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- #392 5/4 Meeting; Legacy of APAICS; Schwarzman Scholars; Trump's Tirade; FISA Section 702+
Newsletter - #392 5/4 Meeting; Legacy of APAICS; Schwarzman Scholars; Trump's Tirade; FISA Section 702+ #392 5/4 Meeting; Legacy of APAICS; Schwarzman Scholars; Trump's Tirade; FISA Section 702+ In This Issue #392 · 2026/05/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · The Enduring Legacy of APAICS · Ten Years of Schwarzman Scholars · Trump’s Tirade Against Chinese and Indian Immigrants · More on FISA Section 702 · News and Activities for the Communities 2026/05/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored to welcome the following distinguished speakers: · Dave Min , Member, U.S. House of Representatives · Robert Underwood , former CAPAC Chair; President Emeritus, University of Guam; Co-Founder, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) · Madalene Mielke , President and CEO, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) · Martin B. Gold , Partner, Capitol Counsel, LLC The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . ***** We are honored that Congressman Dave Min will deliver the opening remarks to launch the 2026 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Elected in 2024 to represent California’s 47th Congressional District in the heart of Orange County, Rep. Min is the son of Korean immigrants and a proud graduate of California public schools. He previously served in the California State Senate from 2020 to 2024. Prior to his public service, he was a law professor at the University of California, Irvine. The Enduring Legacy of APAICS The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) stands today as one of the most consequential institutions shaping Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) political leadership in the United States. Its story is inseparable from a broader movement to transform representation in American democracy—one that began in 1994 under the visionary leadership of Norman Mineta and Dr. Robert Underwood and continues today under President and CEO Madalene Mielke . APAICS was founded alongside the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) at a time when AAPI representation in government remained limited and fragmented. Mineta and Underwood recognized a structural gap: while advocacy existed, there was no sustained institutional pipeline to recruit, train, and elevate AAPI leaders into public service. Originally known as the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute (CAPACI), APAICS was conceived as a nonpartisan, educational organization dedicated to civic participation and leadership development. Its mission remains to promote AANHPI engagement at every level of the political process—from community service to elected office. For Mineta, whose life journey spanned wartime incarceration to Cabinet leadership, the stakes were deeply personal. For Underwood, the imperative was equally clear: to ensure that Pacific Islander voices—often overlooked even within broader AAPI narratives—would have a durable presence in national policymaking. Before and after his congressional service, Underwood built a distinguished career in education, including serving as president of the University of Guam. His scholarship on Chamorro identity, cultural preservation, and education reflects a lifelong commitment to empowerment through knowledge—principles that are deeply embedded in APAICS’ mission. Over the past three decades, APAICS has evolved into a comprehensive leadership pipeline. Its programs—including congressional fellowships, national and regional leadership academies, and mentorship initiatives—have trained and supported generations of AANHPI leaders now serving across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. The results are increasingly visible. AAPI representation in public office and policy leadership has grown meaningfully, and with it, the expectation that AANHPI voices will be present not as exceptions, but as integral participants in governance. Under the leadership of Madalene Mielke, APAICS has entered a new phase of strategic growth and national influence. With deep experience in political development and fundraising, Mielke has expanded the organization’s reach while reinforcing its core focus: preparing leaders not only to enter public service, but to lead effectively once there. As APAICS marks more than 30 years of impact, its founding vision remains highly relevant. From the pioneering leadership of Norman Mineta and Robert Underwood to today’s institutional strength, APAICS continues to translate access into opportunity—and opportunity into public leadership. We are especially honored that both Robert Underwood and Madalene Mielke will be featured speakers at the APA Justice monthly meeting on May 4, 2026. Their perspectives offer a timely opportunity to reflect on the progress of AANHPI political engagement and the work that lies ahead. For more information about APAICS, visit https://www.apaics.org/ Ten Years of Schwarzman Scholars At a time when geopolitical tensions and mutual misunderstanding increasingly shape U.S.–China relations, the Schwarzman Scholars (苏世民学者) program offers a different model—one grounded in education, dialogue, and long-term relationship building. Since its launch in 2016, the program has emerged as one of the most prominent global leadership initiatives of the 21st century. Founded by Stephen A. Schwarzman 苏世民 , the program is based at Tsinghua University in Beijing and is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Each year, approximately 150 scholars from around the globe are selected for a fully funded, one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs, with a focus on leadership, public policy, economics, and international studies. Throughout the past decade Schwarzman Scholars has empowered over 1,300 young leaders from more than 100 countries with the skills to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Often compared to the Rhodes Scholarship, Schwarzman Scholars was conceived as a modern counterpart. Its core premise is straightforward but ambitious: that future leaders must develop not only technical expertise, but also cultural fluency, geopolitical awareness, and the ability to engage across differences. The program brings together a highly diverse cohort and immerses them in a rigorous academic and leadership curriculum. Scholars live and study together, creating an environment where dialogue lives on a daily basis. A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on exposure. Scholars engage directly with senior policymakers, business leaders, and academics from China and around the world. Through lectures, mentorship, internships, and travel, participants gain firsthand insight into China’s political system, economic development, and societal changes. Equally important are the informal exchanges—conversations among peers that challenge assumptions and build mutual understanding. In an era where narratives about China and the United States are often shaped by distance and distrust, these interpersonal connections can have lasting impact. Whether one views the program as a bridge, a laboratory, or a strategic investment in global leadership, its significance is clear: it is an effort to shape how future leaders understand—and engage with—one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the world. For more information about the program, visit https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/ten-year-anniversary/ Trump’s Tirade Against Chinese and Indian Immigrants According to AsAmNews , The Guardian , and The New York Times , President Donald Trump sparked widespread backlash after posting a transcript and video from a podcast by Michael Savage that described China and India as “hellhole” countries and made negative claims about immigrants from those nations. Although Trump added no commentary, critics in the U.S. and abroad viewed the post as endorsing the remarks. The Indian government publicly criticized the comments as inappropriate, while U.S. lawmakers, including Grace Meng and Ami Bera , condemned the rhetoric as harmful and inflammatory, particularly amid rising anti-Asian sentiment. