SALDEF's mission is to protect the civil rights of Sikh Americans and ensure a fostering environment in the United States for future generations.

However, based on the needs of the Sikh American community, SMART immediately began responding to civil rights, legislative, employment, and accommodation issues.

As a result, Mr. Acosta visited a Gurdwara in Atlanta to discuss continued collaboration between the federal government and the Sikh American community.

Through local representatives and community members, SALDEF delivered testimony at both hearings and provided policy recommendations to constructively deal with these issues.

Through this effort, SALDEF has worked with a large number of Sikh American cab drivers in the region to report workplace harassment.

The issues include support for legislation addressing hate crimes, bullying and harassment in schools, racial profiling, workplace discrimination, civil rights, and immigration.