The 3.3 million Muslims currently living in America are playing a huge role in the presidential debates this election. GOP Nominee Donald Trump has mentioned multiple times that he would place a ban on Muslims entering the United States.
On NBC’s Meet the Press in July, Trump and host Chuck Todd discussed if the ban was constitutional and if he had softened his stance on banning all Muslims.
He said it was constitutional and said his focus was on the territories Muslims were coming from.
“I don’t think so. I actually don’t think it’s a rollback. In fact, you could say it’s an expansion,” Trump said. “I’m looking now at territory. People were so upset when I used the word ‘Muslim’: ‘Oh, you can’t use the word “Muslim.”‘ Remember this. And I’m okay with that, because I’m talking territory instead of Muslim.”
“Here is what I want: extreme vetting,” Trump added. “Tough word — extreme vetting. We have to have tough, we’re going to have tough standards. And if a person can’t prove that they’re from an area, and if a person can’t prove what they have to be able to prove, they’re not coming into this country. And I would stop the Syrian migration and a Syrian from coming into this country in two seconds.”
The Washington Post investigated how Muslims felt and shared their views on the election.
Saba Ahmed, President of the Republican Muslim Coalition, shares with DIVERGE why she encourages Muslims to vote for GOP nominee Donald Trump.
Are you encouraging republican muslims to vote for Trump? Why or why not?
Saba: Yes, we would like to see Republican leadership in the White House and are encouraging Muslims to vote for Trump.
What are some of the focus points on why republicans should vote for one candidate versus the other?
Saba: Trump has a successful business background that can help with creating jobs and improving economy. We would like to see less taxes, balanced budget, increased trade, etc. which will be a focus for Republicans.
What do you think Muslims need to do to show their support to the United States, when conversations of terrorism arise?
Saba: Muslims need to take back the narrative from terrorists and defend Islam to the best of our abilities. Our silence and isolation has brought us to a point where Presidential Candidates openly criticize Islam. We must engage with our local Republican Parties in each of our counties and get involved in the elections through our votes, fundraising and policies.
What is the goal of the Republican Muslim Coalition this election year?
Saba: Help Muslims get registered to vote and swing elections in Key electoral States.
Will you be doing anything to encourage voting on election day?
Saba: Yes, we are supporting various campaigns and will be helping get out the vote.
What do you think Muslim Americans should consider before voting this year?
Saba: Islamic Conservative Values and how they deeply conflict with liberal Democrats.
What would you say to voters that think its pointless to vote because both candidates aren’t good enough?
Saba: The Right to Vote is a special privilege and should not be wasted. Many people have fought hard to get this right for us. We must engage within the political system to change it.
If Donald Trump wins, what do you think that will mean for Muslims in the US?
Saba: It would open doors for many Muslims to step up and help with the National Security Debate. We would like to see Muslim Americans appointed to the Presidential Cabinet and Senior Government positions. Inshallah! (God Willing)
