Washington, D.C. - At the urging of
the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), Congressmen Marty
Meehan (D-5th/MA) and Christopher Shays (R-4th/CT) have introduced a resolution
condemning discrimination and bigotry against Iranian Americans into the House
of Representatives. The resolution, previously introduced in the 109th Congress,
is a response to documented reports of discrimination targeting the Iranian
American community which, according to civil rights organizations, have
increased over the past year. Original cosponsors include Representatives John
Campbell (R-48th/CA), Mike Honda (D-15th/CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-14th/NY), John
Mica (R-7th/FL), and Henry Waxman (D-30th/CA).
The resolution
acknowledges the diversity of the Iranian American community and its
contributions to American society. At the same time, it expresses serious
concern over increasing reports of discrimination against Iranian Americans and
other Americans of Middle Eastern descent. These include findings in the
Inspector General's Report of discriminatory enforcement of immigration laws,
arrests followed by detentions for extended periods of time without charges,
denials of access to counsel, and abuse by prison guards of nationals of Iranian
origin.
The resolution encourages Iranian Americans to report experiences
of discrimination they have had to local, state, and federal political leaders.
The resolution also calls upon local and federal law enforcement authorities to
investigate and vigorously prosecute "...crimes committed against all Americans,
including Iranian Americans, that are based on actual or perceived race, color,
religion, national origin or ethnicity."
