LIVONIA — Speaking at the Michigan Muslim Community Council’s (MMCC) Unity Banquet on Nov. 3 at the Burton Manor, Gov. Rick Snyder praised Muslim Americans for their entrepreneurial spirit and success in different professions. 

“The Muslim community is an outstanding illustration of success, in terms of knowing how to create jobs, economic opportunity and growth; and it’s in so many different areas. Again, the diversity of professions within the community is actually another illustration of that great strength,” Snyder said. 

He pointed out the strong professional presence in the community, which includes doctors, lawyers, accountants and educators, among others. Snyder also acknowledged small and medium-sized businesspeople in the community and skilled trade workers. 

One thing Snyder says he really wants to see happen, throughout the U.S., is a comprehensive solution to immigration. He says a lot of immigrants come to the country, only temporarily, to obtain college degrees from some of Michigan’s most esteemed universities and leave, once they are finished.  “We have an immigration system in our country; when they finish, we tell them to get out. The easy way to describe how I would characterize that situation: That’s dumb,” Snyder said. 

He said that challenged communities in the State would benefit from comprehensive immigration reform.  “If we could open up immigration and be more proactive, there would be more growth opportunities,” Snyder said. 

The state government will have representation in the Middle East going to work on EB-5 programs, which will encourage more EB-5 immigrants to do business in the state.  EB-5 immigrants are businessmen, or people who bring capital to Michigan. Snyder says a trip is already planned to Dubai, as part of the initiative.  During this visit, about 400 people will learn about opportunities to come to Michigan. 

Snyder says that, of the 50 states, Michigan ranks third for having the highest number of refugees.  

“I think it is great to be third, but I would be happier if it was even higher on that list,” Synder said.  He thanked the MMCC for having an event that celebrates success. 

Those honored at the event, included Stephen Henderson, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, who received the Fairness in Media Award; the Rev. Michail T. Curro, executive director of the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice, who received the Interfaith Partner Award.; and two organizations, Neighborly Needs and the Indus Community Action Network, who both accepted the Syed Salman Community Service Award. 

“Not only do we have to celebrate success, but we need to tell the rest of the country and the world about successes here. We need to market ourselves better. We need to be louder and prouder about the Muslim community in Michigan; about how we’re working together as Michiganders,” Snyder said, noting that he’s looking forward to the Islamic Society of North America’s conference in Michigan next year. 

This was the MMCC’s 27th annual banquet. Organizers of the event say 600 people attended the sold out dinner, which in previous years has attracted more than 800 attendees. 

Dawud Zwink, the executive director of the MMCC, says it was important for the governor to acknowledge the contributions of Muslim Americans, at a time when so many people are trying to demonize Muslims and Islam. Zwink says the youth played an important role in helping to organize the event. 

Victor Begg, MMCC senior advisor and co-founder, says the audience reflected the diversity of the Muslim community. There were Arab, African American and Muslims from other communities. “It was recognition of how big the community really is,” Begg said. 

He says Snyder’s remarks show how important and significant the presence of Muslim Americans is to the State.