Civil and Constitutional Rights

 

1. Reject attempts to use politically-motivated investigations to shut down or threaten civil society and advocacy organizations.

The work of organizations like ADC is essential to promoting, preserving, and protecting the rights of Americans, and attempts to threaten the tax-exempt status of organizations like ours are nakedly political and must be vigorously opposed.

1. Combat discrimination in education, employment, and public accommodations while improving hate crime response at federal, state, and local levels.

Advocacy for anti-discrimination laws is rooted in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, which fought against racial segregation and established protections for minority communities. Strengthening civil rights protections for Arab Americans is part of this larger legacy of fighting systemic bias. Strengthening civil rights protections for Arab Americans is a priority. We advocate for measures to combat discrimination in education, employment, and public accommodations. Enhanced hate crime reporting, prevention, and response at federal, state, and local levels is essential to safeguard our communities. Defending the First Amendment rights of Arab Americans is essential, including the freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion. We must be vigilant against policies that target or surveil our community. Supporting criminal justice reform is also critical as we work to end mass incarceration, racial profiling, and police violence while promoting restorative justice and the protection of civil liberties.

 

Following 9/11, Arab Americans and Muslims experienced increased discrimination, hate crimes, and government surveillance. The PATRIOT Act, for example, enabled extensive monitoring of Arab and Muslim communities, often without evidence of wrongdoing. This history underscores the need for policies that strengthen civil rights protections and prevent profiling and unwarranted surveillance.

 

1. Reject attempts to codify or institutionalize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

 

ADC is committed to fighting whenever and wherever the government, at any level, tries to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. This dangerous conflation, epitomized by the IHRA working definition, is weaponized against our communities, and is intended to completely shut down and criminalize constitutionally-protected activities.

 

1. Uplift and bolster First Amendment rights.

The First Amendment rights of Arab Americans and our allies, including the freedom of speech, assembly, and religion must be protected, particularly against policies that target or surveil the community.

 

 

 

1. End gerrymandering, and incentivize states to automatically restore voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies no longer incarcerated.

 

The right to vote is central to the American project, and every step must be taken to protect that right. In addition to working to end gerrymandering, Congress and the White House should develop incentives to push states to automatically restore the voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies who are no longer incarcerated.

 

1. Protect and promote academic freedom, including the right of students and faculty to protest.

Students have been on the front line of demanding change, and school administrators, working in concert with public officials, have aggressively attacked them for it. The incoming Trump Administration and 119th Congress must commit to preserving, protecting, and promoting the freedom of students and faculty to study and research what they wish, as well as their right to protest without risking demonization.

 

End National Security Overreach

 

1. Eliminate the use of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and related programs.

CVE-related government programming conflates the search for potential threats with demonizing generic or constitutionally protected activities, one example being the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. These types of programs criminalize individuals for their religious practices and/or political beliefs, leading to overbroad government surveillance and targeting.

 

1. Substantially reform the entirety of the watchlisting enterprise, including the “watchlist” and “no-fly list” processes, redress systems, and communication practices.

 

The entire watchlisting enterprise severely impacts individuals based on religious and/or political beliefs, and disproportionately targets members of Arab and Muslim American communities. Top to bottom there is a serious absence of oversight, transparency, and recognition that a problem even exists. It requires substantive, full-scale change to appropriately address its goal of enhancing national security while ensuring the protection of Americans’ civil rights and liberties.

Address Hate Crimes Targeting Arab American Communities

 

1. Bring Alex Odeh’s killers to justice.

The US government including the Department of Justice (DOJ)  must seriously investigate the assassination of Alex Odeh, a dedicated civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1985. It is essential that we bring to justice those responsible for this heinous act and honor the legacy of his advocacy for equality and justice. Alex Odeh was a prominent ADC leader and Arab American activist dedicated to civil rights and promoting understanding between Arab Americans and broader U.S. society. His assassination in 1985 came amid rising anti-Arab sentiment and a string of bombings targeting ADC offices. Despite strong suspicions of involvement by known individuals, no one has been prosecuted. Pursuing justice reflects ADC’s ongoing commitment to accountability and protection for Arab Americans facing violence or threats. DOJ action on this case would demonstrate a commitment to taking the rising threat faced by Arab Americans seriously.

