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Kal Penn gets told he doesn't belong in the US, starts fundraising for Syrian refugees

Kal Penn gets told he doesn't belong in the US, starts fundraising for Syrian refugees

He's titled his campaign 'Donating to Syrian Refugees in the name of the Dude who said I Don't Belong in America'
Updated 30 Jan, 2017

American actor Kal Penn has started a fundraising campaign titled 'Donating to Syrian Refugees in the name of the Dude who said I Don't Belong in America.' An Instagram commenter said to Penn that "you don't belong in this country", which is what set this charitable ball rolling.

The verbal attack came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's new executive order “Protection Of The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States" that suspends refugee arrivals and impose tough new controls on travellers from seven Muslim countries.

Penn, who was born in New Jersey to Gujarati immigrant parents, spoke out against Trump's executive order on Instagram in a post that detailed how it affected him and his friends.

On this post, someone commented, "You don’t belong in this country you f------ joke."

The 39-year-old actor decided to start a CrowdRise fundraiser in the name of the commenter.

“We are better than the hateful people who tell us we don’t belong in our own country, that America can’t be a beacon of freedom and hope for refugees from around the world,” Penn wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “We will turn their bigotry, along with the President’s, into love.”

The campaign, which aims to raise 250,000 dollars, has raised 166,310 dollars at last check. Proceeds with go to International Rescue Committee that works towards helping refugee families in crisis.

Comments

ali Jan 29, 2017 05:00pm
Kal Penn is a very talented actor and civil servant. My good old days belongs to him somehow in the form of 'American Desi'- a movie.
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ZR Jan 29, 2017 05:43pm
The only way to combat hatred and xenophobia is through love, respect and collaboration.
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Talha Jan 29, 2017 05:46pm
To all those Indians who are very happy by this ban from Trump: Learn the basics of humanity from one of your very own Kal Penn AKA Kalpen Suresh 'Modi'!!
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Khilari Jan 29, 2017 06:01pm
Salute to him
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Sensible DESI Jan 29, 2017 06:39pm
@Talha If you think Indians here are happy then then you under estimate smartness of desis... we all talk against this stupidity in private since one day in future we know it will be against general brown people...
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badshahuk Jan 29, 2017 08:18pm
What a commendable way of raising funds. I am hoping you surpass your target.
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Sadaf Haider Jan 29, 2017 08:53pm
Kal Pen is not Muslim yet he is standing up for Muslims & Mexicans and all those who are to be disenfranchised because he knows it is a slippery slope . Let us all step out of our various levels of privilege and understand each other before it is too late .
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Agha Ata Jan 29, 2017 08:57pm
Mr. Kal Penn, this dude you are talking about is dangerous. Be careful.
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Raja farhat Abbas Jan 29, 2017 09:35pm
Good man Kal Penn,total respect to you buddy.
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fahahd Jan 29, 2017 10:49pm
It broke my heart when so many Indians supported Trump, I know not all but more than I was expecting. Ask someone who lives in US, his supporters are in general againt non -whites/H1B and that includes you my Indian friends. I have lived here a long time and have heard equally derogatory comments about Indians, mexicans, african american etc
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Ben Jan 29, 2017 11:11pm
Way to go Kal. A very difficult and painful situation, converted into something noble, and heartwarming so easily and effortlessly. All the very best and more power to you.
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gknatarajan Jan 29, 2017 11:26pm
proud of you mr.kalpen, doubly so since your parents hail from india!
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changez khan Jan 30, 2017 12:17am
Kal Penn is an outstanding talented actor, always liked his movies and he has a big heart.
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khan Jan 30, 2017 01:40am
Hero!
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Helloall Jan 30, 2017 02:54am
@Talha . no need to learn anything from a clown who doesn't even know if common sense hits him in the face. Just like his ex boss..
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Asif Kidwai Jan 30, 2017 03:48am
I salute you , while you are not from the same middle eastern country but you have guts to protest for these innocent victims. Shame on all Middle Eastern so called Royal families for keeping silent and be a silent observer. These royal families would get the same treatment when they come to this country so just wait and see.
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Laxmi Jan 30, 2017 04:53am
I admire Kal for this step.He is trying to make the world a peaceful place where people lend the helping hand to somebody in need without worrying about their religion.
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A shah Jan 30, 2017 06:41am
This is what is great about Indians. He may have American citizenship but heart he follows values on india.
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ukasha Jan 30, 2017 07:35am
world is like a stage of reality show
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Muslim Medina Jan 30, 2017 08:19am
Mr. Kal Penn, please accept my heartiest congratulations on your noble work. I pray for your success. I am a Canadian Muslim and Trump should learn from our Prime Minister who has opened Canadian Borders and will allowed those who have been held up at Canadian Air ports temporary residence.
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imtiaz ali khan Jan 30, 2017 09:14am
Love, love, love to you Kal Penn and anyone who stand up against bigotry. Love to the Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis etc., Humanity first!!
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MasoodHaider Jan 30, 2017 09:58am
I applaud Kal Penn's actions although being an Indian American, the ban doesn't affect him. He graduated from the High School in the town that I live in and we are proud of him.
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Kal1 Jan 30, 2017 10:44am
Kal dude we love you. And your movies are great. Keep up the good work. Love will prevail.
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KhWarizmi Jan 30, 2017 12:35pm
I am a fan of Kal Penn or should I say Kalpen Modi. What a great guy he must be in real life!!
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Feroz Jan 30, 2017 01:43pm
Standing up for the weak and defenseless needs courage and conviction. Raising funds to help those in distress is a noble deed to be admired and saluted. God Bless !
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Jean Jan 30, 2017 07:48pm
When I moved to Canada, I was fingerprinted and an inquiry was sent to every country and city I had lived in previous to coming here in order to find out who I really was and what my character was like. I respect Canada for this. This is the role of every government, to protect its own people. I don't need to call them bigots.
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El Chapo Jan 30, 2017 08:16pm
Braveheart !!! period.
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Balaji Jan 31, 2017 03:00pm
The way I see it, an any typical Indian sees it, It's none of my business. Every country is entitled to take decision on its merit. But when it's trump, you guys lose your mind. Why didn't there was such protests when Obama banned Iraq !? And what with the irony, you criticise US at evey chance yet have no problem to go work there when you're not welcomed !?
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Maria Feb 02, 2017 02:37am
This dude is cool. Respect.
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AAMCHI MUMBAI Feb 02, 2017 09:07am
@A shah There is nothing Indian about him. He was not even born in India forget about values. It is just a publicity stunt.
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