Newsletter - #187: 6/5 Meeting; Alien Land Bills; NYT Opinion; Paula Madison; OSTP Listening Sessions #187: 6/5 Meeting; Alien Land Bills; NYT Opinion; Paula Madison; OSTP Listening Sessions In This Issue #187 2023/06/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Latest on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills Opinion: Like It or Not, America Needs Chinese Scientists The Inspiring Journey of an Asian American Media Trailblazer White House Listening Sessions with Early Career Researcher Communities and NSPM-33 023/06/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); John Yang 杨重远 , President and Executive Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), speakers include: Elizabeth Goitein , Senior Director, Liberty & National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, on Warrantless Surveillance - Reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Partner, DeHeng Law Offices 德恒律师事务所; Founder, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance 华美维权同盟, with updates on Civil Lawsuit Against Florida Alien Land Law, with comments by Ashley Gorski , Senior Staff Attorney, National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Bethany Li , Legal Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) Haipei Shue 薛海培 , President, United Chinese Americans, with updates on Alien Land Bills and comments by Gene Wu 吳元之 , Member of the Texas House of Representatives. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. 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 . Latest on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills 1. APA Justice Updates Its Tracking of State Alien Land Bills and Laws APA Justice updated its tracking map and table on May 30, 2023: https://bit.ly/3oo5zxF .According to KHOU-11 on May 29, 2023, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called an immediate special session Monday just hours after the House and Senate adjourned from the 88th legislative session. It will be the first special session of several, Abbott said. Abbott said the first special session will focus on cutting property taxes and border control by increasing penalties for human smugglers and those operating stash houses. Dates and times have not been announced for the other special sessions. Each session will last 30 days. Read and watch the KHOU-11 report: https://bit.ly/43aUYVH The South Carolina General Assembly went into special session after the regular session ended on May 11, 2023. According to AP News on May 11, 2023, in theory, anything can be dealt with during the special session. But in 2023, only a few outstanding issues are likely to come up as it is the first year of the two-year sessions and bills stay alive wherever they are in the legislative process until the 2024 session begins. Read the AP News report: https://bit.ly/3OLOtEK 2. 500+ Asian Americans Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month in Texas Legislature According to 世界新聞網 , the Asian Real Estate Association of America Houston Chapter (AREAA Houston) joined representatives from Dallas; Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese ethnic leaders; and local Asians to celebrate the AANHPI Heritage Month in Austin, the state capital of Texas, on May 9, 2023. Over 500 people attended the event.Texas state legislative members participated in the festivities. Group leaders met with the governor. A large crowd watched and discussed the proceedings of the AANHPI Heritage Month in the Texas Senate while officials introduced the functions of the government and answered questions in the state government auditorium. A meeting was also held with the Texas Association of Realtors concerning Texas Senate Bill 147.Read the 世界新聞網 report: https://bit.ly/3N8m3Dp (Chinese) and watch the video: https://bit.ly/3N9RKMS (7:04). Opinion: Like It or Not, America Needs Chinese Scientists According to a New York Times opinion on May 25, 2023, the Chinese Communist Party has accomplished something rare in U.S. politics these days: uniting Democrats and Republicans around a common enemy. Unfortunately, frenzied concern about Chinese influence threatens America’s ability to attract the top talent it needs to maintain global leadership in science and higher education. The damage caused by the Department of Justice’s now-disbanded "China Initiative" still reverberates. Designed to counter economic espionage and national security threats from China, it resulted — in some cases — in researchers and academics of Chinese descent being placed under house arrest or taken away in handcuffs on charges of hiding ties to China, cases that ended in acquittal or were later dropped.The program resulted in few prosecutions before being shut down last year. But it upended lives and careers, and created an atmosphere of fear. Some ethnic Chinese scientists disproportionately feel that their ethnicity and connections to China inhibit their professional progress and their chances of obtaining — and willingness to apply for — research funding in the United States. A survey of scientists of Chinese descent at American universities released last year found that significant percentages of respondents felt unwelcome in the United States, with 86 percent saying the current climate makes it more difficult for the United States to attract top international students than it was five years ago.This should be setting off alarm bells in Washington. Economic and military advantage is contingent on superior science, technology and innovation — and the competition for talent is global. Concerns over academic collaboration with China are legitimate. China’s government has contributed to the deterioration of academic cooperation. But let’s not race China to the bottom. If America fails to attract top international research talent, that harms U.S. prospects for scientific advancement and, ultimately, American economic and national strength.There is no doubt that present circumstances call for more transparency among scholars. Universities need to lead this change, whereby scholars pay greater attention to the implications of collaborating with foreign scientists. But we can’t let this get in the way of ensuring that the United States remains the best place in the world to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics and entices graduates from abroad to remain here after completing their degrees.Yet the number of U.S. visas granted to Chinese students has plummeted. To reverse this, visa processes should be streamlined, backlogs cleared and talented individuals given expanded opportunities to obtain green cards. America