1. Advocate for enhanced and more accurate hate crimes reporting by state and local law enforcement agencies, including by accelerating the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

 

Studies have shown that hate crimes continue to remain severely underreported by targeted communities across the United States. Part of this problem stems from historic distrust of law enforcement. Yet, even when accounting for this reporting from state and local jurisdictions routinely fails to meet minimum expectations, particularly as it relates to anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate crimes. The lack of clarity from federal officials as to how those two animus interact and present themselves has contributed to this, and must be addressed. Now that the FBI requires reporting through NIBRS, the Trump Administration and 119th Congress must accelerate the transition to this reporting structure to ensure more accurate data.

 

Address Failings of the Criminal Justice System

 

1. Reform the criminal justice system, including by addressing mass incarceration, parole, bail, and officially ending the federal use of the death penalty.

The Trump Administration and 119th Congress must support measures to end mass incarceration, racial profiling, and police violence while promoting restorative justice and the protection of civil liberties.

 

 

 

Develop and Champion Economies

 

1. Include Arab Americans in federal minority business programs to ensure access to contracting opportunities and support for minority-owned business.

Economic empowerment for Arab Americans is essential. Our business community has long been excluded from federal economic programming designed to ensure that every community has access to the same chance at business success. In part due to the incorrect classification as “White”, this has created obstacles to sustained growth. Both the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress must consider any and all options available to including Arab and MENA Americans in dedicated growth programming.

Advocacy for economic empowerment policies for other minority communities has seen progress through dedicated programs that bolster small business ownership, economic inclusion, and community wealth-building. The ADC’s push for inclusion reflects an understanding that economic support is critical for community resilience and advancement.

1. Invest in the development of Arab American owned businesses and business communities.

Arab Americans have historically faced discrimination and barriers to entry in the U.S. economy, particularly in business ownership. Minority-owned businesses often face limited access to capital, government-backed loans, and contracting opportunities, which are crucial for growth and sustainability. Inclusion in federal and state minority business programs can help redress decades of economic exclusion

Historically, small businesses have been a backbone of the Arab American community, often starting as immigrant-owned enterprises that serve both the community and the broader economy. However, these businesses often face significant hurdles, including complex tax regulations and disproportionate challenges in accessing credit. What is needed is intentional investment in growing Arab and MENA business communities across the country.

1. Eliminate the use of automated and unrealistic metrics in SNAP/EBT monitoring.

Current federal monitoring of the SNAP/EBT programs uses a combination of automated tracking and unrealistic metrics in an attempt to identify misuse. In practice, this has led to the targeting and punishment of businesses that have done nothing wrong. For example, many Yemeni-owned convenience stores have had their ability to accept these essential assistance services, leavin g many low-income individuals without access to food. The incoming USDA Food and Nutrition Service must reassess the use of these systems and implement changes.

 

 

 

1. Establish tax reforms that ensure fair tax burdens on working families and small businesses while addressing corporate tax loopholes.

In addition to small business tax reforms, like those found in the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, the Credit Card Competition Act, and the REPAIR Act, progressive tax reforms that create a fairer distribution of our tax burden are also imperative for supporting working families. We can achieve this by promoting responsible corporate behavior. We will advocate for efforts that seek to incentivise hiring of disenfranchised workers and invest in marginalized communities. For example supporting Low Income Housing Tax Credits which encourage housing developers to reserve a certain number of rent-regulated units for low income families in exchange for tax credits. We will also advocate for bringing back jobs that have been transferred overseas by working to reduce the tax code’s bias towards overseas investments.

The current tax system is structured in a manner that allows multinational corporations to achieve incredibly low domestic and international effective tax rates. These rates bias overseas investment and encourage corporations to shift profits and investments overseas rather than keep them domestic. This shift results in a loss of billions of dollars in tax revenue in the United States. We commit to advocating for a global tax system that works for the American people. As corporations continue advocating to establish a territorial tax system we will continue resisting those efforts. A territorial system levies taxes only on earnings in the country they are reported and exempts corporations’ offshore profits from US taxes.  This kind of system would further incentivize corporate shareholders to shift their investments and profits offshore which would continue to reduce wages for US workers. While corporations maintain that a territorial system would enable the United States to maintain competitive in the global market, the US is already a premier location for businesses in the global economy and even ranks first among large companies in business friendliness particularly with respect to ease of business, regulation of burden, property rights, access to credit and contract enforcement. We do not need to cater to the desires of large corporations and should instead invest in the American people by investing in our infrastructure and human capital to bring back our middle class.

