(TAMPA, FL, 9/16/2022) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Gov. Ron DeSantis’ use of Venezuelan Asylum Seekers in political stunt – whom he bussed to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts
In a statement, CAIR Florida Executive Director Imam Abdullah Jaber said:
“It is imperative that every elected official – Governor DeSantis included – treat migrants and asylum seekers with the dignity, compassion and respect that every human being deserves.
“We demand that Governor DeSantis respect the human rights of migrants and avoid any future deceptive inter-state transport of migrants without any coordination with government, civic or religious organizations.
“No one leaves home – family, friends and lifelong memories – behind except that fate has bound their souls to an unprecedented crisis. Many of our Venezuelan neighbors, as well as other asylum seekers, arrived in our state with hope, fleeing extreme difficulties and persecution.
“It disturbs the soul to witness our governor adding to their burden by transporting them to another state without any type of coordination. We must do better as a people.”
CAIR-Florida is the State’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, Esq., CAIR-Florida Communications Director, 305.502.6749, [email protected]