Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
STAND UP AMERICA: DESPERATE TO HOLD ONTO POWER, TRUMP STRONG-ARMS SENATE GOP TO VOTE ON SAVE ACT
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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DESPERATE TO HOLD ONTO POWER, TRUMP STRONG-ARMS SENATE GOP TO VOTE ON SAVE ACT
Stand Up America's Executive Director, Christina Harvey, released the following statement ahead of the Senate vote on the motion to proceed to debate the anti-voter SAVE Act:
"Americans are sick and tired of skyrocketing costs, state-sanctioned
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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DESPERATE TO HOLD ONTO POWER, TRUMP STRONG-ARMS SENATE GOP TO VOTE ON SAVE ACT
Stand Up America's Executive Director, Christina Harvey, released the following statement ahead of the Senate vote on the motion to proceed to debate the anti-voter SAVE Act:
"Americans are sick and tired of skyrocketing costs, state-sanctionedviolence, the unprecedented corruption of this administration, and the Republicans in Congress enabling Donald Trump. Trump knows his approval ratings are plummeting and that if voters have their say in November, MAGA Republicans' grip on power could finally slip. Instead of earning voters' support or tackling America's urgent problems, his number one priority is rigging the rules of the upcoming election.
"Trump has strong-armed Senate leadership into holding an open debate and vote on the SAVE Act, even threatening to block any other legislation unless Congress does his bidding. The SAVE Act would make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote and hand Trump's Department of Homeland Security the power to tell states who to purge from the voter rolls.
"Senators should reject this desperate attack on our freedom to vote."
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven nearly 2 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized over 100,000 protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
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Original text here: https://standupamerica.com/2026/03/desperate-to-hold-onto-power-trump-strong-arms-senate-gop-to-vote-on-save-act/
[Category: Political]
NTI's African Nuclear Security Dialogue Advances Regional Cooperation
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Nuclear Threat Initiative issued the following news:
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NTI's African Nuclear Security Dialogue Advances Regional Cooperation
As interest in nuclear energy grows across Africa, leaders stand to face consequential decisions with regional and global implications for nuclear security. The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), in partnership with the African Commission on Nuclear Energy and with support from the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Peterson Foundation, brought together government officials, regulators, and nuclear security
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Nuclear Threat Initiative issued the following news:
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NTI's African Nuclear Security Dialogue Advances Regional Cooperation
As interest in nuclear energy grows across Africa, leaders stand to face consequential decisions with regional and global implications for nuclear security. The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), in partnership with the African Commission on Nuclear Energy and with support from the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Peterson Foundation, brought together government officials, regulators, and nuclear securityexperts for the first-ever African Nuclear Security Dialogue from March 3-5, 2026, in Franschhoek, South Africa.
During the three-day workshop, policymakers and practitioners from over a dozen countries exchanged experience, assessed emerging risks, and explored practical opportunities to strengthen nuclear security cooperation and implementation across Africa. Participants examined how countries and regional institutions can work together to ensure that nuclear security considerations remain central as states pursue nuclear technologies for energy, medicine, agriculture, and other peaceful uses.
Discussions focused on strengthening the global nuclear security architecture and identifying specific actions African states can take to further reinforce regional nuclear security. Participants discussed the importance of universalizing and implementing the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, enhancing nuclear security culture, and strengthening coordination among national authorities and regional organizations.
Throughout the workshop, participants emphasized the value of regional cooperation and information sharing to address evolving security challenges. Sessions highlighted lessons learned from national experiences, explored opportunities for capacity building, and examined how African states can contribute to global efforts to strengthen nuclear security governance and implementation.
The African Nuclear Security Dialogue is part of NTI's Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities, an initiative that brings together international experts and officials to identify practical actions to strengthen nuclear security and ensure the resilience of the global nuclear security architecture.