1. Guarantee a living wage for all workers.

Living wage law mandates that all employers within a given jurisdiction pay wages at a rate higher than the federal minimum wage. Currently the federal minimum wage is $7.25 for untipped and $2.13 for tipped workers. Local living wage laws should factor in market specific adjustments, for example, costs related to food, childcare, housing, and transportation. Newer wage laws have begun factoring inflation as well. The ways minimum wage laws are operationalized can shift depending on the locality. Some advance minimum wage legislation through ballot measures and others pass legislation through city council efforts. Legislation can include benefits and supplemental pay when employers fail to provide health insurance, both unpaid and paid days off, and other job related protections. Several jurisdictional agencies are responsible for ensuring minimum wage laws are enforced including but not limited to the Department of Workers Protection, the Office of Labor Standards, and the Mayor’s Office of Equity.

Research shows living wage laws can reduce poverty by increasing earnings for wage workers. However factors such as scale and duration must be confirmed for any given particular locality. Because living wage laws are often subjected to intense opposition from large employers of minimum workers in a specific area, creating broad advocacy coalitions at the grassroots level is imperative. Advocating for a living wage requires partnerships with labor rights groups and other institutions and organizations invested in guaranteeing a living wage for all Americans.

 

1. Reduce the overall burden of inflation on American consumers.

Progressive approaches to reducing inflation focus on addressing root causes while protecting working families and promoting equity. Raising the federal minimum wage and strengthening collective bargaining rights can ensure stable incomes that keep pace with rising costs. Expanding affordable housing through rent control and increased investments in public housing can reduce housing burdens, while lowering healthcare costs through Medicare drug price negotiations and a public healthcare option can alleviate financial strain. To combat corporate price gouging, stronger antitrust enforcement and price transparency requirements are essential. Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency can stabilize energy prices and decrease reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, complemented by expanded energy assistance programs for families. Tax reforms, such as reinstating the enhanced Child Tax Credit and taxing corporate windfall profits, can provide relief while funding critical programs. Strengthening the social safety net with increased SNAP funding, enhanced unemployment benefits, and robust food assistance programs ensures families are supported during economic uncertainty. Finally, targeted federal investments in infrastructure projects and small business grants can create jobs, reduce costs, and stimulate local economies, building resilience and stability. These strategies address inflation holistically while prioritizing equity and economic well-being.

1. Protect workers’ rights and strengthen labor protections.

Strengthening labor protections, emphasizing the right to unionize, fair wages, and safe working conditions are critical to building an economy that works for all Americans and lifts the millions of Americans living in poverty.

 

 

 

 

Ensure an Accurate Census

 

1. Ensure the effective implementation of the new Middle East or North African (MENA) demographic category.

 

Accurate representation is vital for understanding the demographics of Arab Americans. We advocate for the government to conduct studies that lay the groundwork for future data collection, ensuring our reporting systems reflect our rapidly changing demographics. Arab Americans have been classified as “White” in the U.S. Census since the early 20th century, a categorization that ignores the community’s distinct social and economic challenges. Without a separate MENA category, Arab Americans have been effectively invisible in federal data, which influences policy, funding, and resource allocation. Advocating for inclusion aligns with the broader historical push for representation and accurate demographic data for marginalized communities. As these categories evolve, we will continue to push for the inclusion of Arab, Armenian, and Black Arabs in the MENA category, recognizing that racial identities influence the social, political, and economic realities of MENA peoples in the United States.

Effectively implementing the MENA category will recognize the unique experiences of Arab Americans, allowing the community to access specific programs and resources that other minority groups have received. Ensuring that ethnic and racial categories accurately reflect reality is crucial for understanding and meeting community needs.

