President Trump will address a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, and some Democrats plan on bringing special guests. Rhode Island Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline are among 13 lawmakers inviting community members they say represent the diversity of the United States. Langevin’s guest is Dr. Ehsun Mirza, a Muslim-American immigrant.
Dr. Mirza first came to the United States from Pakistan in 1993. He has been a Rhode Island resident since 1999 and currently practices medicine at Kent Hospital.
Mirza says he and his wife became active in the community after they noticed a rise in Islamophobia several years ago. “Our narrative was being described by people who did not represent us,” explained Mirza.
The doctor met Langevin almost two years ago, and they’ve collaborated a few times on Muslim community outreach since.
“So he’s [Langevin] developed an understanding of what people of my background are like in this country,” said Mirza.
Mirza said he wants to send President Trump a message of unity with his presence Tuesday night.
“The attacks on Jewish community centers, the attacks on the Indian persons that were killed in Kansas, or holding Muhammed Ali Jr. while he is a natural citizen– these things got to stop, and they got to stop from the top,” said Mirza.
The doctor said if Trump condemned some of the violence reported across the nation, perpetrators might be forced to think twice before they act.
Joining Dr. Mirza is Jeannine Chartier, a disabilities advocate and Cicilline’s guest for the address.
