NAAPIMHA's Statement on Rising Islamophobia in the United States

For Immediate Release - April 2nd, 2026

As an organization focused on the mental health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, we recognize that: 

• Our ongoing calls to Stop AANHPI Hate include Islamophobia and combating the rampant dehumanization, discrimination, profiling, and targeting of Muslim, Arab, South Asian, Sikh, and Brown communities. These incidents exist in a systemic, broader history and context of Islamophobia and xenophobia in America, particularly in the aftermath of military conflict with Muslim-majority or Muslim-led countries. 

• The First Amendment’s freedom of religion clause is a fundamental right in this country that cannot be undermined by sentiments of  ‘national security’ concerns. 

• Rising Islamophobia reflects broader conditions of emboldened White supremacy, which constantly aims to ‘other’ non-White people.

• The human rights and dignity of all are intrinsically tied to our communities’ mental health and well-being. Anything that questions our communities’ belonging or attacks our safety is a mental health threat. 

From Palestine to Congo, Sudan, Puerto Rico, Hawai’i, and beyond, we know that U.S. imperialism, the dehumanization of communities of color, and the destruction of land are deeply ingrained and widespread in our global society. 

As a result, we must stand firm in our conviction to protect marginalized communities, especially Black, Brown, and immigrant people, more than ever at this time. 

We cannot be well unless we are all safe, supported, and free. 

Data/Sources:

• Stop AAPI Hate: Keeping Count | Anti-South Asian Hate: It’s Gotten Worse

• CAIR National: 2026 Civil Rights Report, "The Right To Be Different"

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About NAAPIMHA

NAAPIMHA, the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and redefine the mental health and wellbeing of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, through mental health trainings, community mental health programs, national policy and advocacy, and rapid community crisis response, while centering those with lived experience. 

Since 2001, NAAPIMHA has worked with AANHPI-serving community-based organizations across the country to identify and respond to the mental health needs of AANHPI communities nationwide. Over the past 25 years, NAAPIMHA has provided training and consultation to over 150 AANHPI-serving community-based organizations and 3,500 AANHPIs around the country, resulting in behavior change and improved skills to promote positive health outcomes for individuals and the communities they serve. 

Learn more at: www.naapimha.org 

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