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a public statement expressing outrage by the racist and xenophobic post. The controversy comes as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments over Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship in early April, an issue central to his immigration agenda. The White House defended the post as part of a broader critique of current citizenship policies. “These are no longer dog whistles,” Jon Lewis , a research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, said. “They’re bullhorns. It sends that emboldening message to neo-Nazis and White supremacists that the government is on your side.” More on FISA Section 702 After an extension of 10 days, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) will expire on April 30, 2026, unless it is renewed by Congress. According to NPR on April 24, 2026, Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a new proposal to extend the surveillance authority for three years, but it is largely unchanged from two earlier attempts that failed in the House. Johnson’s latest bill does not include a warrant requirement, instead proposing increased reporting and penalties for misuse. "This is not a reform bill and it's not a compromise," Elizabeth Goitein , a privacy advocate and senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, wrote on X . "It's a straight reauthorization with eight pages of words that serve no serious purpose other than to try to convince members that it's NOT a straight reauthorization." On April 23, 2026, the Washington Post published an editorial titled “Want to read an American’s emails? Get a warrant. ” Congress can break its deadlock over Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by adopting a simple compromise grounded in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution: continue warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad, but require a warrant before searching Americans’ communications collected under the program. It emphasizes that while foreign intelligence gathering is essential and lawful, the current system allows the government to search Americans’ emails and messages without judicial approval—effectively creating a “backdoor” around constitutional protections. Internal oversight reforms are insufficient, the editorial argues, because only a judge can provide independent review. The editorial rejects claims that a warrant requirement would harm national security, noting emergency exceptions are available and that similar protections already apply in domestic law enforcement. Ultimately, it frames the issue as a fundamental civil liberties question: whether Section 702 will remain a necessary intelligence tool or continue to function as a loophole that weakens Americans’ constitutional rights. Resources: · 2026/04/16 Brennan Center for Justice: Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): 2026 Resource Page · 2026/03/24 APA Justice Webinar: Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know (1:04:32) · APA Justice timeline: Timeline Visualization of U.S. Mass Surveillance · APA Justice webpage: Warrantless Surveillance News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/05/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/05/11 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Steven Chu 2026/05/12-14 Celebrating 250 - Building America’s Future Together 2026/05/13 The Model Minority Trap: How ‘Positive’ Stereotypes Harm Asian Americans 2026/06/01 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Upcoming “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” Events WHAT : Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Steven Chu WHEN : May 11, 2026, 6:00-7:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator : Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member Speaker: Steven Chu , Nobel Prize Recipient in Physics, former Secretary of Energy, and Stanford University professor REGISTRATION : https://c100-5-11-2026.eventbrite.com ***** WHAT : Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Calvin Tsao WHEN : June 10, 2026, 6:00-7:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator : Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member Speaker: Calvin Tsao , leading architect, philanthropist, and educator REGISTRATION : https://c100-6-10-2026.eventbrite.com 3. The Model Minority Trap: How ‘Positive’ Stereotypes Harm Asian Americans WHAT : The Model Minority Trap: How ‘Positive’ Stereotypes Harm Asian Americans WHEN : May 13, 2026, 3:00-4:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Speakers: · Derald Wing Sue , Professor of Psychology and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University · Emma Zang , Associate Professor of Sociology, Yale University DESCRIPTION: The model minority stereotype is often dismissed as a "compliment" but creates real harm for Chinese Americans and Asian Americans more broadly. New data from the 2025 State of Chinese Americans survey reveals Chinese Americans who regularly encounter these assumptions report significantly more psychological distress than those who face no discrimination at all. These seemingly positive assumptions mask significant disparities—and the harm compounds. This is the third installment of C100's 2025 State of Chinese Americans webinar series, featuring new survey data on how these “positive” stereotypes are associated with measurable psychological distress and mask significant mental health disparities within Asian American communities. Professors Derald Wing Sue and Emma Zang, will unpack why this stereotype persists, who it hurts most, and what practitioners and policymakers can do differently. REGISTRATION : https://committee100-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/2117768023399/WN_wonLo_NmSoSBL5DCldJvKQ#/registration 4. Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony WHAT : Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony WHEN : August 7-9 2026 WHERE : Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University HOST : Asian American Research Center at Stanford, Asian American Scholar Forum DESCRIPTION : The goal of the Pioneer Project is to educate the public on the history of Asian American pioneers and scholars who have made transformative contributions to our country and the world. FOR MORE INFORMATION : Visit https://www.aasforum.org/ # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . 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#392 5/4 Meeting; Legacy of APAICS; Schwarzman Scholars; Trump's Tirade; FISA Section 702+ April 27, 2026 Read #391 Marty Gold Speaks; Section 702 Extended 10 Days; ICE Arrest Kidnapping? Danhao Wang; + April 20, 2026 Read #390 Eric Zheng, Susan Thornton, Susan Shirk at 04/06 Meeting; Birthright Citizenship; More April 13, 2026 Read #389 Monthly Meeting Today; Trump-Xi Summit; FY2027 Science Budget; SCOTUS Hearing; + April 6, 2026 Read #388 Special Edition: What We Need to Know about Mass Surveillance and ICE Crackdown April 2, 2026 Read #387 4/6 Meeting; CHR: 50 Years of Support; Ohioans Opposed HB1; C100 Survey; No Kings; + March 30, 2026 Read #386 4/6 Meeting; Today's Webinar; JFK Award to Twin Cities People; 3/28 "No Kings" March+ March 24, 2026 Read #385 Rep. Grace Meng Remarks; 3/24 Webinar; DHS Leadership Change; Birthright Citizenship+ March 20, 2026 Read #384 3/24 Webinar; Mayor Kaohly Her; WP: America Needs Immigrants; Ohio Bill; Equity Pulse+ March 16, 2026 Read #383 3/24 Webinar on Mass Surveillance; Timeline Visualization; Sign On; Museum Update; + March 12, 2026 Read #382 UCLA Research; CAPAC; Perpetual Foreigner; US Universities Retreat; Science on Science March 10, 2026 Read #381 3/24 Mass Surveillance Webinar; AASF Update; Citizen Diplomacy; Birthright Citizenship March 6, 2026 Read < < 1 1 1 Newsletters APA Justice began publishing a free periodic newsletter about 4-7 times a month in July 2020. You can subscribe here . Visit the Virtual Library to search the entire collection. Filter by year