is training and educating some of the world’s brightest people; we need to get more of them and keep them here.Likewise, more Americans need to be learning about China. The number of American students studying in China was already declining from a peak of about 15,000 in 2011-12; during the pandemic that plummeted to less than 400. China is, and will continue to be, a critical global player; understanding its internal dynamics will be important for people operating in a range of fields. Yet we are at risk of having an entire generation of Americans who know little about China.We should immediately restart the Fulbright program in China, which sent thousands of Chinese and Americans between the two countries for research and learning until it was halted during the Trump administration, and increase federal funding for Chinese studies programs at our universities. Keeping American higher education open to the world is not about helping China to become strong, nor should we delude ourselves about Beijing’s intentions. It’s about exuding confidence in the strength and virtues of our system to ensure that America remains the best country in the world for learning and research. Dan Murphy , author of the opinion, is executive director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School and former executive director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard.Read the New York Times opinion: https://nyti.ms/3BZpWUS The Inspiring Journey of an Asian American Media Trailblazer On May 25, 2023, the U.S. General Consulate in Guangzhou hosted an in-person conversation with media trailblazer Paula Williams Madison in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Ms. Madison discussed her career as a woman in media and journalism, her identity as both an African American and Asian American, and her documentary Finding Samuel Lowe 《寻找罗定朝》, which tells the story of her search to locate her Chinese grandfather's descendants in China. Read the announcement by the US Embassy in China: https://bit.ly/3NhcJ0l (Chinese)According to reports by Shenzhen Daily and 南方都市报 , the Los Angeles-Guangzhou Sister City Association and Asia Pacific and American Network sponsored the AANHPI Heritage Month 2023 Gala at the LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, China, on May 27, 2023. Madison was honored for her commitment to diversity, representation, and social justice. Lisa K. Heller , U.S. Consul General in Guangzhou, praised Madison for breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, stating that “it is through the exchange of ideas and stories like Paula’s that we can build bridges of understanding between people and nations.”"My name is Luo Xiaona 罗笑娜 , I am a Hakka, Jamaican, and Chinese American. I am African American. I am a descendant of the Luo family, and I am very happy that I have finally found my home and my roots," Paula said at the gala."When we were young, dinner at a friend's house was pig's trotters and collard greens. Every dinner we had was rice and cabbage that other children had never seen. Others had paintings in their homes, and our mother hung a Chinese serigraph in a bamboo frame in the small living room. She also likes to play with furniture and some objects to make a Fengshui layout," Madison said. Madison describes her reconnection with her Hakka roots in Longgang 龙岗, Shenzhen as “a life-changing experience.” “Suddenly, I went from someone with almost no relatives to a person with families all around the world,” said the 71-year-old Madison. She was referring to her sprawling Chinese family with relatives living on different continents. It has been 11 years since the emotional family reunion took place in 2012 at their ancestral village.Throughout her career as a journalist, media executive and business owner, Madison has been an active opponent of anti-Black and anti-Asian discrimination. Growing up in a majority Black community with a half-Chinese mother, Madison was acutely aware of racism towards Blacks and Chinese from an early age. Madison’s remedy for a world that is becoming even more divided today is communication and exchanges. “Salvation will come on the level of just people,” she says.Read the Shenzhen Daily report: https://bit.ly/43Eo3bR (English). Read the 南方都市报 report: https://bit.ly/43jd9IP (Chinese) and Weixin report: https://bit.ly/43kQ6xn (Chinese). White House Listening Sessions with Early Career Researcher Communities and NSPM-33 The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced that it will hold listening sessions in June. The sessions intend to elevate the needs, priorities, and experiences of those who will shape and inherit the future: the early career researcher community. A series of virtual listening sessions will explore perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for advancing open science in the United States and solutions that might be implemented by the U.S. Government. The sessions will be open to the public and may be recorded for OSTP’s use. Registration is required to attend. The upcoming listening sessions will be as follows: 2023/06/05 1-3 pm ET: Open Science Possibilities for Equitable Participation and Access: Perspectives from Early Career Researchers at Emerging Research Institutions. Registration: https://bit.ly/45KMLtk 2023/06/06 3-5 pm ET: Open Science Possibilities for Career Advancement: Perspectives from Early Career Researchers on Opportunities and Challenges in Career Progression and Trajectory. Registration: https://bit.ly/43lGO4g 2023/06/12 1-3 pm ET: Open Science Possibilities for Training and Capacity Building: Perspectives from the Early Career Researcher-Supporting Community. Registration: https://bit.ly/45F33DU If you would like to provide information in addition to or in lieu of participation in the listening session, you may send a brief message to the public email address OpenScience@OSTP.eop.gov . In addition, OSTP and Federal agency partners will hold listening sessions on the draft National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) Research Security Programs Standard Requirement to offer the higher education and broader research community the opportunity to provide verbal feedback to the Federal Register notice. These sessions will be open to the public and may be recorded for OSTP’s use. Registration is required to attend. The upcoming listening sessions will be as follows: 2023/06/05 1:00-2:30 pm ET: Research Security Programs Standard Requirement Listening Session One: Working with the Higher Education Community toward NSPM-33 Implementation. Registration: https://bit.ly/3MHArRP 