Career
In 2012, he filed several lawsuits claiming that the natural-born-citizen clause violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, arguing it was a form of discrimination based on national origin. On July 5, 2011, presidential candidate Abdul K. Hassan asked the United States Federal Election Committee to issue a ruling as to his rights and obligations under the various federal election laws including the Federal Election Campaign Acting. After an open meeting on September 1, 2011, during which the issues were intensely deliberated, the FEC unanimously voted (6-0) the next day.
The FEC ruled that he can run for president and can solicit and receive contributions.
The FEC also ruled that he is covered by FECA and am required to comply with the record-keeping, contribution and expenditure requirements of the FECA but that he is not eligible to receive matching funds. In addition to seeking a ruling from the Federal Elections Commission, presidential candidate Abdul K. Hassan has asked the election authorities in several states for a ruling on whether he would be allowed presidential ballot access as a naturalized citizen.
The rulings were sought from the state authorities because even though the Presidency is a federal office, ballot access in presidential elections is generally controlled by the states. He filed several lawsuits claiming that the natural-born-citizen clause violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.