USCIRF Welcomes Senator Schumer’s Appointment of Rachel Laser

Washington, DC – Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) has announced the appointment of Rachel Laser to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

"It is important to have as many people in the fight as possible to stand for all those around the world who are suffering violations of their religious freedom," said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. "I look forward to Rachel Laser working with us as we continue to be a voice for those who suffer at the hands of the worst religious freedom violators."

Laser currently serves as President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. A lawyer and advocate, she has worked extensively on issues related to civil rights, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. She previously served as deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and held senior roles at Third Way and the National Women’s Law Center. Laser is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School.

 “We welcome Rachel’s appointment to the Commission,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “We look forward to her joining the Commission and adding her expertise to our work to further secure religious freedom for all abroad.”  

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders of each political party in the Senate and House of Representatives.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

Vietnam Represses Independent Religious Communities

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Vietnam: 

Vietnam Country Update – While Vietnam has made notable strides embracing recognized religious groups, these efforts are done at the expense of adherents of independent religious communities who continue to face repression of their faith. This publication examines Vietnam’s legal structure and authorities’ related enforcement against members of religious groups the state perceives as threats to its international reputation and national security. It provides an update on religious freedom violations targeting members of unregistered religious groups worshiping independently of state-approved religious organizations.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].