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Original text here: https://www.nti.org/news/ntis-african-nuclear-security-dialogue-advances-regional-cooperation/
[Category: National Defense]
Florida Chamber Foundation Releases New Report Measuring State's Progress Toward Top 10 Global Economy Target
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 18 (TNSrep) -- The Florida Chamber Foundation issued the following news on March 17, 2026:
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Florida Chamber Foundation Releases New Report Measuring State's Progress Toward Top 10 Global Economy Target
Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report Assesses Purpose and Focus Needed to Reach the Goal
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The Florida Chamber Foundation today released the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report, offering a comprehensive assessment of Florida's progress toward becoming a Top 10 global economy by 2030 and outlining the priorities needed to ensure long-term prosperity for all
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 18 (TNSrep) -- The Florida Chamber Foundation issued the following news on March 17, 2026:
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Florida Chamber Foundation Releases New Report Measuring State's Progress Toward Top 10 Global Economy Target
Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report Assesses Purpose and Focus Needed to Reach the Goal
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The Florida Chamber Foundation today released the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report, offering a comprehensive assessment of Florida's progress toward becoming a Top 10 global economy by 2030 and outlining the priorities needed to ensure long-term prosperity for allFloridians.
Launched in 2018, the Florida 2030 Blueprint established 39 measurable goals focused on economic growth, workforce readiness, and improved quality of life. The new report finds Florida making meaningful progress despite significant global and national challenges since the launch of the Blueprint.
"The Florida 2030 Blueprint was never about short-term wins; it was about building a long-term economic game plan," said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. "The Florida Chamber Foundation's analysis shows Florida competing and winning, but it also tells us exactly where we must double down to ensure every Floridian has the opportunity to benefit from our growing economy."
According to the report, Florida has already achieved two Blueprint goals ahead of schedule, is on track to meet eight more, and is making strong progress toward 14 additional benchmarks.
Florida's economy continues to expand at a rapid pace. Florida is now the fourth-largest economy in the United States and ranks 15th globally. According to the most recent data, Florida ranks first nationally in net migration of residents and income from other states, out-of-state visitors, and corporate relocations. Florida has also already met its 2030 targets to be the nation's top state for business startups and overall brand reputation as the best place to live, work, and compete.
The report also highlights measurable improvements affecting families and communities. Since the launch of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, the number of children living in poverty has declined by 158,000. This is movement in the right direction toward cutting Florida childhood poverty in half, a 2030 goal led by the Florida Chamber Foundation's Florida Prosperity Initiative. However, data show that more than half of children experiencing poverty live in just 15% of Florida ZIP codes, underscoring the need for targeted solutions (that's 152 of Florida's 983 Zip Codes).
Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, said the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report analysis is designed to help leaders align around data-driven action.
"What makes the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report unique is accountability through data, Dr. Richard said. "The Halftime Report gives leaders an honest scoreboard, highlighting meaningful progress while identifying the specific actions and investments needed to achieve our 39 goals by 2030."
Business and civic leaders surveyed for the report identified housing affordability as the single greatest risk to achieving the Florida 2030 Blueprint vision, followed by workforce development challenges and concerns about rising business costs. Leaders also emphasized the need to expand transportation, energy, and water infrastructure while ensuring rural communities benefit from continued economic growth.
A special thank you to our Florida 2030 Blueprint Task Force Members:
- Doug Davidson, Bank of America (Chair)
- Stacy Baier, Helios Education Foundation/*
- Stacey Brandt, Tampa General Hospital
- Greg Britton, Florida SBDC
- Kevin Carr, FloridaMakes
- Bryan Griffin, Visit Florida
- Linda Hague, Wells Fargo Bank/*
- Dan Hurtado, Florida Transportation Builders Association
- Adrienne Johnston, CareerSource Florida/*
- Secretary Alex Kelly, FloridaCommerce
- Don Kiselewski, Florida Power & Light/*
- Rob Long, Space Florida
- Jason Mahon, FloridaCommerce
- Marty McAndrew, Fifth Third Bank/*
- Karen Moore, The Moore Agency/*
- David Odahowski, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation/*
- Todd Powell, Weyerhauser
- Paul Sohl, Florida High Tech Corridor
- Marlene Spalten, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay/*
- Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
*/Indicates they are a Florida Chamber Foundation Community Development Partner
The Florida Chamber Foundation also notes that long-term success will depend heavily on improving early learning and education outcomes, including ensuring children enter kindergarten ready to learn, read at grade level by third grade, and demonstrate math and reading proficiency by eighth grade.
