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Latest News This is a repository of News items that APA Justice collects as supporting facts and references. In addition to reports from the traditional media outlets including newspaper, television, and radio, it also includes but is not limited to digital news platforms, news agencies, specialized outlets and podcasts, journal and organizational reports, and blogs. The Search box in the menu line may help you to look for your specific topic of interest. Read More California Civil Rights Group Joins Fight Against Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Changes Jul 13, 2025 · LAist Read More After Northwestern Scientist Questioned for China Ties Died by Suicide, Family Sues and Speaks Out Jul 12, 2025 · NBC News Read More Tracking the Lawsuits Against Trump’s Agenda Jul 11, 2025 · New York Times Read More Federal Judge Issues New Nationwide Block Against Trump’s Order Seeking to End Birthright Citizenship Jul 10, 2025 · CNN Read More What’s Next for President Donald Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order in the Courts Jul 10, 2025 · AP Read More Judge Blocks Trump’s Order restricting Birthright Citizenship Jul 10, 2025 · NBC Read More U.S. to Ban Chinese Purchases of Farmland, Citing National Security Jul 08, 2025 · Washington Post Read More New USDA Program Ties Food Security to National Defense Jul 08, 2025 · Department of Defense Read More Agriculture Dept. to Crack Down on Chinese Ownership of American Farmland Jul 08, 2025 · New York Times Read More Family of China-Born Neuroscientist Jane Wu Files Death-Related Civil Complaint in U.S Jul 01, 2025 · South China Morning Post Read More Want a Student Visa? The U.S. Government Needs Your Vine Account Jul 01, 2025 · The Intercept Read More We Asked 5 AI Models to Fact Check Trump. Here’s What We Learned Jul 01, 2025 · Washington Post < < 1 1 1

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Congressional Actions Track Congress's statements and actions for the AAPI community. Our watchlist contains all of the most pertinent issues and legislations to the Asian American community. Check it out Our Watchlist See organizations', scientists', and community groups' statements and responses to AAPI issues. Explore Community Responses Texas House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 552 Read More CAPAC Issues Messaging Guidance on Anti-Asian Hate Read More Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act Introduced Read More House Resolution Condemns All Forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment Related to COVID-19 Read More Senator Warner Letter to FBI Director Wray Read More House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff Statement on Racial Profiling Read More

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Newsletter - #234 Special Edition: Appeals Court Temporarily Halted Florida Alien Land Law (SB 264) #234 Special Edition: Appeals Court Temporarily Halted Florida Alien Land Law (SB 264) In This Issue #234 This is a Special Edition to cover the Appeals Court ruling to temporarily halt the enforcement of Florida's unconstitutional alien land law (SB 264) on February 1, 2024. On February 1, 2024, ACLU issued the following press release: "The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted the enforcement of an unconstitutional Florida law, known as SB 264, against two Chinese immigrants who have challenged the statute in court. SB 264 bans many Chinese immigrants, including people here as professors, students, employees, and scientists, from buying a home in large swaths of the state. This decision comes after a Florida district court ruled against the plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily block the law while the case proceeded."The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Florida, DeHeng Law Offices PC, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and the law firm Quinn Emanuel are representing Chinese immigrants who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida, but would be prohibited under SB 264 from buying a home, as well as Multi-Choice Realty, a local real estate firm whose business has been harmed by the law. "'As a Chinese citizen who was in the process of buying a home when this law went into effect, I’ve been extremely worried ever since,' said a plaintiff impacted by today’s ruling . 'Today’s decision is a relief for me and my family, and we hope that the courts will permanently halt enforcement of this law.' "The court of appeals unanimously held that the plaintiffs showed a substantial likelihood of prevailing in their arguments that SB 264 is preempted by federal law because Congress has already established a system of national security review of real estate purchases by foreign nationals. The court granted an injunction barring enforcement of the law against two of the plaintiffs while the court makes its decision on the merits of the appeal. "'There’s no doubt that Florida’s discriminatory housing law is unconstitutional,' said Ashley Gorski, senior staff attorney at ACLU’s National Security Project. ' The court’s decision brings two of our clients tremendous relief, and we will continue fighting to prevent this law from being enforced more broadly.' "Under SB 264, people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and whose 'domicile,' or permanent home, is in China, are prohibited from purchasing property in Florida altogether. The sole exception is incredibly narrow: People with non-tourist visas or who have been granted asylum may purchase one residential property under two acres that is not within five miles of any 'military installation.' This term is vaguely defined in the law, but there are at least 21 large military bases in Florida, many of them within five miles of cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa—putting many major residential and economically-important areas completely off-limits. "A similar but less restrictive rule also applies to many immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria. But the law singles out people from China for especially draconian restrictions and harsher criminal penalties. "'Florida’s alien land law specifically targets Chinese individuals in clear violation of the Equal Protection Clause,' said Bethany Li, legal director of AALDEF . 