Arab American Institute

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute is a non-profit, membership organization and advocacy group based in Washington D.C. that focuses on the issues and interests of Arab Americans nationwide. James Zogby, brother of pollster John Zogby, is founder and president of the AAI.

The organization seeks to increase the visibility of Arab American involvement and candidates in the American political system. They issue "Action Alerts" to their members much like the Anti-defamation League when issues of particular concern arise. According to their website they encourage their members to contact members of congress and they develop policy initiatives much in the manner of a think tank.

Stated Goals

The AAI has stated on their website,

"''Our domestic agenda includes promoting immigrant rights, community-based social services, educational materials and programming that accurately reflect our community and our heritage, and the full benefits of citizenship for our community. Internationally, we believe that the US should enhance its ties with Arab countries in all fields: cultural, educational, diplomatic, economic, and security. We support a viable Palestinian state, the integrity of Lebanon, US assistance to advance economic and political development in the region, and a balanced US role in promoting regional peace and prosperity.''"

Activities

Arab-American Census

The AAI has been designated by the United States Census Bureau as the only Census Information Center for compiling data on Arab-Americans. According to AAI statistics, there are 3.5 million Arab-Americans. The AAI believes that Americans' of Arab ethnicity were underrepresented in the 2000 National Census as are most "other ethnic, minority, and immigrant populations" and belives that this undercounter occurs because many Arab-Americans simply "do not understand the relevance of the census, its confidentiality, or did not respond to the question on the sample "long form" that measures ethnic ancestry." [1]

Anti-Arabism

The AAI also conducts research related to anti-Arabism in the United States. According to an AII 2001 poll of Arab-Americans: "32% of Arab Americans reported having been subjected to some form of ethnic-based discrimination during their lifetimes, 20% reported having experienced an instance of ethnic-based discrimination since September 11. Of special concern, for example, is the fact that 45% of students and 37% of Arab Americans of the Muslim faith report being targeted by discrimination since September 11." [2]

Politics

The Arab American Institute is non-partisan. That is, it does not endorse or identify with any particular political party.

Controversies

In 2001, the Coalition of American Assyrians and Maronites rebuked the Arab American Institute in a letter for categorizing Maronite Christians and Assyrians as Arabs. The organization has criticized the Arab American Institute repeatedly for representing Maronite Christians and Assyrians as Arabs. It should be stated that the ethnic identity of Maronites is a matter of some uncertainty (See article).

External links

*Arab America Institute
*The Coalition of American Assyrians and Maronites letter to AAI

See also

*James Zogby