The American government has also played another role in producing the Muslim first identity by categorizing all Muslims indiscriminately through its policies. For example, state policies like the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), which required Muslim men to register with the state, and Donald Trump's proposed travel ban have both targeted Muslims arbitrarily. South Asians and Arabs living in the United States who identify as Muslim are seen as potential threats to the state. While some may respond by downplaying their religious identity, many react by strengthening an identity that is under attack.

XREF: Connects to broader theories of how state categorization and discrimination can harden rather than suppress identity, similar to Crenshaw's work or research on minority identity formation reactance.

Saher Selod, Forever Suspect_ Racialized…, loc. 89