'Today’s ruling should serve as a warning to other states who are considering passing similarly racist bills, steeped in a history when Asians were ineligible for citizenship and were told they didn’t belong. As a country, we should be making progress and passing laws that protect all communities rather than going back in time and reviving antiquated laws passed over a century ago.' "Florida’s pernicious new law recalls repeated efforts over the past century to weaponize false claims of 'national security' against Asian and other immigrants. In the early 20th century, politicians used similar justifications to pass ' alien land laws ' in California and more than a dozen other states, prohibiting Chinese and Japanese immigrants from becoming landowners. Florida was one of the last states to repeal its 'alien land law' in 2018. “'This Florida law is just like the alien land laws of more than a hundred years ago banning Asian Americans from owning land,' said Clay Zhu, attorney and managing partner at DeHeng Law Offices PC . 'It is unfair, unconstitutional, and un-American. We are encouraged by today’s decision from the court.'"Read the ACLU press release: https://bit.ly/3Utx0Ub“This prohibition blatantly violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection against discrimination,” Judge Nancy Abudu wrote. The Order of the Appeals Court is posted here: https://bit.ly/3HJij7T . The US District Court in Florida has scheduled hearings in Miami in April 2024. Media Reports · 2024/02/03 South China Morning Post: Florida law barring Chinese citizens from owning property in state blocked by US court · 2024/02/02 Politico: Federal appeals court narrowly blocks controversial Florida law barring Chinese land ownership · 2024/02/02 Reuters: US court blocks Florida law barring Chinese citizens from owning property · 2024/02/02 AsAmNews: Ban on Chinese land ownership in Florida blocked by federal court · 2024/02/02 The Capitolist: U.S. Appeals Court grants partial injunction against foreign land ownership limitations · 2024/02/02 Bloomberg Law: Florida Ban on Home Buying by Chinese, Other Nationals Halted · 2024/02/01 South Florida SunSentinel: Appeals court deals blow to Florida’s law on Chinese land ownership Legal Team to Give Briefing The legal team representing the Plaintiffs in the Florida lawsuit will give a briefing at the APA Justice monthly meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024. Confirmed speakers are: · Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison, The White House · Legal Team of ACLU, AALDEF, and DeHeng Law Offices PC · Nisha Ramachandran, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Lora Lumpe, Chief Executive Officer, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft · Min Fan, Executive Director, US Heartland China Association (USHCA) · Sandy Shan, Executive Director, Justice is Global 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 CALDA Statement in Chinese The Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA 华美维权同盟) also released a statement in Chinese: 喜大普奔：上诉法院发布临时禁止令，SB 264被宣布部分无效！ . The statement noted that the three judges on the Appeals Court unanimously granted the restraining order. Liberal and conservative justices often disagree sharply in today's politically charged cases. That all three judges on the Appeals Court agreed unanimously in this politically controversial case once again proves that the plaintiffs are on the right side of justice.Read the CALDA statement in Chinese: https://bit.ly/3SoF1aj Timeline on the Florida Alien Land Law (SB 264) 2024/02/01 US Appeals Court temporarily halted the enforcement of SB 264 2023/08/21 Plaintiffs' legal team filed an appeal for preliminary injunction of SB 2642023/08/17 US District Court denied Plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion2023/07/01 SB 264 became effective state law in Florida2023/06/26 US Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in support of preliminary injunction of SB 264 2023/05/22 A lawsuit was filed against SB 264 ( SHEN v. SIMPSON 4:23-cv-00208 ) 2023/05/08 SB 264 was passed by the Florida legislature and signed into state law by Governor Ron DeSantis Visit APA Justice for more information on "Alien Land Bills" in Florida, Texas, and other states: https://bit.ly/43epBcl . The Committee of 100 maintains a database and interactive data visualization to identify and track federal and state legislation prohibiting property ownership by citizens of foreign countries at https://bit.ly/3Hxta4B . Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Al Green (TX-09) , who are leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, have introduced the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act in Congress. Back View PDF February 3, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #40 Raskin Letter Delivered; "China Initiative;" Presidential Memo; More #40 Raskin Letter Delivered; "China Initiative;" Presidential Memo; More Back View PDF February 1, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #372 OCA, AASF, C100 2026 Plans; Revival of China Initiative Stopped; Year of Fire Horse; + #372 OCA, AASF, C100 2026 Plans; Revival of China Initiative Stopped; Year of Fire Horse; + In This Issue #372 · 2026 Plans and Review from OCA National · 2026 Plans and Review from Asian American Scholar Forum · Revival of “China Initiative” Stopped · 2026 Plans and Review from the Committee of 100 · 2026: The Year of The Fire Horse · News and Activities for the Communities 2026 Plans and Review from OCA National During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2026, Sharon Wong , National Chair, and Thu Nguyen , Executive Director, OCA National Center provided a detailed update on OCA’s recent work and ongoing priorities, emphasizing the organization’s long-standing role as a national social justice and civil rights advocate. Sharon began by thanking APA Justice for the opportunity to present and noted OCA’s more than 50 years of collaboration with partner organizations. She highlighted OCA’s chapter-based structure as a key strength, allowing the organization to mobilize quickly and effectively on civil rights issues, youth development, and advocacy campaigns. Sharon emphasized that OCA operates through partnerships with