Make Arab-Americans a protected ethnic group

We respectfully request that the US Congress move to separate those of Middle Eastern descent from the Caucasian ethnic group and to create a separate ethnic group labeled "Arab-American" to be treated as a protected class with all the rights and protections afforded other protected classes. We base this request on the following:

1- Those of Middle Eastern descent are not the same as Caucasians. We come from many difference backgrounds and blood lines, including African, Moor, and Mongolia. We speak different languages and have different cultural practices, religions, styles of dress
2- Discriminatory and segregationist practices that have been aimed at those of Middle Eastern descent in the US since September 11, 2001, as a result of name, skin color, ethnic origin, and religion.
3-Arab-Americans and our institutions have been the victims of hate crimes as deemed such by the FBI.

In light of these key points, we ask that this issue be taken up and action be taken to separate those of Middle Eastern descent from the ominous " Caucasian" label.