2023/06/12 1:00-2:30 pm ET: Research Security Programs Standard Requirement Listening Session Two: Working with the Higher Education Community toward NSPM-33 Implementation. Registration: https://bit.ly/3MKkR7N Read the White House announcement: https://bit.ly/3OR4BEU Thousands of early-career NIH researchers forming union for first time. According to a report by Nature on June 1, 2023, thousands of early-career researchers at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) have kickstarted the process to form a union. They are calling on the NIH — the world’s largest biomedical funder — to raise pay and improve benefits, as well as to bolster its policies and procedures against harassment and excessive workloads. Read the Nature report: https://go.nature.com/3qrzPs8 Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Back View PDF June 2, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #126 Nikkei Asia Report; Yale Senate Resolution; New Chancellor/President; Norm Mineta; + #126 Nikkei Asia Report; Yale Senate Resolution; New Chancellor/President; Norm Mineta; + Back View PDF May 25, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #87 ALERT on Baylor; "China Initiative;" House Hearing/UTK Webinar; San Jose Apologizes #87 ALERT on Baylor; "China Initiative;" House Hearing/UTK Webinar; San Jose Apologizes Back View PDF October 1, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #293 11/18 Meeting; Missing Rena D'Souza; Wary Scientists; SOCA/Lancet; CEIP on Coexistence #293 11/18 Meeting; Missing Rena D'Souza; Wary Scientists; SOCA/Lancet; CEIP on Coexistence In This Issue #293 · 2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Science : "Why Has NIH's Dental Institute Director Been Missing for 6 Months?" · WP : Wary and Uncertain Scientists · 2024 State of Chinese Americans Survey and Letter to Lancet · CEIP: "U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence" · News and Activities for the Communities 2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, November 18, 2024, starting at 1:55 pm ET. The meeting was moved to avoid conflicts with Election Day. In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Dr. Kai Li , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are: · Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch , Founder and Executive Chair, US-China Education Trust · Michael Wong , Board Member and Former National Vice President, Veterans for Peace · Peter Michelson , Luke Blossom Professor in the School of Humanities & Sciences and Professor of Physics, Stanford University; Steven Kivelson , Prabhu Goel Family Professor and Professor of Physics (invited) Senator-Elect Andy Kim is invited to give remarks.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 APAJustice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org .***** Andy Kim made history as the first Asian American from New Jersey elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and now he is set to break new ground once more as the first Korean American in the U.S. Senate. We warmly welcome and congratulate Senator-Elect Andy Kim as he embarks on this exciting and historic journey.As the first Asian American to serve at the rank of U.S. ambassador, Julia Chang Bloch is a trailblazing diplomat with a distinguished career in international relations, academia, and philanthropy. Ambassador Chang Bloch founded the U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) to strengthen mutual understanding through conferences, exchanges, and seminars by partnering with Chinese higher education institutions that carry out research in American Studies and teach China’s next generation about the US. Ambassador Chang Bloch will introduce and describe the latest activities of USCET. Veterans for Peace (VFP) is a global organization of military veterans and allies committed to promoting peace and ending war. Founded in 1985, VFP advocates for peaceful solutions to conflicts, addressing issues like nuclear disarmament, veterans’ rights, and the costs of war on communities and the environment. Michael Wong will introduce and describe the latest activities of VFP, including concerns about McCarthyism in Washington and media witch hunt on Chinese Americans . Professors Peter Michelson and Steven Kivelson return to update us on their letter to Congressional leaders opposing the reinstatement of the "China Initiative" and the recent forum on Critical Issues In The US-China Science And Technology Relationship. Science : "Why Has NIH's Dental Institute Director Been Missing for 6 Months?" According to Science on November 4, 2024, Rena D'Souza , Director of the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), has been on paid administrative leave since April during an investigation into her conduct. This marks her third disciplinary action by the NIH, following two previous suspensions—for 2 days in December 2022 and 2 weeks in late July and early August 2023. On September 15, 2023, D’Souza filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination based on her sex, race, and national origin, asserting that NIH leaders have unfairly targeted her, possibly to force her resignation. D’Souza, 69, was born in India and is the first woman of color to direct an NIH institute.D’Souza’s lawsuit also claims that NIH’s investigations stem from complaints regarding her treatment of subordinates, some involving statements about racial diversity, which she contends were misinterpreted. She disputes additional claims, including one alleging intimidation of a subordinate. Meanwhile, a former trainee has defended D’Souza as supportive and kind, though an anonymous ex-employee cited staff dissatisfaction during her tenure.The lawsuit points to NIH’s alleged double standards, noting that a senior NIH official, Robert Eisinger , faced less severe consequences for confirmed discriminatory actions. D’Souza’s leave has been extended through November, but NIH is legally required to report her ongoing status to Congress. The lawsuit also describes Tabak allegedly berating D’Souza at a large August 17, 2023, meeting of NIH institute and center directors. It says that, during a presentation on diversity, D’Souza volunteered that researchers of Chinese descent in and outside of NIH were feeling stigmatized and targeted by systematic NIH efforts to have scientists investigated for suspected use of NIH grant money on undisclosed work in China. She said NIH should address their concerns. Tabak, the lawsuit states, “showed his discriminatory animus toward Plaintiff by yelling and banging his fist on the table screaming that NIH does