- Monthly Meetings (List) | APA Justice
February 2026 Meeting Summary Feb 2, 2026 Read January 2026 Meeting Summary Jan 5, 2026 Read December 2025 Meeting Summaires Dec 1, 2025 Read November 2025 Meeting Summary Nov 3, 2025 Read October 2025 Meeting Summary Oct 6, 2025 Read September 2025 Meeting Summary Sep 8, 2025 Read August 2025 Monthly Meeting Summary Aug 4, 2025 Read July 2025 Meeting Summary Jul 7, 2025 Read June 2025 Meeting Summary Jun 2, 2025 Read May 2025 Meeting Summary May 5, 2025 Read April 2025 Meeting Summary Apr 7, 2025 Read March 2025 Meeting Summary Mar 3, 2025 Read Monthly Meeting Summaries APA Justice conducts monthly meetings and publishes the meeting summary on this website. Participation is by invitation only. Due to limited capacity, invited participants are typically active and recognized organizations and concerned individuals. Please send an email to contact@apajustice.org if you have interest. < < 1 1 1
- 2. Bridging Nations: Global Competition for Talent & International Students | APA Justice
2. Bridging Nations: Global Competition for Talent & International Students 2025-2026 Global Tensions Local Dimensions Thursday, February 26, 2026 WHAT : Global Competition for Talent & International Students WHEN : February 26, 2026, 8:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOSTS : APA Justice, Committee of 100, US-China Education Trust Moderator : Margaret K. Lewis 陸梅吉 , Professor of Law, Seton Hall University School of Law Speakers: Fanta Aw , Executive Director and CEO of Association of International Educators (NAFSA) Steven Chu 朱棣文 , Professor of Stanford University and former U.S. Secretary of Energy DESCRIPTION : As geopolitical competition intensifies between the United States and China, the flow of talent and students across borders has become a critical flashpoint. International students – particularly those from China – have enriched American universities, driven innovation, and strengthened people-to-people ties. Yet today, visa restrictions, security concerns, and shifting immigration policies are reshaping the landscape. At the same time, China and other nations are competing aggressively to attract global talent, transforming higher education into an arena of strategic competition. Chinese American students and scholars increasingly find themselves caught in the middle – facing heightened scrutiny, profiling, and questions about their loyalty. This webinar will examine how the U.S.-China relationship is affecting international student mobility, university partnerships, and the global competition for talent. What are the implications of competition for American universities, research ecosystems, and soft power? How are students and scholars navigating new restrictions and uncertainties? How can policies balance openness and U.S. competitiveness? Previous Item Next Item
- Webinars New (List) | APA Justice
Webinars APA Justice offers a curated collection of recorded discussions and presentations that explore critical issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and broader justice concerns. Featuring expert insights on topics such as the China Initiative, racial profiling, alien land laws, warrantless surveillance, and civil rights advocacy, these webinars provide historical context, policy analysis, and community perspectives. Explore series China Initiative US-China Relations Warrantless Surveillance 2020-2022 China Initiative The China Initiative webinar series highlights a critical set of conversations examining how the U.S. Department of Justice’s China Initiative disproportionately targeted Chinese American and Asian immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars—often conflating national security fears with racial profiling and discriminatory practices. Capstone Town Hall: The End of The "China Initiative" Learn more >> 5. The Mistrial of Professor Anming Hu under the "China Initiative" Learn more >> 4. Legal Resources and Policy Advocacy - How to Combat Racial Profiling Under the “China Initiative” Learn more >> 3. Building Coalition Against “China Initiative” Discrimination - Fighting racial targeting of Asian Americans and communities of color, past & present Learn more >> 2. Policy Needs for U.S. Science and Scientists Learn more >> 1. The Human and Scientific Costs of The "China Initiative" Learn more >> US-China Relations APA Justice, the Committee of 100 (C100), and the US-China Education Trust (USCET) have come together to host a continuing joint webinar series focused on the intersection of U.S.–China relations and the civil rights and civil liberties of Asian American and immigrant communities. As geopolitical tensions increasingly impact domestic policies, public discourse, and community experiences, this series brings together thought leaders, legal experts, journalists, and advocates to examine emerging challenges, share informed perspectives, and explore constructive paths forward. 2. Bridging Nations: Global Competition for Talent & International Students Learn more 1. Bridging Nations: People-to-people Exchange in U.S.-China Relations Learn more Warrantless Surveillance APA Justice has hosted webinars on warrantless surveillance to examine its legal foundations, policy implications, and real-world impact on civil rights and civil liberties, especially on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. These programs are designed to inform and engage the community on how surveillance authorities—often justified on national security grounds—can disproportionately affect Asian American and immigrant communities. These webinars aim to promote greater transparency, accountability, and informed public dialogue on the balance between security and constitutional protections. Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know Learn more Perils of Warrantless Surveillance: The Case for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Reform Learn more All Webinars Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know Watch Read More A Dialogue Between the Academic & Asian American Communities and the FBI Watch Read More 2. Bridging Nations: Global Competition for Talent & International Students Watch Read More 1. Bridging Nations: People-to-people Exchange in U.S.-China Relations Watch Read More China Initiative: Past and Present 中国行动的前世今生 Watch Read More 2. Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community Watch Read More 1. From Past Prejudice to Present Policy: The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities Watch Read More 2. Historical Re-Hash - Alien Land Law and SB147 Watch Read More 1. A Call to Stop Senate Bill 147 and All Alien Land Laws Watch Read More Perils of Warrantless Surveillance: The Case for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Reform Watch Read More Reflecting on Prof. Gang Chen’s Case & Looking Ahead to the Future of the China Initiative Watch Read More Capstone Town Hall: The End of The "China Initiative" Watch Read More 5. The Mistrial of Professor Anming Hu under the "China Initiative" Watch Read More 4. Legal Resources and Policy Advocacy - How to Combat Racial Profiling Under the “China Initiative” Watch Read More 3. Building Coalition Against “China Initiative” Discrimination - Fighting racial targeting of Asian Americans and communities of color, past & present Watch Read More 2. Policy Needs for U.S. Science and Scientists Watch Read More 1. The Human and Scientific Costs of The "China Initiative" Watch Read More
