NEW YORK: A newly elected U.S. lawmaker has assured American-Muslims that he would defend their rights and interests if they were targeted under the Trump presidency.
Speaking at a large gathering of U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin, held at the Pakistan consulate in New York, Democratic Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi acknowledged that it was a challenging time for Muslims in the United States. In view of some of the rhetoric espoused by President-elect Donald Trump and his associates, he said he and his like-minded colleagues would vigorously oppose any attempt to discriminate against them. “I will do my best to protect your interests,” he added.
Trump has long called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and has expressed openness to a registry of Muslims already in the country.
Congressman Suozzi underscored the need for preserving America’s values in a world buffeted by wars, terrorism and climate change. He said, America stood for hard work, perseverance, never giving up and allowing everyone the chance to achieve their financial dreams, pointing out that globalization was more real today than ever before.
Suozzi thanked Pakistan Consul General Raja Ali Ejaz for organizing the event and paid tribute to the Pakistani community for their hard work and contribution to America’s progress.
Consul-General Ejaz congratulated Congressman Suozzi on his success in the November 8 elections and said he looked forward to working with him. He hoped that Pakistan-US relations would continue to grow under the Trump administration.
One of the constituents Dr Ijaz Ahmad, also congratulated him and thanked him for his efforts for the Pakistani community, assuring him of their continued support.
He pointed out that Pakistan, the country of his birth, was itself a victim of terrorism and was doing everything possible to eliminate this menace.