"Florida has momentum, and the Halftime Report is proof that the Florida 2030 Blueprint is working," Wilson said. "The focus now is for us to concentrate resources and solutions on remaining gaps so we can turn progress into lasting prosperity across Florida."
Click here for the full Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report (https://www.flipsnack.com/flchamber/florida-2030-halftime-report).
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Original text here: https://www.flchamber.com/florida-chamber-foundation-releases-new-report-measuring-states-progress-toward-top-10-global-economy-target/?cn-reloaded=1
[Category: Business]
Environmental Defense Fund: Proposed $1B to Stop Offshore Wind Threatens Affordable Power at Critical Moment
NEW YORK, March 18 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release:
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Proposed $1B to Stop Offshore Wind Threatens Affordable Power at Critical Moment
EDF Statement by Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy
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WASHINGTON - Recent reporting from The New York Times indicates that the Trump administration is considering offering offshore wind developers a payment of as much as $1 billion in taxpayer funds to induce them to abandon projects that would deliver clean and affordable power to hundreds of thousands of homes. These reports come just weeks after
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 18 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release:
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Proposed $1B to Stop Offshore Wind Threatens Affordable Power at Critical Moment
EDF Statement by Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy
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WASHINGTON - Recent reporting from The New York Times indicates that the Trump administration is considering offering offshore wind developers a payment of as much as $1 billion in taxpayer funds to induce them to abandon projects that would deliver clean and affordable power to hundreds of thousands of homes. These reports come just weeks aftera series of court rulings striking down the Trump administration's unlawful efforts to block such projects from being developed.
"If these proposed deals are real, they are an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars to prevent Americans from having clean, affordable power exactly when they need it most," said Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund.
"As fossil fuel prices swing wildly from global shocks and extreme weather, the answer is obvious: We should be building more homegrown clean energy with stable costs. East Coast states are building offshore wind because it boosts affordable electricity supply on the grid, especially during cold snaps, when natural gas prices are sky-high. Revolution Wind, one of the offshore projects that was just completed, will lower New England families' electricity bills by roughly half a billion dollars per year.
"By obstructing clean energy projects, while mandating the use of expensive, barely-working coal plants and giving out 'concierge, white glove service' to fossil fuel projects, this administration continues to create a self-inflicted rate hike."
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With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
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Original text here: https://www.edf.org/media/proposed-1b-stop-offshore-wind-threatens-affordable-power-critical-moment
[Category: Environment]
DFI Report Finds Teacher Union-Affiliated Graduate Student Unions Promote Radical Activism, Antisemitism
WASHINGTON, March 18 (TNSrpt) -- The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies issued the following news release:
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New DFI Report Finds Teacher Union-Affiliated Graduate Student Unions Promote Radical Activism, Antisemitism
A new report from the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) finds that graduate student unions affiliated with the nation's largest teacher unions are increasingly promoting radical political activism and antisemitism rather than focusing on traditional labor concerns such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The report, "The Radicalism
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 (TNSrpt) -- The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies issued the following news release:
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New DFI Report Finds Teacher Union-Affiliated Graduate Student Unions Promote Radical Activism, Antisemitism
A new report from the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI) finds that graduate student unions affiliated with the nation's largest teacher unions are increasingly promoting radical political activism and antisemitism rather than focusing on traditional labor concerns such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The report, "The Radicalismof Graduate Student Unions Affiliated with the Teacher Unions," authored by DFI Senior Fellow Jay P. Greene, examines the public communications and political activity of graduate student labor organizations affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA).