- Webinars (List) | APA Justice
Read More 1. A Call to Stop Senate Bill 147 and All Alien Land Laws Friday, February 17, 2023 12:00 AM Read More 1. Bridging Nations: People-to-people Exchange in U.S.-China Relations Thursday, October 16, 2025 12:00 AM Read More 1. From Past Prejudice to Present Policy: The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities Wednesday, December 11, 2024 12:00 AM Read More 1. The Human and Scientific Costs of The "China Initiative" Wednesday, September 30, 2020 12:00 AM Read More 2. Bridging Nations: Global Competition for Talent & International Students Thursday, February 26, 2026 12:00 AM Read More 2. Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community Tuesday, March 4, 2025 12:00 AM Read More 2. Historical Re-Hash - Alien Land Law and SB147 Wednesday, March 1, 2023 12:00 AM Read More 2. Policy Needs for U.S. Science and Scientists Wednesday, December 2, 2020 12:00 AM Read More 3. Building Coalition Against “China Initiative” Discrimination - Fighting racial targeting of Asian Americans and communities of color, past & present Wednesday, February 24, 2021 12:00 AM Read More 4. Legal Resources and Policy Advocacy - How to Combat Racial Profiling Under the “China Initiative” Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 AM Read More 5. The Mistrial of Professor Anming Hu under the "China Initiative" Wednesday, June 23, 2021 12:00 AM Read More A Dialogue Between the Academic & Asian American Communities and the FBI Thursday, June 6, 2024 12:00 AM
- #391 Marty Gold Speaks; Section 702 Extended 10 Days; ICE Arrest Kidnapping? Danhao Wang; +
Newsletter - #391 Marty Gold Speaks; Section 702 Extended 10 Days; ICE Arrest Kidnapping? Danhao Wang; + #391 Marty Gold Speaks; Section 702 Extended 10 Days; ICE Arrest Kidnapping? Danhao Wang; + In This Issue #391 · Marty Gold to Speak on Congressional Regrets of Chinese Exclusion Act · Congress Extends FISA Section 702 to April 30 · ICE Arrest in St. Paul Possible Kidnapping · Who Was Danhao Wang? · News and Activities for the Communities Marty Gold to Speak on Congressional Regrets of Chinese Exclusion Act In 2011 and 2012, both houses of the U.S. Congress passed formal resolutions expressing regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and subsequent discriminatory laws. These bipartisan measures acknowledged that such legislation was incompatible with America's founding principles of equality and justice. On October 6, 2011, the U.S. Senate, led by Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) and nine bipartisan cosponsors, passed Resolution 201 unanimously and expressed regret for the passage of discriminatory laws that targeted people of Chinese descent. It reaffirmed the Senate's commitment to protecting the civil rights of all people regardless of race. On June 18, 2012, the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) and 19 bipartisan cosponsors, passed Resolution 683 unanimously and expressed regret for legislation that adversely affected Chinese immigrants because of their ethnicity. A nonpartisan, grassroots effort, known as The 1882 Project , focused on educating lawmakers and the public about the Chinese Exclusion Laws and the impact such legislation had on our history and to raise national awareness. The successful project was led by five national organizations: · Chinese American Citizens Alliance · Committee of 100 · Japanese American Citizens League · National Council of Chinese Americans · Organization of Chinese Americans Martin B. Gold , an expert in legislative history and now Partner at Capitol Counsel, LLC, played a pivotal role as a key strategist and advocate in the 1882 Project. Serving as pro bono attorney for the project, he spent about 1,000 hours drafting, advocating, and advancing the proposals. Marty also authored the book Forbidden Citizens: Chinese Exclusion and the U.S. Congress: A Legislative History in 2012, documenting the legislative history of the exclusion acts and supported the case for congressional action. APA Justice created a timeline visualization of his 616-page book with 39 stories: https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/78461/1882-Chinese-Exclusion-Act/ . May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our culture and contributions to the United States — and to renew our commitment to justice and fairness. We are honored that Marty has agreed to join us as an invited speaker at the APA Justice monthly meeting on May 4, 2026. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Congress Extends FISA Section 702 to April 30 According to CBS News , New York Times , NPR , and multiple media reports, the House of Representatives voted in the early hours of April 17, 2026, to extend the expiring Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 10 days. The Senate followed a few hours later. Congress now has until April 30 to negotiate a longer-term solution. The standoff pits two cross-party coalitions against each other: privacy-focused lawmakers from both parties demanding warrant requirements before any long-term extension, versus national security hawks who want a clean reauthorization. Twenty libertarian-leaning Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson and blocked both an 18-month and a 5-year extension from moving forward, despite President Donald Trump publicly pressuring Republicans to "unify" behind a no-strings-attached renewal. If lawmakers are unable to reach a compromise by April 30 and FISA 702 is allowed to lapse, intelligence collection could continue but would likely be subject to lawsuits from technology and telecommunications companies compelled to provide communications to the government. Notably, in March 2026, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court recertified the program's surveillance procedures, meaning intelligence agencies can legally continue operating through March 2027 even if the underlying statute expires. In an op-ed published by the New York Times on April 17, 2026, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) made a bipartisan case against reauthorizing Section 702 of FISA without meaningful reforms. While acknowledging the law's legitimate intelligence value, they argue it has enabled widespread warrantless surveillance of ordinary Americans in violation of the Fourth Amendment — abuses they note have generated rare cross-party outrage in an era of deep political division. The abuses they cite are striking: FBI agents have searched the private communications of protesters, members of Congress, journalists, a state court judge, and 19,000 donors to a political campaign — all without a warrant. Their proposed remedy, the Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act, would preserve the core surveillance authority while requiring court approval before the government can access the contents of Americans' communications swept up incidentally. It would also close what they call a significant loophole: federal agencies purchasing Americans' sensitive data — including cellphone location information — directly from data brokers to sidestep warrant requirements entirely. With AI potentially "supercharging" such surveillance, they warn the stakes are only growing. Their bottom line is unequivocal: "Simply extending the law without any changes to protect Americans' privacy should be off the table." On April 14, 2026, 53 Members of Congress — led by the Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus — sent a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for meaningful Fourth Amendment protections for Section 702 of FISA, endorsed by over 30 advocacy organizations. Resources: · 2026/04/16 Brennan Center for Justice: Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): 2026 Resource Page · 2026/03/24 APA Justice: Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know (1:04:32) · APA Justice timeline: Timeline Visualization