 

Reform Inconsistent Immigration Policies

 

1. Pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and TPS holders.

The Arab American community’s immigration story is deeply intertwined with U.S. policies that have shaped migration patterns for over a century. Early waves of Arab immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were driven by economic opportunities and political strife in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Later, as conflicts escalated across the Middle East, particularly after the Arab-Israeli wars, the 1975 Lebanese Civil War, and the Gulf Wars, many Arabs sought refuge in the United States.

In addition to policy changes, adequately funding immigration-related services is essential for ensuring successful integration. Programs such as the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) and the Case Management Program (CCMPP) provide new arrivals with essential resources to transition smoothly into American society, from housing and employment assistance to legal support. Strengthening resources at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is also critical for reducing backlogs and ensuring timely processing, which impacts family reunification, work authorization, and legal status adjustments.

 

 

 

1. Streamline the mechanisms for asylum, work authorization, and temporary protected status applications to address the massive backlogs and delays.

In recent decades, the U.S. has introduced temporary protections, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which have been crucial for communities affected by ongoing instability. For example, TPS extensions have provided vital protection to nationals of several Arab countries facing war or natural disasters. Today, however, the immigration system requires reform to meet the needs of both recent arrivals and those who have resided here for years without a clear path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Given the ongoing economic and political crisis in Lebanon, we advocate for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole for Lebanese nationals residing in the U.S. We also call for robust funding for services and resources that help new arrivals integrate and thrive, including the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), the Case Management Program (CCMPP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

Improve Health Outcomes

 

1. Invest in improving access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Access to quality and affordable healthcare is a fundamental right. We support measures that expand access to affordable insurance coverage for Arab American and underserved communities. Arab Americans, especially those who are recent immigrants or refugees, face disproportionate barriers to healthcare due to language barriers, lack of insurance, and provider discrimination. Addressing these disparities aligns with broader efforts to extend healthcare access and improve equity in the U.S. healthcare system.

1. Safeguard reproductive healthcare access, including prenatal care, maternal health, and family planning services.

The fight for reproductive rights has a long history in the U.S., with marginalized communities often facing the most significant barriers to access. Ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare—including family planning and prenatal care—aligns with healthcare freedom and supports a foundational health right for all people.

 

Invest in Education

 

1. Invest in k-12 education, including both access and quality. 

We advocate for equitable funding for public schools, allowing all children to access a quality education regardless of their background. Public school funding in the U.S. often depends on local property taxes, leading to significant disparities. Communities with lower property values, including many Arab American communities, may experience under-resourced schools and fewer educational opportunities.

1. Support student loan forgiveness programs to alleviate the burden of student debt.

Student debt significantly impacts the financial prospects of graduates and their families post graduation. Marginalized students bear the brunt of student debt and supporting loan forgiveness programs can help alleviate economic disparities and create parity between graduates who do not have thousands of dollars of debts to pay off when beginning their careers post graduation.

 

1. Expand vocational education and training programs to provide alternative career pathways for students.

By prioritizing free access to these programs, we facilitate the integration of adolescent populations, equipping them with necessary skills for sustainable livelihoods as they transition into adulthood. Vocational programs were once a respected path to employment, but over time have been undervalued. ADC’s advocacy for vocational education helps provide practical career pathways, particularly beneficial for immigrant and refugee populations needing skills to thrive in the U.S. workforce.

 

Invest in a Clean Future

 

1. Reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and support global efforts to combat climate change.

Addressing climate change must be a priority for U.S. foreign policy. We advocate for policies that reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and support global efforts to combat climate change, particularly focusing on its impacts on the Arab world. The consequences of climate change are felt disproportionately in vulnerable regions, and it is our responsibility to take decisive action to protect both the environment and the communities affected. Climate change has disproportionately affected the Arab region, leading to increased water scarcity, desertification, and extreme weather events. U.S. policy changes can contribute significantly to mitigating these impacts. Advocacy for environmental policies reflects a global commitment to addressing climate threats that particularly impact vulnerable regions.

 

 

About ADC

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is a civil rights organization that serves to  protect the rights of people of Arab descent and promote their cultural heritage in the United States. It is the largest grassroots Arab-American organization in the country, advocating for civil rights, legal protections, and equitable treatment of Arab Americans and other marginalized communities.

 

wtf does this mean..

 

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