Abdul El-Sayed on Immigration

Support pathway to citizenship

Biracial families like mine inspire more diverse government

As the son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed recognized the unlikeliness of his candidacy. However, he stressed that his background of coming from a biracial family reflects the goals he has for Michigan to become more inclusive. "This is the American family I grew up in," El-Sayed said. "We didn't always agree. The one thing we could agree upon was our future, that we could believe in this society regardless of background."

Opposite to what some have said about his campaign, El-Sayed said his background and religious differences won't hinder him, but will hopefully inspire a more diverse government. "If you're not going to vote for me because I'm Muslim, you weren't going to vote for me anyway," he said.

People who look like me are not sitting on the sidelines

His supporters say his family reflects the diversity of the state. His parents are immigrants who left Egypt in pursuit of greater opportunity in America and other family members are farmers, teachers, and small-business owners who have lived in Gratiot County for generations.

Last month, Trump ordered a controversial ban on travel for immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries wracked by terrorism including Iran, Iraq and Syria.