of U.S. Mass Surveillance · APA Justice webpage: Warrantless Surveillance ICE Arrest in St. Paul Possible Kidnapping According to AP News , New York Times , and other media reports, officials in Ramsey County, which includes St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating the warrantless arrest of ChongLy "Scott" Thao , a Hmong American U.S. citizen with no criminal record, as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents bashed open the front door of Thao's St. Paul home with guns drawn, then led him outside in just his shorts and a blanket in freezing conditions. He was driven around in an ICE vehicle before being released. Ramsey County officials say there is "no indication" agents had a warrant for entry or arrest. ICE has claimed its agents were executing a search warrant and that Thao refused to be fingerprinted or identified. County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher have set an April 30 deadline for DHS to respond to their evidence request, after which they may sue or convene a grand jury. The case is part of broader tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, with local officials asserting there is "no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents." Who Was Danhao Wang? According to Detroit News , Michigan Daily , NBC News , South China Morning Post and multiple media reports, Chinese semiconductor researcher Danhao Wang , a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, died by suicide on March 19, 2026, after being questioned by U.S. federal law enforcement. China's embassy in Washington confirmed the death, calling it a tragedy and accusing the U.S. of "overstretching" national security to harass Chinese students and scholars. Wang had been at Michigan since 2022, working in the lab of a prominent semiconductor and nanomaterials professor. His research on nitride semiconductors had been cited more than 4,000 times, and the college dean described him as a "promising and brilliant young mind." “This tragedy resonates in China because it reinforces a public perception that Chinese students in America often are subject to harassment from law enforcement officials,” said Ryan Hass , director of the John L. Thornton China Center. The incident has reignited scrutiny of how the U.S. government investigates Chinese-born scientists. The report traces a pattern going back over a decade — from the wrongful prosecutions of hydrologist Sherry Chen and physicist Xiaoxing Xi , to the Trump administration's China Initiative launched in 2018, which was eventually shut down in 2022 amid widespread criticism of racial profiling. Two other recent deaths — Northwestern neuroscientist Jane Wu in 2024 and Arizona State professor Nongjian Tao in 2020 — have similarly raised unresolved questions about whether federal scrutiny of researchers' China ties contributed to their deaths. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/04/21 What does the Middle East war mean for Chinese Americans? 2026/05/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/05/12-14 Celebrating 250 - Building America’s Future Together 2026/06/01 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. APA Justice February Monthly Meeting Summary Posted Summary for the February 2026 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at https://bit.ly/4epKWIL . We thank these distinguished speakers for sharing their insightful remarks and updates: · Judy Chu , Chair Emerita, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (introduction by Amanda Yuen , Legislative Aide) · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Frank Wu, President, Queens College, City University of New York · Rosie Levine , Executive Director, US-China Education Trust · Elizabeth Rao, Daughter of Dr. Jane Wu 3. What Does the Middle East War Mean for Chinese Americans? WHAT : What does the Middle East war mean for Chinese Americans? WHEN : April 21, 2026, 3:00-3:45 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator : Ben Wu , former U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce Speaker : Thomas Krueger , Senior Policy Advisor, National Security and International Affairs, Akin Gump DESCRIPTION : This is part of the Equity Pulse series. Global politics moves fast. The U.S.-Iran conflict has opened space for China to assert new diplomatic influence, and the ripple effects are already being felt in U.S.-China relations. What does this mean for Chinese Americans with cross‑border family, work, and community ties? REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3QfWeFC # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF April 20, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter
- Issues (List) | APA Justice
Issues Alien Land Bills This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Read More COVID-19 This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Read More The China Initiative This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Read More Warrantless Surveillance This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Read More
- Blog (List) | APA Justice
Latest Posts Court Hearing and A New Movement Emerges July 24, 2023 We published a Special Edition of our newsletter to cover the July 18 court hearing on Florida's new discriminatory housing law. Read More Lawsuit Against Florida Senate Bill 264 May 22, 2023 A group of Chinese citizens who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida filed a lawsuit to combat Florida’s discriminatory property law, SB 264. Read More Texas House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 552 January 23, 2023 Texas state representatives are attempting to stop foreign governments from purchasing Texas agricultural land. Read More Rep. Judy Chu's New Year Greetings and 2022 Review January 9, 2023 During the first APA Justice monthly meeting of 2023, Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, reviewed the accomplishments of 2022, highlighted by the end of the "China Initiative" and Sherry Chen's historic settlement. Read More Campaign to Oppose The Nomination of Casey Arrowood July 29, 2022 Academics, elected officials, and civil rights groups across the country are raising concerns about the nomination of Casey Arrowood to be US Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Read More APA Justice Calls for Release of Report on Review of "China Initiative" March 8, 2022 On March 8, 2022, APA Justice sent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, calling for the release of a report on the Department of Justice's review of the “China Initiative.” Read More Texas man accused of attacking Asian family over racist coronavirus fears pleads guilty to hate-crime charges February 24, 2022 Nearly two years later, a 21-year-old Texas man who attempted to kill an Asian man and his young child has pleaded guilty to federal hate-crime charges. Read More 12. China Initiative Ends February 23, 2022 Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen announced the end of the China Initiative. The 1,210 days of the Initiative were extremely damaging to individuals and their families, as well as the Asian American and scientific communities. The end of the China Initiative is a welcomed start to correct the harms it caused. APA Justice is committed to continue its work to address racial profiling and seek justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American communities. Read More 11. MIT Technology Review Investigative Reports December 2, 2021 On December 2, 2021, MIT Technology Review published two investigative reports on the China Initiative as newly appointed Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen was conducting a review of the initiative. Read More < < 1 1 1 What's the best flavor? Activists Including APA Justice Resist New "Red Scare" Chinese Americans are increasingly finding themselves targeted by the US in what has become the new "Red Scare."