not target anyone.” (Tabak later that day sent an email addressed to D’Souza and copied to the other NIH directors. Under the subject line “Mea culpa,” it began: “I am sorry for being so emphatic this morning,” before defending NIH’s approach as colorblind.)This is the statement alleged in the lawsuit: "On August 17, 2023, Dr. Tabak inappropriately and in a demeaning manner, berated Plaintiff at a meeting which was attended by approximately 60 persons, 30 of whom were present in the room and 30 of whom were virtual. The meeting was attended by all NIH institute and center Directors. At around 9:30 a.m. on that date, during a presentation on diversity , Plaintiff engaged in protected EEO activity by pointing out that researchers of Chinese descent within and outside of NIH were feeling stigmatized and targeted and that NIH should address their concerns. Tabak showed his discriminatory animus toward Plaintiff by yelling and banging his fist on the table screaming that NIH does not target anyone. This was embarrassing and humiliating for Plaintiff and many of those in the room were shocked. Tabak later sent Plaintiff and the other Directors a disingenuous apology, in which he continued to dispute that Chinese researchers were being targeted and stigmatized." By law, NIH cannot extend employees’ administrative leave indefinitely without informing Congress. The agency was obligated to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees notifying them that D’Souza is on investigative leave, and explaining why. A spokesperson for the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, which authorizes NIH, said it had not received a report as of November 4, 2024.Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/3YEErsb . Read the legal docket for Dsouza v. Becerra (8:23-cv-02517): https://bit.ly/3UJfmeF WP : Wary and Uncertain Scientists According to the Washington Post on November 9, 2024, the return of Donald Trump to the presidency has renewed concerns among scientists who remember his administration’s antagonistic approach to science. His first term was marked by proposed budget cuts for research, climate change denial, and political interference in scientific agencies, leading to protests like the 2017 “March for Science.” Many fear that Trump’s agenda could again threaten funding, research integrity, and environmental policies, especially given the more conservative-leaning Supreme Court and possible full Republican control of Congress. Several scientific organizations are preparing to defend science’s role in government decision-making, with groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists vowing to challenge unqualified appointments to key scientific agencies. Others, like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), adopt a cautious “wait-and-see” approach, hoping to work with officials to maintain science-backed policies. This has become critical as Trump has promised roles to figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , whose views on vaccines and public health spark concerns among health professionals.In addition, Elon Musk , one of Trump’s allies, may influence his agenda significantly, especially in areas like space exploration and energy technology. Musk has advocated for budget cuts, pushing for fewer government regulations, and promoting human spaceflight goals such as a mission to Mars by 2028, which could shift NASA’s current plans focused on the moon. His influence may shape Trump’s approach to science funding and policy direction, affecting how resources are allocated in key technological sectors. While scientific funding remained largely intact during Trump’s first term, the broader science community fears a decline in public trust and a polarized view of science itself, exacerbated by Trump’s pandemic responses. Leaders like Holden Thorp , editor-in-chief of Science , highlight declining public trust in scientific institutions as COVID-19 became highly politicized. Many scientists are now cautious but hopeful that bipartisan support for science will sustain critical research and prevent a major rollback of scientific advancements. Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/3UN6hRM 2024 State of Chinese Americans Survey and Letter to Lancet On October 31, 2024, Committee of 100 and NORC at the University of Chicago unveiled the Full Report for its 2024 State of Chinese Americans (SOCA) study, a survey focused on areas of mental health, political preferences, discrimination, and diversity of the Chinese American population.Titled "Surge of mental health issues of Chinese Americans under both popular and policy-driven racism." a letter authored by Professor Xiang Qi was published in the January 2025 issue of the Lancet. The letter cited the SOCA survey and highlights the ongoing discrimination faced by Chinese Americans, with 68% reporting regular exposure to prejudice, including verbal insults (27%) and physical threats (21%). This constant discrimination has severely impacted mental health, with high rates of hopelessness, depression, and worthlessness reported by respondents. Additionally, Chinese Americans face discriminatory policies, including the China Initiative and restrictions on property ownership in several states, exacerbating concerns about anti-Chinese rhetoric.Despite efforts to address these issues, 82% of Chinese Americans believe discrimination remains prevalent. The survey calls for better data collection on hate crimes, culturally competent mental health services, and greater awareness among policymakers and media about the detrimental effects of anti-Chinese sentiment on the community’s mental health. Addressing this persistent discrimination is crucial to alleviating the psychological toll on Chinese Americans."The mental health of Chinese Americans is at stake, and the repercussions of inaction could be severe. It is imperative that healthcare providers, policymakers, and society recognize and address the impact of both popular and policy-driven racism. We can alleviate the psychological burden borne by Chinese Americans through concerted efforts to combat discrimination and provide adequate mental health support," the letter to Lancet concluded.Read the letter to the Lancet : https://bit.ly/4hJktoI Read the 2024 SOCA Survey: https://bit.ly/3YlMTgT According to the Washington Post on November 10, 2024, Montgomery County Police in Maryland have charged Tiffany Zhang , a 29-year-old with a master’s degree in statistics and specializing in biostatistics, with first-degree murder of her 63-year-old mother, Guichun Hu . The opening moments of the case signaled the role mental illness may have played in what happened that day — and in the months leading to it. Tiffany Zhang has been the subject of at least 15 police calls in recent years to check on her welfare. Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/4exxgYU CEIP: "U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence" The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) released a report titled " U.S.-China Relations for the 2030s: Toward a Realistic Scenario for Coexistence ," as well as a companion short video, in October 2024.According to the report, the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China have created a pessimistic outlook for their future relationship, with some experts suggesting that war could become a possibility within the next decade. To foster a more constructive dialogue, policymakers need a realistic vision of how U.S.-China relations could stabilize. The report presents a more optimistic scenario in which both nations manage their competition predictably and avoid open conflict, similar to the détente between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.The chapters within the report explore various pathways to de-escalation, acknowledging that the future is uncertain but not predetermined. They emphasize the importance of understanding potential futures to develop effective strategies. Contributions from various authors highlight the need for improved communication, recognition of shared interests, and mutual acceptance of norms to foster a more stable relationship.In addition, the chapters discuss the prospects for economic interdependence, the complexities of military dynamics, and the significance of narratives and public perceptions in shaping future interactions. The authors agree that while conflict may intensify, a cooperative and less confrontational approach is feasible. Ultimately, both countries must seek common ground to ensure peace and stability, supported by their allies globally. Recognizing what a more positive future could look like is crucial for steering their relationship in that direction. Watch the CEIP video: https://bit.ly/3BWbUH2 (3:01). News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2024/11/12 Not Going Back: Civil Rights, Immigration, and Representation in the Next Administration2024/11/12 Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom2024/11/12 Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation with Dan Quayle2024/11/13 China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact2024/11/14 The U.S. Elections: What Happened? What's Next?2024/11/14 America's Trust in Science: What's Changed, What's Next?2024/11/14 From Tokyo Rose to The China Initiative2024/11/14 An Advice and Networking Event (Financial Services, Investing and Consulting)2024/11/15 Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue2024/11/15-17 AAASE Inaugural Summit2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/11/24 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation With Dan Quayle WHAT : Beyond the Ballot: A Conversation With Dan Quayle WHEN : November 12, 2024, 4:00 pm ET WHERE : Hybrid in-person and Zoom event HOST : Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice University Speaker : Dan Quayle, 44th U.S. Vice President DESCRIPTION : In the aftermath of the pivotal 2024 U.S. presidential election, the nation faces a defining moment that will significantly influence its political trajectory. While reflecting the deep divisions within the electorate, the outcome will also raise critical questions about the future of governance, party dynamics, and national unity. As the U.S. navigates this pivotal moment, informed analysis and discussion are essential.To provide such insight, Rice's Baker Institute is honored to host the 44th U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. In conversation with Andrew Card, former secretary of transportation and White House chief of staff, they will analyze the aftermath of the presidential election, discuss critical challenges awaiting the incoming administration, and reflect on the state of American politics. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4hFzwzU FOR MORE INFORMATION : https://bit.ly/48MkZOH 3. 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 November 12, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #147 WSJ on Outflow; 10/3 Meeting; NAPA Fellows; OSTP Director Confirmed; Zhengdong Cheng #147 WSJ on Outflow; 10/3 Meeting; NAPA Fellows; OSTP Director Confirmed; Zhengdong Cheng Back View PDF September 26, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #320 ACF, CALDA and AAJC Reports; Trump Invokes 1798 Law; Court Rulings Against Trump; More #320 ACF, CALDA and AAJC Reports; Trump Invokes 1798 Law; Court Rulings Against Trump; More In This Issue #320 · The Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs · Updates from Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance · Updates from Advancing Justice | AAJC · Trump Invokes 1798 Law; Defies Court Order; Rebuked by Chief Justice · Recent Court Rulings Against Trump's Executive Actions · News and Activities for the Communities The Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs Jessica Chen Weiss is Founding Faculty Director of the Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF), SAIS, Johns Hopkins University.During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 3, 2025, Jessica introduced ACF, newly launched in February 2025, that aims to enhance the rigor and depth of public and policy discussions on China, emphasizing civil liberties, inclusiveness, and democracy as central to U.S. foreign policy. Unlike other China-focused think tanks, ACF seeks to foster evidence-based dialogue among experts and practitioners while remaining neutral on policy stances. The institute was launched alongside the report " Getting China Right at Home ," a collection of essays by 15 experts, including contributions from Gisella Perez Kusakawa of Asian American Scholar Forum and Patrick Toomey of ACLU. Seven of the 15 essays in the conceptions of grappling with China address issues of civil liberties, transnational oppression, and discrimination against Asian Americans.ACF seeks to fill a gap in Washington's foreign policy conversations by addressing the domestic consequences of U.S.