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White House hosts Arab American Leadership Briefing

By AAI
AAI
Posted on Wednesday May 6, 2009

On Friday, April 24, the White House hosted 80 Arab American leaders from across the country: the first Arab American leadership briefing by the White House in nearly a decade.

The Arab American Institute worked closely with the Office of Public Liaison on coordinating logistics and recommending senior officials who would most effectively address community concerns and ensure the success of this milestone event. We are thankful that so many Arab American leaders attended and lent their voices to the discussions on foreign policy—from progress towards comprehensive peace in the Middle East to difficulties faced when traveling in Palestine—and domestic issues, such as civil liberties protections and economic recovery.

Christina Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, opened the briefing with a positive message for the Arab American community: the Administration wants to hear from us – what domestic immigration issues are impacting our lives, how we are affected by the stimulus package, the challenges facing our friends and families abroad, and what government agencies can do to improve relationships with Arab Americans.

Dan Shapiro, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Security Council spoke about the Obama Administration’s foreign policy priorities in the Middle East, highlighting robust diplomatic efforts throughout the region and early action to support Israeli-Palestinian peace. Cecilia Munoz, Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, acknowledged the importance of the Arab American community in addressing immigration and civil liberties concerns and encouraged us to continue working to shape the national debate on these issues. Addressing the ongoing difficulties citizens face when trying to enter Palestine, Michele Bond, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services at the Department of State, highlighted embassy services available to Americans abroad. Juliette Kayyem, Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental Programs at the Department of Homeland Security, spoke about the ongoing policy reviews and prospective structural changes within the department and emphasized the importance of institutionalizing community-agency partnerships moving forward.

Michael Strautmanis, Chief of Staff to the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison, finished the discussion with a promise that this briefing was the first of many, and suggested that national leaders meet annually with officials at the White House.