- Impacted Persons (List) | APA Justice
Impacted Persons List Anming Hu 胡安明 Read more Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 Read more Charles Lieber Read more Chen Song 宋琛 Read more Davis Lu Read more Franklin Tao 陶丰 Read more Gang Chen 陈刚 Read more Gee-Kung Chang 張繼昆 Read more Haizhou Hu Read more James Patrick Lewis Read more Jane Ying Wu 吴瑛 Read more Juan Tang 唐娟 Read more Kaikai Zhao 赵凯凯 Read more Kevin Wang Read more Lei Guan 关磊 Read more Lin Yang Read more Meyya Meyyappan Read more Mingqing Xiao Read more Qing Wang 王擎 Read more Simon Saw-Teong Ang 洪思忠 Read more Song Guo Zheng Read more Turab Lookman 特拉伯·鲁克曼 Read more Van Andel Research Read more Wuyuan Lu 陆五元 Read more Xiao-jiang Li 李晓江 Read more Xiaofeng Wang 王晓峰 Read more Xiaoming Zhang Read more Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 Read more Xifeng Wu 吴息凤 Read more Xin Wang 王欣 Read more Yanping Chen 陈燕平 Read more Yanqing Ye Read more Yu Zhou, Li Chen Read more Zaosong Zheng Read more Zhendong Cheng Read more Filter by Category China Initiative NIH Other Sort by Alphabetical by first name Alphabetical by last name
- #289 U.S. Heartland China Association Update and Event; Franklin Tao Speaks Out; Pandas; +
Newsletter - #289 U.S. Heartland China Association Update and Event; Franklin Tao Speaks Out; Pandas; + #289 U.S. Heartland China Association Update and Event; Franklin Tao Speaks Out; Pandas; + In This Issue #289 · Update from US Heartland China Association · "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" and the Case of Professor Franklin Tao · KSNT News: Professor Franklin Tao Speaks Out · Pandas are Here at the National Zoo in Washington DC · News and Activities for the Communities Update from US Heartland China Association Min Fan , Executive Director of the U.S. Heartland China Association, introduced USHCA to us at the February 2024 monthly meeting. Min Fan warmly invited meeting participants to join an upcoming hybrid event "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" at the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, Kansas. Former KU Professor Franklin Tao and his wife Hong Peng plan to attend and engage in discussions. This event has been in planning for over a year. It involved collaboration with local Chinese American scholars and the National Committee for U.S.-China Relations to ensure a meaningful exchange on pertinent topics. The emphasis is on fostering local engagement and informed debate around broader issues affecting the community.Min underscored the importance of having discussions about U.S.-China relations not just in Washington, D.C., but also in the Heartland. The U.S. Heartland China Association, a bipartisan organization founded by late Senator Adlai Stevenson III of Illinois originally under the name of Midwest U.S. China Association and currently chaired by Former Governor of Missouri Bob Holden , aims to promote stable U.S.-China relations to protect and advance the interests of the Heartland community, such as export market for our agricultural producers, global competitiveness of our businesses, talent attraction in our universities, and the cultural heritage of Chinese Americans In the Heartland. During this past summer, USHCA organized an agricultural delegation to China, which included members from rural areas who had never visited the country before. One delegate from Kentucky returned with a renewed perspective, expressing to his local trade association members and elected officials that China was nothing like the all-negative portrayals in the media. This experience illustrated the potential benefits of people-to-people exchanges in fostering better relations and understanding between the two nations. ( From Heartland to Mainland, reflections and insights , webinar replay) The trip was 100% funded by US Agriculture stakeholders. Min, who is the first Chinese American executive director of the organization, highlighted the scrutiny faced by Chinese Americans in leadership roles within nonprofits focused on U.S.-China relations. She is one of very few Chinese Americans leading a non-profit organization on U.S.-China relations. USHCA also faced political backlash and accusations of undue influence after sending a bipartisan delegation of six Heartland mayors to China ( Press Release , Video recap ). Despite the challenges, the organization continues to work closely with the State Department and other agencies to promote sub-national diplomacy and collaborative efforts around pressing issues like climate change. Min highlighted an upcoming event in Memphis, which aims to engage local partners, NGOs, and academics in a Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue about climate resilience, low carbon agriculture, and green transportation. This initiative seeks to promote balanced discussions in the Heartland, inviting broader community involvement and partnerships. The goal is to engage diverse local stakeholders in more informed conversations about U.S.-China relations and the future of Chinese Americans in this region. In closing, Min expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share insights with the broader community and emphasized the importance of ensuring that diverse voices are heard in discussions that shape the future. She called for continued collaboration and support to facilitate these critical dialogues and foster understanding among all stakeholders involved.A summary of the October 7 monthly meeting, including Min's update, is posted at https://bit.ly/48wdg7D . Farm Policy News: New US-China Trade War Could Cost Farmers Billions According to Farm Policy News on October 17, 2024, United States corn and soybean farmers could lose billions of dollars in annual production value if the US-China trade war induced new tariffs on agriculture products. The study found that “U.S. soybean farmers (could) lose an average of $3.6 to $5.9 billion in annual production value” while “U.S. corn farmers (could) lose an average of $0.9 to $1.4 billion in annual production value” depending on how China would respond to increased U.S. tariffs. “This burden is not limited to the U.S. soybean and corn farmers who lose market share and production value. There is a ripple impact across the U.S., particularly in rural economies where farmers live, purchase inputs, utilize farm and personal services, and purchase household goods,” the study said. The total economic contribution of soybean and corn production could drop between $4.9 billion and $7.9 billion annually, with the most heavily affected sectors including manufacturing and mining of crop protection, fertilizer products, and energy products, as well as real estate and transportation.Read the Farm Policy News report: https://bit.ly/4eR0yT8 "China in the Heartland: Building a Balanced Approach" and the Case of Professor Franklin Tao On October 11, 2024, Professor Jack Zhang of the University of Kansas (KU) Department of Political Science, joined by Susan Thornton , Vice Chair of the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), and a retired senior U.S. diplomat with decades of experience in Eurasia and East Asia, and Kyle Jaros , an associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, for a discussion on building a balanced approach for relations with China. The event was hosted by USHCA and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at KU. Kyle Jaros began by discussing the surge in China-related legislation and other state-level policy actions, which increased to at least 110 or 115 between 2016 and 2023. Probably 25 to 30% of these proposals have been enacted into law. What started out as a handful of tangible concerns has morphed into something that is far more ominous in the minds of many. When asked about the China policies of the Trump and Biden administrations, Susan Thornton stated that one of the key challenges in U.S.