The analysis finds that graduate student unions affiliated with teacher unions devote disproportionate attention to attacking Israel while largely ignoring other international conflicts.
Key findings include:
* 76 percent of graduate student unions affiliated with teacher unions that maintain an active online presence have issued public statements criticizing Israel or supporting Palestinians.
* Only 10 percent have issued statements regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
* Many unions regularly use inflammatory rhetoric about Israel, including accusations of "genocide," "apartheid," and "settler colonialism."
* Several organizations examined in the report frequently employ Marxist language, imagery, and ideological themes while promoting international political activism.
The report argues that the overwhelming focus on condemning Israel, paired with relative silence on other global conflicts, exposes antisemitic double standards within these organizations.
Greene notes that this represents a dramatic shift from AFT's longtime president Albert Shanker, who was widely known for opposing communist influence in organized labor and for defending Jewish teachers against antisemitism.
"Teacher unions once prided themselves on standing against antisemitism and resisting the influence of radical ideological movements," said Greene. "The behavior of many of their graduate student affiliates today suggests that those guardrails have disappeared."
The report also outlines several policy options for policymakers concerned about the growing radicalization of graduate student unions, including:
* Restoring safeguards against radical influence in organized labor by requiring union leaders to certify they are not affiliated with foreign or extremist political movements.
* Reexamining the legal status of graduate student unions, given that a large portion of their membership consists of non-citizens working in the United States on temporary student visas.
* Protecting federal taxpayer funds by restricting federal student aid and research funding to universities that recognize graduate student unions led by members of extremist international movements.
* Increasing transparency by requiring federally funded universities to disclose whether they recognize graduate student unions, how those unions are funded, and how many members are foreign nationals on student visas.
"Graduate student unions are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the political culture of universities and the broader labor movement," Greene said. "When organizations affiliated with teacher unions repeatedly promote narratives that single out the Jewish state for condemnation while embracing radical ideological movements, it raises serious concerns about antisemitism and the direction of organized labor in higher education."
DFI President Bob Eitel added that the report highlights the need for policymakers to examine how graduate student unions operate within federally funded universities.
"Universities receive billions in federal taxpayer funding each year," said Bob Eitel, President of the Defense of Freedom Institute. "The public deserves transparency and accountability when organizations operating on those campuses engage in conduct or activity that violates civil rights laws and fuels antisemitism."
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REPORT: https://dfipolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Radicalism-of-Graduate-Student-Unions-Affiliated-with-Teacher-Unions_Jay-Greene_March2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://dfipolicy.org/press-release-new-dfi-report-finds-teacher-union-affiliated-graduate-student-unions-promote-radical-activism-antisemitism/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-Texas Welcomes Court Order Extending School Voucher Application Deadline
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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BREAKING: CAIR-Texas Welcomes Court Order Extending School Voucher Application Deadline
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas (CAIR-Texas) today welcomed a federal judge's order that the application period for the state's voucher program be extended to March 31, citing concerns about fairness and equal access.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett granted a temporary restraining order to extend the application window for families seeking school vouchers. In his
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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BREAKING: CAIR-Texas Welcomes Court Order Extending School Voucher Application Deadline
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas (CAIR-Texas) today welcomed a federal judge's order that the application period for the state's voucher program be extended to March 31, citing concerns about fairness and equal access.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett granted a temporary restraining order to extend the application window for families seeking school vouchers. In hisruling, Judge Bennett called it "troubling" that no Islamic schools have been approved to participate in the program. A group of Islamic schools and Muslim parents are suing the exclusion of Islamic schools from the program.
SEE: Judge extends voucher application window amid block on Islamic schools (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qlTOlRms8lIi-ZIHUUwy6HQ3Uke_ZiMf/view?usp=sharing)
SEE ALSO: Texas is losing its religion by excluding Islamic schools from voucher program (https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/editorial/article/muslim-vouchers-exclusion-texas-22079204.php) - San Antonio Express-News
Earlier this year, CAIR-Texas sent a letter to the Comptroller and called on the community to urge the Attorney General and Comptroller to end the exclusion of Muslim families in TEFA.
