PAAIA Continues to Stand Up for the Iranian American Community
Washington, D.C. — Much is happening in the world at this pivotal moment. Here at PAAIA, we understand that many of you are concerned about not only what is happening but also what the future may hold. Precisely at times like these, when tensions are high, the role of civic organizations like ours becomes more crucial than ever. We want you to know that we are on Capitol Hill continuing the work that we’ve been doing for over a decade: meeting with our legislators, advocating for the rights of our community, and educating policymakers about the concerns of Iranian Americans and their families.
Over the past month, the rise in anti-Jewish and Islamophobic attacks has impacted our diverse community. Iranian Americans constitute a community encompassing at least five religions, over a dozen multiple ethno-linguistic identities, and views that cross the political spectrum. In striving to serve the whole community, PAAIA maintains its commitment to inclusivity and remaining home to a plurality of Iranian Americans.
PAAIA understands that this treasured mosaic of Iranian Americans means that our community may have different opinions on a particular subject and that those opinions may change over time. We welcome discussion and debate and encourage our community to be vocal. At times our community may want us to express or become involved in matters outside the parameters of advocating for their political engagement and representation at home in the United States or supporting the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations and human rights. Occasionally, this shift in opinions translates into a change in policy positions and legislative decision-making.
With emotions high, PAAIA has been on the Hill sharing our community’s feedback on a range of issues. Using our scientific national public opinion survey, PAAIA presents Members of Congress with the Iranian American community’s key concerns.
We promise to continue defending Iranian Americans against both explicit and implicit bias and discrimination, providing opportunities for our next generation, and protecting the interests of the Iranian American community at all levels of government. Rest assured in all that we do, standing with the people of Iran in their quest for freedom and defending our Iranian American community against unwarranted attacks on our identity remain our highest priorities.
ABOUT PAAIA: The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, PAAIA, Inc., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization that serves the interests of Iranian Americans and represents the community before U.S. policymakers and the American public at large.