-China negotiations is the political divide within the U.S. in Washington. It has often been politically advantageous for lawmakers to exaggerate or promote dramatic, threatening proposals to get attention. While the federal government generally takes a balanced approach in assessing the China threat, politicians have put a lot more emphasis on some aspects of the so-called China threat than are warranted. This overemphasis on the perceived threat from China could lead to unintended consequences, as highlighted by Jack Zhang. Many legislators, both at the national and subnational levels, may not realize that the bills they are drafting and voting on could have adverse effects. One major concern is the effort to revive the China initiative in Congress. The China Initiative was a Department of Justice program that tried to combat espionage and technology theft on university campuses and industry. There is a lot of evidence that the FBI racially profiled Chinese and Asian American researchers, damaged and ruined a lot of careers.During the Q&A session, Hong Peng reminded the audience that her husband, Franklin Tao was a KU professor who was wrongly prosecuted by the China Initiative . After five years of hard fighting by the Taos, the Tenth Circuit Court acquitted the last charge against Franklin on July 11 this year. Justice finally prevailed and Franklin was fully exonerated. The victory was bittersweet for the couple. This fight has cost Franklin nearly everything; the wrongful prosecution destroyed his career that he spent over 20 years building and spending almost 16 hours a day each day working in his lab. The total cost of his legal defense is over 2.3 million. They used up all their savings. They took money out of their retirement accounts, borrowed money from every single friend who could help, and they raised funds through GoFundMe. And currently, they still have over a million in debt.Hong Peng said “We can't choose where we were born and where we came from. But we really should not be scapegoated because of our country of origin. Twenty years ago, we came to the United States to pursue our American dream. We never imagined we would spend five years trapped in this nightmare.” Despite all this, Franklin Tao remained fully occupied, fully dedicated to his scientific work. He has published over 30 papers during those five years. And a few days ago, he had one of his papers accepted by Science . Unfortunately, even until today, he is still fighting to reinstate his faculty position. Hong wondered how the community could help a victim like Franklin to rebuild his career. Kyle Jaros commented that an idea very well worth considering: a kind of amnesty for anybody who was found in violation of minor academic regulations, for example, disclosure of foreign research relationships which was a widespread issue across academia.Compliance and information about compliance was something that academics were not being regularly informed of for a long period of time. And then suddenly there was a huge frame shift. And within a few years, universities very quickly started to ramp up attention to these rules, and then law enforcement got involved and decided to make criminal cases or even kind of national security cases out of what in many instances were very minor. Kyle Jaros hoped that Franklin Tao can make progress in restitution. Susan Thornton thanked Franklin Tao for seeing the whole process through to the end and the acquittal. It is important for our justice system, for our institutions, for our faith in our institutions, which she thinks is coming under a lot of fire in this country and around the world. "I think we owe you a debt of gratitude on that score. We've seen periods of overzealousness of this type in U.S. history before, and then we always must come back and reflect on our errors. More publicity, more shining a light, as you've done tonight by standing up and telling your story, is what we need for people to be aware of," she said. "I hope that this very difficult ordeal can somehow have some kind of silver lining or benefit both for you and your family because you deserve it, but also the contribution that you make to our institutional fabric."Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3UhjmT7 (1:19:06). Read the Franklin Tao story: https://bit.ly/3y8SBsm . Ken Lao contributed to this report. KSNT News: Professor Franklin Tao Speaks Out On October 20 2024, KSNT News Inside Kansas Politics featured former Kansas University Professor Franklin Tao , his wife Hong Peng , and Ron Barrett-Gonzalez , KSAAUP (Kansas Conference of American Association of University Professors) Committee A Co-Chair. The interview discussed Professor Tao's legal battle after being wrongfully accused of Chinese espionage under the Trump administration's China initiative. His conviction was overturned by a U.S. appeals court in July 2024. Tao shares his journey, including his academic background and the distressing circumstances surrounding his arrest. Professor Tao’s wife, Hong Peng, described the emotional toll the situation took on their family, highlighting the fear and desperation they faced. The couple endured significant financial damage. Her testimonies revealed the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family, with children experiencing significant distress.Professor Barrett-Gonzalez expressed deep concern over the university's handling of Professor Tao's case. He recalled the horror felt within the academic community when it was revealed that a specific ethnicity of researchers, particularly those of Asian descent, were being disproportionately targeted by the federal initiative. After Professor Tao was acquitted, Professors Barrett-Gonzalez and Rob Catlett, also KSAAUP Committee A Co-Chair, and other faculty members expected the KU administration to promptly reinstate him, recognizing the importance of justice and fairness in academia. However, to their disappointment, the administration opted not to take action, which Professor Barrett-Gonzalez argued is unfairly prolonging the distress for Professor Tao and his family. Professor Barrett-Gonzalez referenced similar cases where universities acted appropriately after faculty were acquitted. For example, Professor Anming Hu in Tennessee facing similar accusations was reinstated following a court ruling, as the university recognized the negative impact on its reputation. In contrast, Professor Barrett-Gonzalez criticized KU for failing to follow suit and reinstate Professor Tao. The discussions between Professors Barrett-Gonzelez and Catlett and university officials centered around what they considered clear violations of civil rights laws, particularly the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality or ethnic origin. They highlighted how the 10th Circuit Court has recognized tenure as a property right, arguing that the university’s actions have violated Professor Tao's Fifth Amendment rights by not providing due process in his dismissal. Professor Barrett-Gonzalez asserted that this treatment reflects a broader ethical failure on the part of the university administration.In closing, Professor Tao underscored his continued dedication to research despite challenges, arguing that he has been wrongfully persecuted and calling for his immediate reinstatement to help restore the university's reputation. The segment concludes with a commitment to continue advocating for justice and fairness in the academic environment.Watch the KSNT News report: https://bit.ly/3YyWeSV (27:57). Professors Barrett-Gonzalez and Catlett spoke at the August 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting, a summary of which is posted here: https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 Pandas are Here at the National Zoo in Washington DC According to Washington Post , CNN , and multiple media reports, two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, arrived at the National Zoo in Washington DC on October 15, 2024, after an absence of almost a year. They travelled on a specially chartered FedEx Boeing 777 cargo jet dubbed the “Panda Express.” They are here on a 10-year lease, and will make their public debut January 24, 2025, after a quarantine period. While born in Sichuan, Bao Li has deep familial roots in Washington. His mother, Bao Bao, was born a celebrity at the National Zoo in 2013 and returned to China four years later. His grandparents, Meixiang and Tian Tian, lived at the zoo for 23 years until their lease ended last year.