Asiya Siddiqui

I’m Asiya Siddiqui, a dedicated writer with a passion for highlighting global issues and advocating for social justice. Drawing on my diverse background and cross-cultural experiences, I approach each story with empathy and a commitment to creating meaningful impact. My work aims to inform with powerful narratives on topics like poverty, equity, and cultural perspectives.

Featured Work

www.dailycal.org • 10th July 2025

Father of modern surface chemistry Gabor Somorjai dies at 90

UC Berkeley professor Gabor Somorjai, widely considered the “father of modern surface chemistry” according to the campus College of Chemistry, died July 7 at the age of 90, leaving behind a far-reaching scientific legacy. But beyond his many titles, Somorjai is remembered as a pioneer, a mentor and a friend.

www.dailycal.org • 4th July 2025

Council reaffirms Berkeley’s sanctuary status, initiates task force supporting immigrant community

On January 21, City Council reaffirmed its status as a sanctuary city amid the Trump administration’s wave of immigration efforts.Following that, Mayor Adena Ishii created the Berkeley Sanctuary City Task Forceto assess threats facing immigrant communities and help codify local protections into law. In April, she proposed an ordinance reaffirming the city’s sanctuary policies.

www.dailycal.org • 26th June 2025

City Council approves fee hikes to address $18M-plus budget deficit, strains community

The Berkeley City Council approved a broad set of fee changes within the last week in response to growing operational costs and a projected budget deficit. The fees will impact businesses, residents, homeowners, developers and more.

Muslim American Alliance • 20th June 2025

Trump’s Travel Ban 2.0 - Executive Order 14161

IntroPresident Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14161 in January 2025, titled Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. This directive allows enhanced vetting and authorizes restrictions or bans on individuals who “threaten our national security”.

Muslim American Alliance • 19th June 2025

Evaluating the ICE Directive and Threats to State Funding

On January 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded a long-standing policy that protected “sensitive locations” from immigration enforcement actions. A new directive, titled 11072.3 Civil Immigration Enforcement Actions Inside Courthouses, permits ICE agents to conduct raids in previously protected areas, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

www.dailycal.org • 19th June 2025

East Bay Blue Bottle Coffee plans to unionize

On Tuesday, workers at four East Bay locations of Blue Bottle Coffee announced plans to unionize, becoming the first in California to join the Blue Bottle Independent Union, or BBIU...

Muslim American Alliance • 1st May 2025

International Students Deported for Dissent: The Revival of a 1942 Statute

In today’s politically charged, polarized climate, many individuals–from college students to working professionals–are expressing concerns about U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East.

Muslim Climate Watch • 17th January 2025

The Islamic Charities Battling the LA Fires

On January 7th, a series of unrelenting wildfires erupted across Los Angeles. As the flames burned, a wave of compassion and action rose to meet the challenge—led by organizations like Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Entire communities were engulfed, homes reduced to ashes, and over 150,000 residents were told to evacuate. In just one week, the estimated damage was 12,000 structures. IRUSA’s Di...