Interfaith Alliance Celebrates the Muslim Ban’s Repeal
Press Release

Interfaith Alliance Celebrates the Muslim Ban’s Repeal

January 20, 2021

Interfaith Alliance Celebrates the Muslim Ban’s Repeal, Urges Passage of NO BAN Act

WASHINGTON — Today, in one of his first acts as president, President Biden issued an executive order rescinding the Muslim and African travel bans. In response, Katy Joseph, director of policy & advocacy for Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“In his first week in office, President Trump sought to define our nation through exclusion, signing into law the first of three bans on travel from majority Muslim and African countries. But four years ago - and every day since - Americans of all faiths, philosophies, and experiences united against these discriminatory policies. Interfaith Alliance, our network, and supporters across the country raised the alarm, fighting to see this overtly anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant policy reversed. To those who lifted your voices - your persistence made today’s victory possible.

“Today is a day of celebration and relief for the thousands of Americans separated from their families by the Muslim and African bans. For those seeking opportunity and safety in this country, President Biden has taken a vital first step in restoring America’s legacy as a beacon of opportunity for all. Now, Congress must do its part to secure this legacy for the future.

“The NO BAN Act would ensure that no president can ever again discriminate on the basis of faith. We must send a clear message that excluding millions of people because of where they’re from or how they pray is incompatible with the values of an inclusive, vibrant democracy. Passing this historic bill will prohibit similar action by a future administration and affirm the meaning of true religious freedom in immigration.”

If you are interested in speaking further with Katy, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171.

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Interfaith Alliance Calls on Faith Leaders and Lawmakers to Protect Communities from Gun Violence and Counter Hate
Press Release
August 29, 2025

Interfaith Alliance Calls on Faith Leaders and Lawmakers to Protect Communities from Gun Violence and Counter Hate

WASHINGTON — Following the tragic shooting during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, offered condolences to the victims’ families and the broader community. He emphasized that preventing gun violence is imperative to protecting true religious freedom in the United States.

Interfaith Alliance Applauds Federal Court Decision Rejecting Religious Coercion in Texas Schools
Press Release
August 20, 2025

Interfaith Alliance Applauds Federal Court Decision Rejecting Religious Coercion in Texas Schools

Interfaith Alliance, a leading advocate for healthy boundaries between government and religion, today welcomed a federal district court’s preliminary injunction blocking Texas school district defendants from implementing Texas Senate Bill 10, a law that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state.

FBI’s 2024 Hate Crime Data Shows Alarming Threat to Religious Minorities, Vulnerable Communities
Press Release
August 6, 2025

FBI’s 2024 Hate Crime Data Shows Alarming Threat to Religious Minorities, Vulnerable Communities

WASHINGTON – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending civil rights and multi-faith democracy, is deeply concerned by the 2024 Hate Crimes Statistics released by the FBI, which mark the second highest number of annual hate crimes since the FBI first began reporting the data over thirty years ago. The report shows alarming levels of hate crimes directed against Black Americans, LGBTQ+ Americans and religious minorities, particularly Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh Americans.