Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Welcomes Introduction of the Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign strongly welcomes the introduction of the Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025, a bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Cornyn (R-TX). This important legislation seeks to deny entry into the United States to any current or former government officials involved in the forced repatriation of Uyghurs and other vulnerable individuals to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), where they face a high risk of persecution, imprisonment, or worse.

If enacted, the bill would prevent U.S. visas and immigration benefits from being granted to those complicit in returning Uyghur refugees to Chinese authorities, who have been credibly accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. The bill also recognizes that other ethnic and religious groups fleeing China, and members of persecuted faith groups, face similar threats.

“For years, China has pressured countries to forcibly return Uyghur refugees back into the hands of their oppressors,” said Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All. “This bill draws a clear line, The United States will not tolerate complicity in China’s transnational repression. We thank Senators Merkley and Cornyn for introducing such an important bill.”

Countries such as Thailand, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, the UAE and others have previously cooperated with China’s demands to deport Uyghurs, often ignoring the high likelihood that these individuals will face imprisonment, torture, or execution upon their return.

“This bill is a crucial step in ending China’s global campaign of fear,” said Arslan Hidayat, Team Lead for Save Uyghur. “By targeting the officials behind forced repatriation, the U.S. is sending a message, enabling genocide will carry consequences, even beyond China’s borders.”

The Save Uyghur Campaign urges swift passage of the bill and encourages other democracies to adopt similar legislation. The protection of Uyghur refugees is not only a human rights issue, it’s a matter of international legal responsibility.

Contact Information: Hena Zuberi, Director Of Advocacy
Email: hena@justiceforall.org.  Phone: 202-908-JUST
Website: https://www.justiceforall.org/save-uighur/