California

Census Estimated Arab American Population: 272,485

Source: 2005-2009 American Community Survey Rolling 5-Year Average – U.S. Census Bureau

Key Election Dates:

Voter Registration Deadline - Primary Election: May 21, 2012
Primary Election: June 5, 2012
Voter Registration Deadline - General Election: October 22, 2012

Organizations to Know*:

Muslim Public Affairs Council
Palestinian American Women Association
Arab Cultural and Community Center
Lebanese American Association
Arab American Day Festival
Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in the Military
Arab Film Festival
American Druze Society
Beverley Hills Arab Network
Levantine Cultural Center
Arab American Historical Foundation
Arab Resource and Organizing Center
Syrian Arab American Association
United Taybeh American Association
Yalla San Diego
Republican Arab American Congress
Arab American Cultural Center of Silicon Valley
Birzeit Society
Middle East Children’s Alliance
Coalition for Safe San Francisco

San Francisco Legislation for Local Control Over FBI Task Force

City Supervisor Jane Kim introduced legislation in January 2012 that would subject an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in San Francisco to local oversight. The bill aims to prevent racial profiling and civil rights abuses in counter-terrorism surveillance efforts by prohibiting officers from investigating San Francisco residents without “reasonable suspicion that they are involved in significant criminal activity.”

Arab American Caucus Promotes Voter Engagement

The Arab American Caucus of the Democratic Party of California is promoting civic engagement among the Arab American community in preparation for the 2012 election season. The group encourages Arab American community members to be delegates to the national convention, which excites the local community and incites participation.

Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Feinstein introduced S. 558, the “Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2011,” calling on Congress to limit the use of cluster munitions to military targets and not areas populated by civilians. Feinstein referred specifically to the 2006 war in Lebanon, in which the US manufactured many of the cluster munitions used by the Israeli military in attacks that killed 343 civilians.

Representative Howard Berman

Rep. Berman introduced H. R. 1842, the latest version of the DREAM Act, which aims to implement significant immigration policy reforms. The legislation would protect undocumented minors from deportation if they do not have a criminal record, especially if they intend to pursue higher education. Rep. Berman also introduced H. R. 2215, which would limit funding to Hezbollah and other programs and organizations in Lebanon, but circumvents a different bill that pushed for far more widespread and damaging cuts to US aid for Lebanon.

Representative Peter Stark

Along with Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, Rep. Stark issued a letter to the Homeland Security Committee, urging a broader scope for the committee’s anti-terrorism hearings. The letter responded specifically to committee Chairman Peter King’s intent to focus the hearings specifically on Islamic terrorism, which Stark and Dingell said defies the American values of “inclusiveness and pluralism.”

Representative Adam Schiff

Rep. Schiff introduced H. Res. 88, which affirms U.S. support of the Egyptian people in their transition to a “credible democracy,” and condemns the use of violence against peaceful protestors in Egypt.
Source: The Arab American Institute’s 2011 Congressional Scorecard

*Want your organization listed? Contact us at emanna@aaiusa.org