SEE: CAIR-Texas Letter to Comptroller (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qlTOlRms8lIi-ZIHUUwy6HQ3Uke_ZiMf/view?usp=sharing)
SEE: CAIR-Texas Action Alert: Urge the Texas Comptroller's Office to End Exclusion of Muslim Families from TEFA
In a statement, CAIR-Texas said:
"We welcome the court's decision to extend the application deadline and recognize the serious concerns raised about the exclusion of Islamic schools from Texas' voucher program. All families, regardless of their faith, deserve equal access to educational opportunities supported by public programs.
"The lack of approved Islamic schools raises important questions about whether the program is being implemented in a fair, inclusive and nondiscriminatory manner. We urge state officials to take immediate steps to ensure that faith-based schools, including Islamic institutions, are given a fair opportunity to participate.
"CAIR-Texas will continue to monitor this issue closely and advocate for the rights of Muslim students, parents, and educators across our state."
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/breaking-cair-texas-welcomes-court-order-extending-school-voucher-application-deadline/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-MN Welcomes Federal Court's Temporary Halt to Termination of TPS for Somalia
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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CAIR-MN Welcomes Federal Court's Temporary Halt to Termination of TPS for Somalia
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed an emergency order by a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts temporarily pausing the termination of Somalia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS), thereby preserving critical protections for thousands of Somali nationals across the United States, including many in
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on March 17, 2026:
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CAIR-MN Welcomes Federal Court's Temporary Halt to Termination of TPS for Somalia
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed an emergency order by a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts temporarily pausing the termination of Somalia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS), thereby preserving critical protections for thousands of Somali nationals across the United States, including many inMinnesota.
The termination had been scheduled to take effect today. The court's order ensures that Somali TPS holders will continue to retain their legal protections while the case proceeds.
As a result of the ruling, individuals with TPS based on Somalia's designation will continue to maintain all associated rights and protections, including work authorization and protection from deportation and detention. Individuals with pending TPS applications will also retain eligibility for work authorization and protection from deportation while their cases are adjudicated.
This temporary pause will remain in effect pending further court action.
"This decision brings a critical moment of relief for Somali families across Minnesota and the country who have been living under the weight of uncertainty," said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN. "TPS is not just a policy. It is a lifeline that allows families to live, work, and contribute to their communities with dignity and stability."
"Somali families should not have to rely on last-minute court orders to remain safe in the only home many of them have known for decades," said Suleiman Adan, deputy executive director of CAIR-MN. "This decision underscores the urgency of the legal challenge and the real harm that would have followed an abrupt termination. We are also seeing a broader pattern of policies and rhetoric that destabilize immigrant communities and disproportionately impact African and Muslim populations. That must be named and addressed."
In Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, this decision carries immediate and significant impact. Thousands of Somali residents with TPS are workers, parents, and community members whose lives and livelihoods were at risk of disruption, including the threat of job loss, family separation, and deportation to unsafe conditions.
The lawsuit challenging the termination was brought by African Communities Together (ACT), the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), and four Somali community members. They are represented by Muslim Advocates, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and the Legal Defense Fund, with support from Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP).
CONTEXT
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian protection established by Congress to prevent deportations to countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
For Somali TPS holders, many of whom have lived in the United States for years or decades, this protection has allowed them to build families, careers, and communities while remaining safe from forced return to dangerous and unstable conditions.
CALL TO ACTION
CAIR-MN calls on the Department of Homeland Security and federal leaders to permanently redesignate TPS for Somalia and provide long-term stability for Somali families who continue to face uncertainty. We also urge community members to stay connected to trusted legal service providers and advocacy organizations for updates and guidance as this case moves forward.
CAIR-Minnesota is a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-mn-welcomes-federal-courts-temporary-halt-to-termination-of-tps-for-somalia/
[Category: Sociological]