-China relations, ensuring that civil rights and inclusivity are not sidelined. Jessica emphasized that these issues are not merely collateral damage but are fundamental to formulating sound China policies. There are head winds, but the institute operates under four guiding principles: rigor in research, humility in acknowledging complexity, civility in discussions, and creativity in forward-thinking solutions. This approach is intended to bridge academia and policymaking, fostering long-term strategies that account for both national security and civil liberties.This spring, ACF will focus on disseminating its research findings through meetings with congressional offices, government agencies, and policy stakeholders to encourage two-way dialogue. The institute will also launch an ideas series spotlighting key policy areas while cultivating a new generation of experts who integrate academic insights with practical policymaking. Jessica underscored the importance of maintaining open academic spaces for constructive discussions, ensuring that universities continue to contribute to informed policy debates. Through these initiatives, ACF aims to provide a central platform for nuanced, fact-based conversations on U.S.-China relations and their broader societal implications.A summary of the March 3 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Updates from Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance Clay Zhu 朱可亮 is Co-Founder, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance 华美维权同盟 (CALDA).During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 3, 2025, Clay provided updates on ongoing civil rights litigation concerning discriminatory laws against Chinese Americans, particularly in Florida. Clay’s update covered two major legal battles: Florida’s Alien Land Law (SB 264) and SB 846, which targets Chinese students and universities.SB 264, a measure enacted nearly two years ago, is widely seen as part of the political positioning for the Florida Governor’s presidential bid. This law has been challenged in federal court by CALDA in collaboration with the ACLU and other organizations. The case is currently before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, with a decision anticipated in the next couple months. Clay stressed that the ruling will have far-reaching implications, as it is the first appellate-level decision on such a state law. Given its higher legal authority, the ruling could influence similar laws in other states, particularly Texas, where similar measures are under consideration. The second major case pertains to Florida’s SB 846 , which prohibits universities from forming agreements with Chinese entities. In practice, this has led to the termination of Chinese graduate students’ assistantship roles, severely impacting their academic and professional development.For students working towards a master or Ph.D. degree, it is essential for them to working for the supervising professors as graduate assistants, so that they can go into the lab and work on real life projects and be able to collaborate on academic papers.SB 846 basically bans all the international students from China to be graduate students at universities in Florida.CALDA promptly filed a lawsuit challenging this law. Recently, a magistrate judge ruled in favor of one of CALDA’s arguments, stating that Florida’s law interferes with federal immigration authority. The judge accepted the argument that the law overreaches state power by infringing upon federal immigration regulations. However, the court did not rule in favor of the claim that the law is racially discriminatory. The case is now under review by a district court judge, who is expected to issue a decision in the next month or two. Given historical precedent, it is likely that the district court judge will adopt the magistrate judge’s recommendations. Nevertheless, Florida is expected to appeal the ruling, which would bring the case before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, similar to the Alien Land Law case.Looking ahead, Clay noted that CALDA is closely monitoring legislative developments in Texas. If Texas enacts laws similar to SB 264 or SB 846, the organization is prepared to launch legal challenges to prevent further discriminatory measures. The outcomes of these lawsuits will not only shape the legal landscape in Florida but also set critical precedents that could influence policy decisions and judicial interpretations in other states.Through these legal battles, CALDA continues to advocate for the rights of Chinese Americans, ensuring that unconstitutional and discriminatory policies are challenged in court. Clay’s update highlights the ongoing efforts to protect civil rights and the broader implications of these cases for immigrant communities nationwide. Updates from Advancing Justice | AAJC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 3, 2025, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director of Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program at Advancing Justice | AAJC, reported that AAJC strongly condemned President Trump's executive order mandating English as the official U.S. language, calling it a racist attack on immigrant communities.Joanna provided a litigation update, noting that a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked key parts of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI initiatives in the Federal government and corporate America, citing constitutional violations and harm to affected individuals and organizations.AAJC is also tracking land law activities at state and federal levels, particularly in Texas, where lawmakers introduced SB 17 and HB 1849. AAJC is working with NAPABA and other groups to support advocacy efforts. At the federal level, they anticipate alien land bills and are coordinating opposition with allies, including CAPAC.In addition, reports indicate that the Trump administration plans to invoke the Alien Enemies Act soon, with advocacy groups engaging lawmakers to oppose it. Lastly, Trump nominated John Eisenberg to lead the DOJ’s National Security Division, raising concerns about a possible reinstatement of the China Initiative. AAJC is strategizing with partners to monitor his confirmation. Trump Invokes 1798 Law; Defies Court Order; Rebuked by Chief Justice According to multiple media reports, on March 15, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime law granting the president broad authority to detain or deport noncitizens from "enemy nations" without due process. Trump’s order claims the U.S. is facing an “invasion” by a Venezuelan gang allegedly acting on behalf of Venezuela’s government. Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman opined that the Alien Enemies Act is a weak argument for deportation without a hearing - the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela, a gang is not a government, and it is not threatening invasion or incursion.The Alien Enemies Act was last used during World War II to justify the internment of 120,000 persons of Japanese descent and has only been invoked twice before, during World War I and the War of 1812.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Democracy Forward, and the ACLU of the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over Trump's expected unlawful and unprecedented invocation of the Alien Enemies Act— J.G.G. v. Trump (1:25-cv-00766) . Chief Judge James E. Boasberg of the D.C. Circuit Court issued an initial temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the deportation of the five plaintiffs named in the lawsuit. Later that day, Judge Boasberg expanded the scope of the TRO to encompass all individuals at risk of removal under the Alien Enemies Act, thereby granting class certification. This expanded TRO now protects all immigrants who could be subject to deportation under the Act, preventing their removal from the United States until further legal proceedings determine the Act's applicability and constitutionality in this context. The Washington Post reported that planes deporting 137 migrants under the act landed in El Salvador after Judge Boasberg ordered any such flights to return to the United States on March 15. Family members of some of those deported reportedly said their relatives are not gang members.On March 17, Judge Boasberg ordered Trump officials to provide the next day a sworn declaration that no one was deported under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act after his verbal order was made to turn the planes around. The judge also ordered officials to detail when the executive order was issued and provide a count of how many alleged gang members still in the United States are subject to the order. The Trump administration’s battle with the federal court system escalated sharply with government lawyers calling for the removal of Judge Boasberg and refusing to answer some questions in court.On March 18, Trump called for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg, prompting John G. Roberts Jr., Chief Justice of the United States to issue a rare and stern statement rejecting the idea and asserting the independence of the judiciary. “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” he wrote. “The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”On March 18, the Justice Department refused to answer questions from Judge Boasberg seeking more details about deportations carried out under the Alien Enemies Act, leading the judge to issue a new order for the information. "The Government maintains that there is no justification to order the provision of additional information, and that doing so would be inappropriate...if, however, the Court nevertheless orders the Government to provide additional details, the Court should do so through an in camera and ex parte declaration, in order to protect sensitive information bearing on foreign relations," the DOJ filing said.Judge Boasberg responded to the filing a short time later, directing the government to answer his questions in a sealed court filing by noon March 19. Judge Boasberg has substantial qualifications in handling national security matters, having served a seven-year term on the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court beginning in May 2014. He was the Court's Presiding Judge from January 2020 to May 2021. Judge Boasberg expressed frustration that the government had appeared to snub his order halting the deportations and refused to answer questions about its actions. He had reportedly summarized the government's position as "we don’t care, we’ll do what we want.”On March 19, New York Times reported that Judge Boasberg granted the government another day to share details on deportation flights, including what time two planes took off from U.S. soil and from where, what time they left U.S. airspace, and what time they landed in El Salvador.On March 24, a federal appeals court will hear oral arguments on the Trump administration’s request to lift the temporary block from Judge Boasberg.APA Justice will continue to closely monitor and provide updates on this development. Several organizations have issued statements on the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, including: · 2025/03/18 Asian American Scholar Forum · 2025/03/17 Asian American Advancing Justice · 2025/03/17 Refugee International · 2025/03/16 Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund ***** WP: ‘Very dangerous’: Japanese Americans warn of Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act According to the Washington Post on March 19, 2025, during World War II, the U.S. government used the Alien Enemies Act to arrest thousands of Japanese, German, and Italian nationals, often without evidence or due process. Russell Endo , whose grandfather Heigoro Endo was detained under the law, has researched hundreds of such cases and found no evidence of disloyalty. “If you read the case files, they are completely innocent,” Endo said, emphasizing how the law lacked oversight and offered no recourse for those targeted. Now, with President Donald Trump invoking the same law to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without hearings, Japanese American leaders fear history is repeating itself. Former Congressman Mike Honda , who was incarcerated as an infant under Executive Order 9066, warned that the law gives “too much power in the executive branch because it can be used at a whim.” He has worked with lawmakers to repeal the law, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights. The personal impact of such policies extends across generations. Larry Oda , president of the Japanese American Citizens League, recalled how his father, Junichi , was arrested the day after a military exclusion zone was expanded in California, even though he had relocated to avoid internment. Junichi was sent to multiple incarceration camps, including one in Crystal City, Texas, where Oda was born. “One of the things that affected me the most was that myself and my family had done nothing wrong. We were targeted because of the way we looked,” he said. The trauma left a lasting fear of being unfairly imprisoned. The history of wartime detention highlights the broader dangers of discriminatory policies, as seen in Trump’s recent deportations, which a federal judge has already challenged. For Endo and others, the lesson is clear: “People are using a law that is very dangerous, and the government is abusing it.” Recent Court Rulings