New York in protest over Muslim ban
New Yorkers gathered on a warm and bright Sunday at the “I Am a Muslim Too” rally in solidarity with communities who have been targeted by Donald Trump’s travel ban back in January. Led by Def Jam founder Russell Simmons and other community leaders including Imam Shamsi Ali, Rabbi Marc Schneier, and Woman’s March organizer Linda Sarsour, the event took place at Times Square, 48th street and Broadway during noon.
Although the rally was primarily oragnised to stand in solidarity with Muslims, persons of all minority groups attended the event as Simmons had stated “Everyone except white privileged males are in immediate danger. African Americans, women, Latinos, Asians, and LGBTQ are all at risk.”
Over a thousand people filled the streets while holding “We the people” posters as they intently listened to prayer recited in Arabic ring throughout the vicinity. A few Muslim New Yorkers were seen performing Zuhr prayer as non-Muslim allies stood by to give them space.
Members of the Desi community, a term used by Bangladeshi and Indians to identify themselves, came out to join the rally to support and protect their communities. A Bangladeshi American highschooler, Mariam, came out to “Get the message to Trump and the White haters, that united, America will stand together. We are not divided. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, what religion you are, this is our home and we’re not going to leave it.
Thirty-year-old Indian Muslim software architect, Faheemuddin Mohammed said, “We have to stand for each other. India is not banned but my friends and brother live in the countries that were on the list and I should stand with them when they are in difficulty.”
There have been protests every week in the city in response to the Immigration ban and raids on undocumented immigrants by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On February 16, dozens of businesses shut down in New York City while participating in “A Day Without Immigrants” protest. Though opposition has been continuously building against the Trump administration measures, some Muslim Americans do not believe it is making a significant enough impact.
A Bangladeshi American teen, Eshana, believes that it is too soon to be able to tell how much of an impact has been made. “I think it’s been too short of a time period. He’s only been in office for a month or two. Hopefully if we keep up with this energy then we can make a difference.” She said with optimism.
Mohammad Rahman, a 54-year-old physician, however was less optimistic. “Trump is not making any effort to stop these executive orders.” He replied swiftly.“The ICE are arresting immigrants even though they have green cards. They are detaining people too. I was coming back from my country two weeks ago. I am a citizen and a physician working for New York State for 15 years and they still took me for interrogation” Doctor Rahman said.
There are some who believe that the protests in the following weeks have made a strong statement. Asam Rahman, a 65-year-old Accountant, believes that shutting down businesses has made a difference. “A lot of people stopped business and not just small ones. Even big department stores like Nordstrom stopped selling the products of Ivanka.” He said.
Secretary for Homeland security, John Kelly announced on Saturday that Trump will be implementing a new travel ban stating “The president is contemplating releasing a tighter, more streamlined version of the first (order). And I will have opportunity to work (on) a rollout plan, in particular to make sure that there's no one in a sense caught in the system of moving from overseas to our airports.”
Muslim Americans are taking his words with a grain of salt, however. Doctor Rahman answered with skepticism “Even before he was president, his rhetoric was against Muslims. Even though he makes some changes in the new executive order, it will be the same. There should not be any kind of ban from any countries whatsoever.”
A young woman, Eiman, who attended the rally from upstate New York, is also wary about the new Immigration policy. “The previous travel ban was lifted, so I don’t think there is any reason why the same people wouldn’t go out and protest for this one that John Kelly is talking about” she answered.
Solidarity is strong within the Muslim community and among allies of all backgrounds. With Trump’s new immigration executive order in the process of being established, Immigrants, refugees, and Muslims still have a long battle ahead of them.