Governor Signs Landmark MENA Inclusion Act after Community Advocacy, Ending Decades of Erasure
SACRAMENTO, CA — The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition - a statewide alliance of more than a dozen grassroots, MENA-led, MENA-serving, and MENA-founded organizations - applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB-91, the MENA Inclusion Act, into law.
Formed to advance the rights and visibility of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Californians, the Coalition has long advocated for the recognition of MENA communities in state data collection. California is home to the largest and most diverse MENA community in the United States, yet its members have historically been rendered invisible in public data and state systems.
The passage of AB-91 marks a historic milestone: for the first time, MENA Californians will be counted and represented on the forms that inform decisions on healthcare, education, civil rights, and access to essential public services. This recognition affirms the representation of nearly one million Californians with MENA heritage - many residing in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, and San Francisco Counties - and ensures they will no longer be excluded from data that shapes equitable policy.
The Coalition states, “The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition welcomes Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the California MENA Inclusion Act into law. This monumental achievement is the result of over two years of relentless grassroots community advocacy, during which the voices of Middle Eastern and North African communities across California were heard due to effective organizing and community engagement. The passing of this legislation is not just a policy win; it marks a pivotal moment in recognizing and empowering MENA communities, ensuring that they receive the resources, visibility, and representation they deserve. This will have an impact for generations to come, laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable future where our diverse histories and experiences are fully acknowledged and celebrated in California.”
The Coalition extends its gratitude to Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) for his leadership in authoring and fighting for the bill, and to the hundreds of organizations, advocates, and community members who mobilized to achieve this landmark victory. Together, we have made history - and together, we will ensure this bill's implementation fulfills the promise of equity and inclusion for all Californians.
Key Details of AB-91: The MENA Inclusion Act
January 1, 2028 – Law becomes operative
January 1, 2029 – Reporting requirement begins
Creates MENA categories for:
Major Middle Eastern groups: Iranian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Iraqi, Syrian, Yemeni, and others
Major North African groups: Egyptian, Libyan, Moroccan, Sudanese, Tunisian, and others
Major Transnational groups: Armenian, Assyrian, Amazigh/Berber, Chaldean, Kurdish, and others
Privacy protections: No personal identifying information may be disclosed, per Penal Code §530.55
About the CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition
The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition is a statewide alliance of community-based organizations, advocates, and leaders dedicated to advancing equity, visibility, and civil rights for Middle Eastern and North African Californians. The Coalition’s mission is to ensure accurate representation in data, fair access to resources, and full inclusion in California’s vision for equity and justice.
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Statements from Community Orgs
“After years of grassroots advocacy led by MENA-serving communities, California has taken a historic step forward to say: ‘We see you.’ For too long, MENA Californians have lived as ‘visibly invisible,’ left out of the data that drives state services - resulting in gaps and inaccuracies. Today, that changes.
We are proud of Assemblymember John Harabedian’s tireless leadership, and even prouder of the community whose persistence made this victory possible. With AB-91 now law, California has officially recognized the MENA community, and we look forward to its implementation and the lasting benefits it will bring.”
Amin Nash, Arab American Civic Council, Co-Chair of the CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition
“This day is a historic and triumphant day for MENA communities in California built on generations of work. We are thankful the Governor signed this historic legislation and that MENA Californians can now get the recognition, rights and resources they deserve. This is just the beginning”
Dr. Sophia Armen, Co-chair CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition, Executive Director, Armenian-American Advancement Network
“Governor Newsom’s signing of AB-91 is more than just a bill becoming law — it is the recognition of a community that has been ignored, erased, and pushed to the margins for decades. Arab and MENA communities have fought tirelessly for this moment, and today California made history by affirming that we count, that we matter, and that our civil rights must be protected. This victory belongs to the advocates, organizers, and families who refused to accept invisibility. We applaud Governor Newsom for taking this step, and we will continue working to ensure this recognition translates into real equity and justice for our people.”
Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
“The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) welcomes the passage of AB-91 the California MENA Inclusion Act. This bill gives visibility and amplifies the collective voice of MENA communities while ensuring the unique needs of Americans from the MENA region are met. The historic passage of this legislation is an important step towards towards recognizing and addressing the disparities and inequities that MENA communities face.”
Rima Meroueh, Director of the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC)
“The signing of the MENA Inclusion Act is a victory for visibility, justice, and equity. For far too long, our communities have been rendered invisible in the data that drives decisions about funding, healthcare, education, and civil rights protections. This legislation changes that by ensuring that Middle Eastern and North African Californians are seen, counted, and supported.
We thank Assemblymember John Harabedian for his leadership and Governor Gavin Newsom for affirming California’s commitment to inclusion and fair representation for all. This is, above all, a grassroots victory made possible by the relentless organizing, advocacy, and leadership of MENA community members and organizations across the state.”
Basha Jamil, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA)
“Today we celebrate the historic passage of AB-91 The California MENA Inclusion Act. This legislation will have far-reaching impacts for generations to come: improving education and healthcare access, expanding economic opportunity, defending civil rights, and ensuring recognition for over a million MENA Californians that had been rendered invisible in state data. We applaud Assemblymember Harabedian and Governor Newsom for their leadership in advancing equity for MENA communities, and we look forward to collaborating on the implementation of AB-91.”
Dr. Ryan Fan, Advocacy & Campaign Manager, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego
“The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) applauds Governor Newsom for signing AB 91 into law, a historic measure recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Iranian Americans — the largest community of its kind here in California. For decades, Iranian Americans have enriched California’s cultural, economic, and civic life. This law marks an important step toward ensuring our community’s story is seen, heard, and valued as part of the broader fabric of the state.”
Myriam Sabbaghi, National Organizing Director, National Iranian American Council
"Somali Family Service of San Diego joins members of the CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition in celebrating the passage of AB-91 The California MENA Inclusion Act. For our communities, the implementation of this new law signifies opportunities to promote an increase in culturally-aligned educational, healthcare, economic and workforce development resources statewide. We thank San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, Assemblymember Harabedian, Governor Newsom and many others for their leadership and advocacy efforts to ensure MENA communities in California are uplifted and represented."
Ahmed Sahid, President & CEO, Somali Family Service of San Diego
“Everyday decisions at the state level are made that are influenced by data. Until today, the MENA community was invisible and excluded in those conversations. Catalyst California celebrates and congratulates the over 1 million MENA/SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) peoples in California for this historic win. Every individual of this community matters and we are ecstatic to continue the work that intentionally includes our MENA Californians in advocacy and research to advance justice for all. The work has just begun and we are privileged to work alongside our state lawmakers and fellow community partners to implement AB-91.”
Maria T. Khan, Senior Research and Data Analyst, Catalyst California
