Today, members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) join the country in marking the  eighth anniversary of the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. We solemnly remember and honor those who lost their lives or loved ones that day.

Like everyone in America, South Asians in the United States were deeply affected by the events on and after September 11th. From the days and months after the tragedy to now, our organizations have addressed a range of issues in our communities related to the post-September 11th environment - from helping individuals who lost family members or their livelihoods to advocating on behalf of those who faced discrimination, hate crimes, profiling, and arbitrary detentions and interrogations.

Although it has been eight years since 9/11, many of the policies implemented in its aftermath continue to affect South Asians, such as special registration, border and airport profiling, and arbitrary detentions and deportations.

Today, we encourage all South Asians to honor the memory of September 11th through reflection, service, and a renewed commitment to preserve justice and equality for all.
 
Additional Resources and Information:

    * Eight Years Later: The Continuing Impact of 9/11 by South Asian Americans Leading Together about reflections on 9/11 and the impact on the South Asian community.
    * Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund coordinated by Sakhi for South Asian Women (named in honor of one of the organization's core volunteers who passed away in the September 11th tragedy, the fund awards grants to survivors of violence)
    * "Returning Home" by the Asian Law Caucus and Stanford Law School Immigrants' Rights Clinic on profiling and intrusive searches at the border.
    * "Unreasonable Intrusions" by Muslim Advocates about the experiences of Muslim Americans at airports after travel abroad.
    * "NSEERS: The Consequences of America's Efforts to Secure Its Borders" by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and Penn State University Dickinson School of Law  on the lasting effects of the NSEERS program on various communities.
    * "TSA Report Card" by the Sikh Coalition grading the Transportation Security Administration and incident form to report problems.

This statement is issued by the following members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations.

    * Adhikaar for Human Rights
    * Andolan
    * Apna Ghar
    * ASHA for Women
    * Chaya
    * Chhaya CDC
    * Coney Island Avenue Project
    * Council of Peoples Organization
    * Counselors Helping (South) Asian/Indians
    * Daya
    * Desis Rising Up and Moving
    * Hamdard Center
    * Indo-American Center
    * Maitri
    * Manavi
    * Michigan Asian Indian Family Services
    * Narika
    * Raksha
    * Saathi of Rochester
    * Sahara of South Florida
    * Sakhi for South Asian Women
    * Satrang
    * SEVA- Desis Vote!
    * Shakti Peer Group
    * Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund
    * Sneha
    * South Asian Americans Leading Together
    * South Asian American Policy and Research Institute
    * South Asian Council for Social Services
    * South Asian Health Initiative
    * South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey
    * South Asian Network
    * South Asian Progressive Action Collective
    * South Asians for Progressive Action
    * South Asian Youth Action
    * The Sikh Coalition
    * Trikone NW
    * Turning Point
    * UNITED SIKHS