MPAC's Curious Statement on America Being Less Safe

(Hat tip Louis)

Below is a statement put out this week by Hoda Hawa of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Director of Policy and Advocacy. First of all, MPAC is an arm of the Muslim Brotherhood. More specifically, the writer takes an unusual position in regards to President Trump's plan to restrict Syrian refugees and immigrants from other Muslim countries. I refer to these portions of the document: "Let me be clear: the suspension of the refugee resettlement program and the banning of immigration from Muslim-majority countries are all designed to criminalize an entire group of people based on their religion and nationality, and it does not make us any more secure as a nation." "(1) Partnering with legal advocacy groups to challenge the constitutionality of any order; (2) Working with the media to lead a national conversation about how these orders make us less safe, less free, and less American;" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We are only five days into the Trump Administration and we are already seeing egregious and un-American policies being signed as Executive Orders. President Trump is expected to sign Executive Orders to institute a blanket suspension of visas for certain countries with majority Muslim populations and the suspension of the refugee resettlement program. Trump’s actions are part of a multi-day focus on immigration and are among an array of sweeping and immediate changes to the nation’s immigration system. Let me be clear: the suspension of the refugee resettlement program and the banning of immigration from Muslim-majority countries are all designed to criminalize an entire group of people based on their religion and nationality, and it does not make us any more secure as a nation. History has shown us that similar programs, such as NSEERS introduced under the Bush Administration, never produced any terrorist prosecutions and did little to enhance public safety while draining government resources. In fact, it was deemed ineffective by the Department of Homeland Security and was recommended to be permanently dismantled. We are witnessing the continued promotion of simplistic and fear-based politics that weaken our global leadership and distract us from putting forth real solutions that will indeed protect our national security and interests. We will be leading a three-pronged approach to address these Executive Orders, whether it concerns Muslims or any other minority group: (1) Partnering with legal advocacy groups to challenge the constitutionality of any order; (2) Working with the media to lead a national conversation about how these orders make us less safe, less free, and less American; (3) Advocating on Capitol Hill and with local and state governments for increased protection of minority communities. A secure America is one that stands by its constitution and real patriotism is when you believe in its ideals enough to uphold them. As Americans, we do not ban, register, or deport people based on the how they pray or the color of their skin. As Americans, we do not turn away men, women and children who are seeking refuge and are escaping persecution. As Americans, we know very well that an attack on one religious minority is an attack on all of us. This is what makes America great." Sincerely, Hoda Hawa Director of Policy and Advocacy Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media and communities. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While I would agree that certain countries were not on the list (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan), I would counter by saying that;  (1): The reasons are obvious-diplomatic- since these countries are technically strategic allies. The countries listed are those with whom diplomatic ties are weak or non-existent. That makes it convenient. Personally, it would not bother me if all Muslim countries were on the list. It is not necessarily the governments that are the problem in terms of threat, it is individual citizens who may be radicalized.  (2) Given what is happening in Europe with so-called Syrian refugees, how can the writer argue that halting resettlement in the US would make us less safe? (3) While it is important not to paint all Muslims with the terrorist brush, it is undeniable that there are some walking among us now who will eventually try to join a terrorist group like ISIS abroad or carry out an attack at home. They may be Saudi, Syrian, Afghan, Pakistani, Chechen, Jordanian, etc. or born here . The common thread is Islam whether they were born into it or converted. I note that Somalia is on Trump's list. That is long overdue given the problems many Somali refugees have brought and the willingness of many to return and join Al Shabaab.  We cannot deport all the Muslims in the US and I am not advocating such. Many  are US citizens either through naturalization or having been born here. However, we need to take a serious look at those trying to come here in these perilous times. The current Muslim percentage of the population is now about 1%. That number should not be allowed to grow. Indeed, Islamist organizations like MPAC and others actively want the Muslim population in the US to grow and grow rapidly. In Arabic it is called hijra. It is immigration into non-Muslim lands for purposes of spreading Islam. In contrast to our previous president, Donald Trump understands the threat. His objective is simply to protect the American people.