APANO Deeply Concerned by Recent Executive Orders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2017
Contact: Zahir Janmohammed, 971-340-4861

APANO is deeply concerned by the recent Executive Orders issued by President Donald Trump, which target immigrants, refugees, and Muslims.

President Trump’s actions come at a time in which communities of color are already feeling threatened and anxious. Oregon has a history of high profile hate crimes, from the murder of Mulugeta Seraw in 1988 to the homicide of Larnell Bruce in 2016 by white supremacists. Since November 8th Election Day, there have been over 900 incidents of hate, according to the Southern Poverty Legal Center, with Oregon experiencing the highest number of attacks per capita. Muslim Americans are particularly vulnerable right now. In 2016, the number of anti-Muslim incidents reached levels not seen since the September 11th attacks. Last year, a Muslim place of worship was targeted once every three days and in Oregon, several people have been targeted because they were perceived to be Muslim, including a white Buddhist monk.

APANO believes that President Trump’s actions will lead to a heightened climate of bigotry against immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and many more. His policies will divide Americans, roll back our country’s progress, and endanger communities. We join with over 100 API groups in condemning President Trump’s actions and reaffirming our support for diversity and inclusion.

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