CAIR-CA Co-Sponsors Bill to Recognize Eid as a California State Holiday
CAIR-CA co-sponsors Assembly Bill 2017, which would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays and excuse student absences.
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Defend Civil Rights Across the Bay Area
From employment discrimination and hate crimes to immigration cases, CAIR-SFBA fights for justice.
- Free legal services & advocacy since 1994
- Free legal services & advocacy since 1994
CAIR-SFBA
Defending civil rights since 1994
Who We Are
A Trusted Resource for Justice Since 1994
Rooted in the Bay Area Muslim community, CAIR-SFBA provides legal services, advocacy, community education, and media outreach for people across the Bay Area facing discrimination, hate, and immigration challenges.
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Protecting civil and immigrants’ rights through legal representation, advocacy, and education.
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Advancing justice through legislative advocacy, civic engagement, coalition building, and public testimony.
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Empowering communities through youth leadership programs, Know Your Rights workshops, trainings, and outreach.
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Challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting accurate, informed coverage of Islam, Muslims, and civil rights issues.
Some of the cases
we take on.
Employment Discrimination
Workplace hostility, retaliation, wrongful termination, and denial of religious accommodations.
Hate Crime
Bias-motivated vandalism, threats, violence, and harassment targeting individuals or places of worship.
Immigration
Asylum, family petitions, naturalization, and visas for survivors of trafficking and abuse.
FBI & Law Enforcement
Helping community members understand and exercise their rights during questioning.
Hate Incident
Bias-motivated actions that may not qualify as crimes, such as verbal harassment or distributing hateful flyers.
Public Accommodation
Defending equal access to public spaces like restaurants and shops.
Travel & Border Issues
Border delays, secondary screening, and mistreatment by TSA or airline personnel.
Immigration
Asylum, family petitions, naturalization, and visas for survivors of trafficking and abuse.
Statewide Impact
Our Impact by the Numbers
Reflecting the collective impact of CAIR California across all of our regional offices statewide.
4,600+
Legal Intakes
325+
Government Meetings
500+
Media Interviews
1,400+
Outreach Engagements & Workshops
Sami Hamdi
British journalist · Held 18 days in ICE detention
How We Help
Deportation defense in action.
This is exactly the kind of crackdown that is escalating right now. Journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport, midway through a U.S. speaking tour. His visa had been revoked without cause and without prior notice, and the only allegation against him was a visa overstay. No criminal charges were ever filed.
For more than two weeks, Sami sat in an ICE cell. CAIR-CA's legal team, alongside co-counsel at the HMA Law Firm and the Muslim Legal Fund of America, challenged his detention. A federal judge recognized the serious First Amendment concerns and blocked ICE from transferring him out of California. He was released after 18 days, with no order of removal and no bar to returning.
For more than two weeks, Sami sat in an ICE cell. CAIR-CA's legal team challenged his detention. A federal judge recognized serious First Amendment concerns and blocked ICE from transferring him out of California. He was released after 18 days, with no order of removal and no bar to returning.
“Sami was imprisoned for speaking openly about Palestinian human rights and the genocide in Gaza, held in harsh conditions and never charged with a crime. A federal judge recognized the First Amendment concerns and kept him in California long enough for us to fight for him and win.”
“Sami was imprisoned because he spoke openly about Palestinian human rights and the genocide in Gaza. A federal judge recognized the First Amendment concerns raised in his case and kept him in California long enough for us to fight for him and win.”
Zahra Billoo, Executive Director, CAIR-SFBA
What People Say
Trusted by the people we serve.
★★★★★
CAIR Bay Area was extremely helpful with my employment discrimination concern. I was able to speak with an attorney within the same week, and they helped me determine the right next steps and answered all my questions.
★★★★★
My lawyer was always available to answer my questions and put me at ease throughout the legal process. My case manager was very responsible and helpful, and showed exceptional commitment from start to finish.
★★★★★
I've worked closely with CAIR at the California state capitol. The CAIR people I've met are principled, intelligent, hardworking, and extremely competent. I believe this organization is a growing force for justice.
Why Your Gift Matters
Your support keeps help within reach
For more than three decades, CAIR-SFBA has helped people understand their rights, navigate difficult systems, and push back against discrimination.
Your gift helps keep that work accessible to those who need it. Every donation helps us respond quickly, protect families, and defend civil rights across the Bay Area.
Donate Now
In the News
Recent CAIR-SFBA wins & advocacy.
CAIR-SFBA Secures Client’s Release After Court Grants Habeas Petition
A federal court granted CAIR-SFBA’s petition for habeas corpus, ordering the release of an asylum seeker the government had unlawfully detained after a routine ICE check-in.
CAIR-SFBA's Zahra Billoo Warns of Anti-Iranian, Anti-Muslim Hatred
CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo speaks out against dehumanizing rhetoric targeting Iranians and Muslims, calling on public officials to reject it.
FAQ
Questions before you give?
Yes. CAIR-CA is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our EIN is 77-0411194, and your donation is tax deductible. You'll receive a receipt by email after donating.
Your gift helps CAIR-SFBA provide legal services, advocacy, and community education to those targeted by discrimination, hate, and civil rights violations across the Bay Area.
CAIR-SFBA serves Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties.
Yes. Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support our work, letting us plan ahead and respond quickly when needs arise. Just choose "Monthly" at the top of this page before you give.
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Transparent & Compliant
Defend Civil Rights Across the Bay Area
Every donation, one-time or monthly, keeps CAIR-SFBA's legal team and advocates at work in the courtroom, in schools, and in the community.