Against Trump's Executive Actions As of March 19, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 129 with two closed cases. The New York Times is tracking court rulings that have at least temporarily halted some of the president’s initiatives. As of March 15, 2025, there were at least 46 such rulings.Some of the recent major rulings and related developments: · On March 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the District of Maryland found efforts by Elon Musk and his team to permanently shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution “in multiple ways” and robbed Congress of its authority to oversee the dissolution of an agency it created. Judge Chuang ordered that agency operations be partially restored and barred Musk’s team from engaging in any further work “related to the shutdown of U.S.A.I.D.” The ruling was issued in Does 1-26 v. Musk (8:25-cv-00462) On March 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes of the District of Columbia blocked the Trump administration from banning transgender people from serving in the military until the lawsuit is decided. “The ban at bottom invokes derogatory language to target a vulnerable group in violation of the Fifth Amendment,” Judge Reyes wrote. The ruling was issued in Talbott v. Trump (1:25-cv-00240) On March 17, 2025, U.S District Judge Julie Rubin of Maryland ordered the U.S. Department of Education to reinstate numerous grants that support teacher-preparation programs. The ruling was issued in American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education v. McMahon (1:25-cv-00702) On March 13, 2025, U.S District Judge William Alsup of the Northern District of California ordered half a dozen federal agencies to “immediately” reinstate probationary employees fired last month as part of the Trump administration’s effort to rapidly shrink the federal workforce, calling the effort a “sham.” The ruling was issued in American Federation Of Government Employees, AFL-CIO v. United States Office of Personnel Management (3:25-cv-01780) . On March 17, the Ninth Circuit denied the government’s request for an administrative stay. On March 14, 2025, U.S District Judge James K. Bredar of Maryland granted a temporary restraining order demanding the Trump administration reinstate federal probationary employees terminated on or after January 20. On March 18, the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has moved to reinstate at least 24,000 federal probationary employees fired in Trump’s push to shrink the government. The ruling was issued in State of Maryland v. United States Department of Agriculture (1:25-cv-00748) News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2025/03/04 Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community2025/03/05 The Global Economy at a Crossroads: U.S.-China in Focus2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # 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 March 20, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #33 Call For House Hearing; S. 386/H.R. 1044; Anti-Hate Crime Hero; And Much More #33 Call For House Hearing; S. 386/H.R. 1044; Anti-Hate Crime Hero; And Much More Back View PDF December 10, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #69 06/30 Congressional Roundtable; "Ridiculous Case"; Petition To NYU; "China Initiative" #69 06/30 Congressional Roundtable; "Ridiculous Case"; Petition To NYU; "China Initiative" Back View PDF June 25, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #26 SupChina Video; Professor Ning Xi; UCA And APAPA On Newsweek; Chinese Student Visas #26 SupChina Video; Professor Ning Xi; UCA And APAPA On Newsweek; Chinese Student Visas Back View PDF November 6, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) has launched the Anti-Racial Profiling Project (ARPP). October 6, 2020 On October 6, 2020, Advancing Justice | Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) launched the Anti-Racial Profiling Project (ARPP). Watch the press briefing here . On October 7, 2020, Advancing Justice | AAJC launched the first webinar for ARPP for the public and followed with a detailed message about the project on October 9. How You Can Get Help Legal Referral . Contact AAJC via the Signal app with the number 202-935-6014 or text ONLY a name and phone number to 202-935-6014 and wait for an AAJC staff member to make direct contact. Know Your Rights . Covering 3 areas: (a) When approached by law enforcement (including the FBI, Special Agents from an agency’s Office of Inspector General or security office, or other Federal, state or local police); (b) When law enforcement comes to your house; (c) SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONS FOR SCIENTISTS, SCHOLARS AND RESEARCHERS How You Can Help Make a Tax-Deductible Donation to Advancing Justice | AAJC . AAJC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Sign up for the APA Justice newsletter to keep informed on the latest developments Spread the word about the Anti-Racial Profiling Project Stories from Impacted People Dr. Wei Su : Concern for the younger generation: The targeting and profiling of Chinese and Asian Americans and Immigrants Dr. Xiaoxing Xi : Spying charges against Chinese American scientists spakr fears of a witch hunt Ms. Sherry Chen : Ohio scientist accused of spying sues government after charges dropped Dr. Wen Ho Lee : The Making of a Suspect: The Case of Web Ho Lee Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) has launched the Anti-Racial Profiling Project (ARPP). Previous Next Anti-Racial Profiling Project Launched

Newsletter - #80 FBI Reports Behind Visa Fraud Case Dismissals; Concern Re Knox News Journalist #80 FBI Reports Behind Visa Fraud Case Dismissals; Concern Re Knox News Journalist Back View PDF August 30, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Programs and Initiatives Explore ways to get involved. Click on a program below to learn more about efforts to combat racial profiling and unfair government policies, or find them in the menu above. Advocacy Read More Advocacy for justice and fairness: our work with policy makers to push for AAPI rights and to ensure justice for AAPI academics and scientists. Community Networking Read More A network giving greater resources and a more assertive voice to the Asian American community. History & Education Read More Learn more about important historical events and cases involving Asian American people and culture. Yellow Whistle Campagn Read More Our partnership with the Yellow Whistle Project to promote self-protection and solidarity against discrimination and violence.