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DOMESTIC POLICY

Anti-Muslim Bigotry & Hate Crimes

Fighting Discrimination Without Suspicion or Exception

Anti-Muslim policies have become embedded in U.S. politics. We fight for equal protection—without suspicion or exception. Islamophobia isn’t just rhetoric—it’s policy. From watchlists and bans to physical violence, American Muslims face a persistent landscape of hostility. We are building a future rooted in justice, dignity, and equal rights for all.

Anti-Muslim Bigotry Illustration
DOMESTIC POLICY

Anti-Muslim Bigotry & Hate Crimes

Fighting Discrimination Without Suspicion or Exception

Anti-Muslim policies have become embedded in U.S. politics. We fight for equal protection—without suspicion or exception. Islamophobia isn’t just rhetoric—it’s policy. From watchlists and bans to physical violence, American Muslims face a persistent landscape of hostility. We are building a future rooted in justice, dignity, and equal rights for all.

Anti-Muslim Bigotry Illustration

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The Threats Muslims Face Under the Trump Administration

Islamophobia as Policy

During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” and declared, “Islam hates us.” These statements laid the groundwork for a series of discriminatory policies targeting Muslims. In his second term, President Trump has intensified these policies. His administration has rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, framing them as part of a so-called “DEI jungle” to be eradicated. This move has been criticized for undermining efforts to address systemic discrimination, including Islamophobia. 🔗

The Muslim Ban

On January 27, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13769, the “Muslim Ban,” barring entry from seven Muslim-majority countries. Subsequent orders continued these restrictions and were upheld by the Supreme Court. Although President Biden rescinded the ban in 2021, Trump’s 2025 Executive Order 14161 (Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats) directs agencies to identify countries with “deficient” vetting and introduces ideological tests for visa applicants. Civil rights groups warn that this could effectively revive the Muslim Ban under a new guise, raising fresh concerns about discrimination against Muslim and Arab communities. 🔗

Hate Crimes and Violence

Islamophobic violence surged during the Trump administration. According to the FBI, hate crimes against Muslims increased by 67% in 2015 and remained elevated in subsequent years. Mosques were vandalized, and Muslims faced harassment in various settings. The FBI's 2023 hate crime statistics reported 11,862 incidents, the highest ever recorded. While the report does not provide a breakdown by religion, civil rights organizations have noted a rise in anti-Muslim incidents. The Trump administration's rhetoric and policies have been linked to this increase in hate crimes. 🔗

Watchlists and Civil Rights Violations

Post-9/11 surveillance programs like the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) have led to profiling and civil liberties violations. The No Fly List, part of the TSDB, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and due process. In 2025, the United States was added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist due to threats to civic freedoms under the Trump administration. The administration's executive orders and policy changes have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, including the rights of Muslim Americans. 🔗

A Rise in Hate Crimes for All

Hate-fueled violence is not just a Muslim issue—it’s an American issue. The FBI's 2023 report indicates a significant increase in hate crimes across various communities, including a nearly 33% rise in incidents against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive hate crime legislation and enforcement.

Chart showing hate crime incidents by bias motivation from 2002–2020

As this chart makes clear, hate crimes targeting Black, Muslim, Jewish, Latino, Asian, Arab, Sikh, and LGBTQ+ communities were consistently high—and in many cases rising—throughout President Trump’s first term. The data reveals the alarming scale of violence and the communities disproportionately affected by bias-fueled attacks.

With Donald Trump back in office, the fear is not only that this trend will continue, but that it will intensify—especially if divisive rhetoric is again normalized at the highest levels of government. Even more concerning, advocates now fear that the reliability of federal hate crime reporting itself may be compromised, either through political pressure or agency defunding.

Emgage Action's Policy Recommendations

1. Passage of the NO BAN Act

Emgage Action supports the NO BAN Act, which would limit the executive branch's authority to issue discriminatory immigration bans and prohibit religious discrimination in immigration-related decisions.

2. Passage of the NO HATE Act

We advocate for the NO HATE Act to improve hate crime reporting and provide resources for local law enforcement to address bias-motivated crimes effectively.

3. Reform of Federal Watchlists

We call for a review and reduction of federal watchlists, the establishment of a transparent redress process, and the prohibition of profiling based on religion or ethnicity.

4. Federal Oversight of Anti-Muslim Discrimination

Federal agencies must investigate and intervene in cases of systemic bias, including discriminatory zoning laws and workplace harassment targeting Muslims.

Emgage Action remains committed to combating anti-Muslim bigotry and advocating for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all communities.

© Emgage Action 2025