“Panda Diplomacy” began with US President Richard Nixon ’s ice-breaking trip to Communist China during the Cold War. In June, the San Diego Zoo also received two giant pandas from China, which marked the first panda loans to the U.S. in two decades. On the same day Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived in Washington, On line livestream of "giant panda cam" from the San Diego Zoo was launched at https://bit.ly/4eRBVWu News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2024/10/24 Why Do Legislators Brawl? Lawmaking, Fist Fighting and Messaging in Taiwan 2024/10/25-27 Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the American Studies Network2024/10/26 Common Ground and Banquet2024/10/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/03 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/06 Asian American Women in Media and Music2024/11/10 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/12 Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom2024/11/14 An Advice and Networking Event (Financial Services, Investing and Consulting)2024/11/15 AAASE Inaugural Annual Summit2024/11/15 Yangtze-Mississippi Regional DialogueVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. NOTE: Because the regular scheduled day falls on the eve of Election Day, we have moved the next APA Justice monthly meeting to Monday, November 18, 2024. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . 2. Summary of October 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted The October 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at https://bit.ly/3BMUjB2 . We thank the following special speakers for their reports and updates: · Congresswoman Grace Meng gave her remarks that were covered in Newsletter #288 on October 21, 2024: https://bit.ly/4070ryi · Casey Lee , Policy Director of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), provided an update on CAPAC on behalf of Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director of CAPAC. She thanked Congresswoman Grace Meng and her team for leading efforts to prevent the reinstatement of the China Initiative in the FY 2025 appropriations bill. CAPAC remains committed to ensuring the AAPI community's voice is heard in key legislative processes, including the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Casey highlighted a recently released video featuring firsthand accounts of the racial profiling and wrongful prosecutions caused by the China Initiative, encouraging its wide distribution to raise awareness. She also acknowledged the collaboration with advocacy groups like AASF, AAJC, and CAA, emphasizing their role in shaping ongoing legislative negotiations to protect the community. · Gisela Kusakawa , Executive Director of Asian American Forum (AASF), expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Grace Meng for her leadership in opposing the reinstatement of the China Initiative and supporting the Museum of Asian Pacific American History. She highlighted AASF's success in gathering over 1,000 participants for its award ceremony, celebrating Asian American scholars, and emphasized AASF’s role in policy efforts and the museum’s establishment. Gisela also thanked Casey Lee and CAPAC for educating the public during "China Week," where scholars shared personal stories of facing discrimination. She praised AASF’s advocacy in recognizing civil rights icons and connecting university faculty with policymakers, urging continued community engagement to ensure Asian American voices are heard in shaping national policy. Gisela also mentioned AASF's collaboration with the NIH on transparency efforts and reiterated the importance of the community's involvement in policy discussions. · Min Fan , Executive Director of the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), gave a report that is covered by today's newsletter. · Texas State Representative Gene Wu gave a report that was covered in Newsletter #288 on October 21, 2024: https://bit.ly/4070ryi Read the October APA Justice monthly meeting summary: https://bit.ly/48wdg7D . Read previous monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP 3. China and World Institute at Johns Hopkins University is Hiring Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Managing Director, China & The World Institute to play a pivotal role in the launch and growth of the new China and the World Institute at School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). The mission of the Institute is to bring greater rigor and reason to public and policy discussions on China, spearheading efforts to generate new knowledge and strategic insights to “get China right.” Working closely with and reporting to the inaugural Faculty Director, the Managing Director leads the strategic development, management, and advancement of the Institute, playing a critical role in building a leading center for interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement on China's role in the world. It is also hiring an Academic Program Manager. Read more about these opportunities at https://bit.ly/40kgtES 4. APA Justice Newsletter Web Page Moved to New Website As part of its continuing migration to a new website under construction, we have moved the Newsletter webpage to https://www.apajusticetaskforce.org/newsletters . Content of the existing website will remain, but it will no longer be updated. We value your feedback about the new web page. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF October 24, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter
- APA Justice
website under development Mass Surveillance and ICE Webinar Learn more Birthright Citizenship Learn more China Initiative Chinese academics and researchers were systemically targeted in a government-led initiative and may be at threat again in the future Learn more Racial Profiling Targeting of individuals or groups due to their race or ethnicity Learn more History and Purpose of APA Justice A platform for Asian American justice and fairness Learn more Warrantless Surveillance The U.S. government engages in mass, warrantless surveillance of American citizens Learn more APA JUSTICE WEBINAR SERIES March 24: Webinar on Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown LEARN MORE Mass Surveillance and ICE Webinar Details Mass Surveillance and ICE Webinar Details Mass Surveillance and ICE Webinar Details Mass Surveillance and ICE Webinar Details The Latest Court Hearing and A New Movement Emerges Read More We published a Special Edition of our newsletter to cover the July 18 court hearing on Florida's new discriminatory housing law. Lawsuit Against Florida Senate Bill 264 Read More A group of Chinese citizens who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida filed a lawsuit to combat Florida’s discriminatory property law, SB 264. Texas House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 552 Read More Texas state representatives are attempting to stop foreign governments from purchasing Texas agricultural land. Rep. Judy Chu's New Year Greetings and 2022 Review Read More During the first APA Justice monthly meeting of 2023, Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, reviewed the accomplishments of 2022, highlighted by the end of the "China Initiative" and Sherry Chen's historic settlement. Community Calendar 01 Racial Profiling 03 Warrantless Surveillance 02 The China Initiative 04 Alien Land Bills Learn more about the pressing AAPI issues of today. Yellow Whistle Campaign Our partnership with the Yellow Whistle Project to promote self-protection and solidarity against discrimination and violence. Advocacy Our work with policy makers to push for AAPI rights and to ensure justice for AAPI academics and scientists. Know your rights Protect yourself by knowing your rights. National Media Network A national media alert network giving greater resources and a more assertive voice to the Asian American community. WHAT WE DO Learn more Watchlist See important issues and legislation we're monitoring Report a Hate Incident Learn what it means to be Chinese American Library See important issues and legislation we're monitoring Report a Hate Incident Learn what it means to be Chinese American Resources Learn about the history, responses, and current state of the APA community. Name Email I accept terms & conditions Stay informed Stay up to date with the latest news and developments from APA Justice Last name Subscribe You've signed up for the APA Justice newsletter. Stay informed Stay up to date with the latest news and developments from APA Justice Name Email I accept terms & conditions Subscribe You've signed up for the APA Justice newsletter.