other organizations, ensuring that its initiatives are both broad-reaching and community-driven. Thu reviewed OCA’s major activities in 2025. She highlighted the organization’s involvement in three key lawsuits addressing birthright citizenship, voting rights, and other federal policy challenges, in collaboration with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Washington Lawyers Committee, APIAVote, Campaign Legal Center, and Japanese American Citizens League. Thu also discussed OCA’s national convention in Seattle and the summer internship program, which placed students in congressional offices and nonprofits to gain practical advocacy experience. She reaffirmed OCA’s continued support for affirmative action and emphasized the importance of educational programs, including panels on citizenship and legal history that explored the historical roots of discriminatory laws affecting Asian Americans. Looking ahead to 2026, Thu outlined OCA’s priorities for the midterm elections, focusing on Get Out the Vote initiatives conducted through its chapters nationwide. These efforts include voter registration, candidate forums for the local API community, and the development of district-level voter guides to help educate voters. She also discussed OCA’s annual exit polling collaboration with the Asian American Legal Education Defense Fund (AALDEF) and the need for multilingual volunteers to staff the Asian American Advancing Justice AAPI Voter Hotline. These initiatives are designed to ensure that AAPI voices are heard and accurately represented in the electoral process. Thu also highlighted a new partnership with the APA Medical Student Association (APAMSA) to support Medical Students National Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., as well as regional advocacy initiatives through state chapters. Sharon closed the remarks by reiterating OCA’s mission as a civil rights and social justice organization, stressing the importance of youth and advocacy development, and emphasizing that the organization’s effectiveness depends on collaboration with partners and community members. A summary of the APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. NOTES : OCA - ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN ADVOCATES v. RUBIO (1:25-cv-00287) . The case in the District Court for the District of Columbia involves a challenge to Executive Order 14160 on Birthright Citizenship, with plaintiffs including OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates and others proceeding pseudonymously. LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS v. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (1:25-cv-00946) . The case filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia on March 31, 2025, involves multiple plaintiffs, including OCA, to challenge federal actions related to voting rights under Executive Order 14248. JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE v. MUSK (1:25-cv-00643) . The case was filed on March 5, 2025, in the District Court for the District of Columbia by the Japanese American Citizens League, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, Sierra Club, and Union of Concerned Scientists against multiple defendants, including Elon Musk and various U.S. government entities. 2026 Plans and Review from Asian American Scholar Forum During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2026, Gisela Perez Kuasakawa , Executive Director of Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), reflected on AASF’s progress over the past year and thanked the APA Justice team for their early support. She reaffirmed AASF’s founding mission to establish a permanent nonprofit that ensures Asian American scholars, researchers, and scientists have a seat at the table, noting that this goal has now been realized. Gisela highlighted AASF’s growing national impact in 2025, including reaching more than one billion people through media, research and reports, earning 168 citations in major U.S. media outlets such as NBC News and The Wall Street Journal , and hosting a widely attended annual symposium and ceremony at Stanford University with over 2,300 registrants and senior leaders from science, technology, and public service. She also emphasized AASF’s policy and community engagement efforts, particularly its collaboration with more than 80 nonprofit organizations to block harmful legislation, including provisions in the NDAA’s Safe Research Act, and to prevent the return of the China Initiative through the appropriations process. Gisela underscored the importance of faculty leadership in educating policymakers, citing support from almost 700 professors who signed an advocacy letter. Looking ahead, she noted investments in the next generation through the AASF Youth Council, work with the Congressional Commission on a National Museum of Asian Pacific American on history and culture, and continued partnerships to advance a more welcoming America, closing with a preview of an upcoming faculty letter honoring Dr. Jane Wu 吴瑛 . Revival of “China Initiative” Stopped According to the South China Morning Post on January 9, 2026, U.S. House lawmakers removed report language from the FY2026 appropriations bill that would have effectively revived the controversial “China Initiative.” First launched in 2018 under President Donald Trump , the initiative was widely criticized for encouraging racial profiling and disproportionately targeting Chinese American scientists and researchers. Advocacy organizations, including the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), welcomed the decision, warning that such measures undermine trust, damage U.S. research competitiveness, and deter global talent from contributing to American innovation. The report also noted the growing departure of leading scientists from the U.S. to China, including prominent AI researcher Ling Haibin 凌海滨 —creator of the LeafSnap app—who has joined Westlake University in Hangzhou to lead its Intelligent Computing and Application Lab, highlighting shifting dynamics in the global research landscape. Read the South China Morning Post report: https://bit.ly/4qPnHen . On the same day, Stop AAPI Hate, Advancing Justice–AAJC, AASF, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) issued a joint statement commending Congress for removing the problematic language from the House FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill. In September 2025, 82 civil rights and Asian American advocacy organizations—including APA Justice—had signed a letter opposing the provision. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) also led a bicameral letter , endorsed by the same 82 organizations, urging House leadership to abandon the effort to resurrect the discredited program. Separately, AsAmNews published a January 9, 2026 report drawing historical parallels between contemporary racial profiling and immigration enforcement practices targeting Latino communities and the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Under Donald Trump’s second presidency, the Department of Homeland Security reported the deportation of approximately 2 million undocumented immigrants, facilitated in part through the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This rarely used law enabled the administration to bypass immigration courts and due process, allowing arrests in courthouses, workplaces, schools, hospitals, and places of worship. The Supreme Court’s decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo further authorized ICE agents to rely on race, ethnicity, language, and occupation as factors for stops and questioning, disproportionately affecting Latino communities. The article underscores how these modern practices echo earlier exclusionary policies, including the forced relocation and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II—most of whom were U.S. citizens—and earlier immigration laws such as the Page Act of 1875 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. While later reforms like the War Brides Act of 1945 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 formally ended explicit racial exclusions, the article argues that structural inequities persist. Although the United States has become more multiracial, its immigration and national security frameworks continue to reflect historical patterns of exclusion, reinforcing the urgency of vigilance against policies that revive or normalize racial profiling. Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/4jC1Ape . 2026 Plans and Review from the Committee of 100 During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2026, Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President of the Committee of 100 (C100), outlined C100’s priorities for 2026, organized around three strategic pillars: building power and presence, shaping policy and public perception, and strengthening measurable community impact. Under the first pillar, he emphasized developing the next generation of Chinese American leaders and activating C100 members as a national brain trust. He noted strong interest in the Next Generation Leaders program, with more than 66 applicants across public service, media, technology, academia, and the nonprofit sector. From this pool, 12 fellows will be selected for intensive mentorship, leadership readiness, and direct engagement with C100 members. He also highlighted C100’s expanding national presence, including a planned panel at South by Southwest 2026 focused on how U.S. immigration, research, and technology policy decisions shape the global AI race and access to influence. Paul then described C100’s advocacy agenda, centered on producing credible research that counters misinformation, informs policy, and defends civil rights. He announced the release of the third annual State of Chinese Americans national survey, conducted in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, with a public webinar briefing scheduled for January 2026. He further noted plans to publish multiple research briefs and host public webinars addressing discrimination trends, including land ownership restrictions, mental health impacts, and national security–driven policies affecting Chinese American communities. He concluded by highlighting efforts to strengthen member engagement and community impact through off-the-record member briefings and expanded regional forums. These initiatives are designed to translate research into local action, strengthen cross-sector relationships, and foster constructive dialogue around U.S.–China relations. NOTE: On January 1, 2026, the South China Morning Post reported on how Paul Cheung, the new president of the Committee of 100, aims to foster mutual understanding between Chinese Americans and China while addressing anti-Asian hate and promoting US-China dialogue through research, advocacy, and leadership development. Read the interview: https://bit.ly/3Yun7GI 2 026: The Year of The Fire Horse According to the South China Morning Post , the year beginning February 17, 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac, a combination that occurs only once every 60 years. This comes from pairing one of the 12 zodiac animals with one of the five elements—a system that traces back centuries and reflects deeply rooted cultural beliefs about energy cycles and cosmic balance. The Horse is the seventh sign in the cycle, and when paired with the Fire element—especially in a yang configuration—it creates a “double fire” year believed to bring exceptionally intense, dynamic energy. In Chinese astrological tradition, Fire Horse years are known for bold action, transformation, and rapid change. The Horse symbolizes freedom, speed, and unrestrained movement, while fire represents passion and outward energy. Combined, these forces suggest a year of ambition, momentum, and unpredictability—a period in which social, technological, and cultural dynamics may shift quickly and dramatically. Historically, Fire Horse years have coincided with both significant upheaval and notable achievements. For example, the last Fire Horse year in 1966 saw the onset of China’s Cultural Revolution—a period of widespread disruption and conflict—but also important advances in space exploration. These examples underscore the dual nature of the year’s energy: it can catalyze chaos and challenge existing structures, but also create conditions for breakthroughs and innovation. Looking ahead to 2026, many astrologers and cultural commentators expect the year to be marked by rapid development and shifting priorities, with opportunities for bold initiatives and transformative progress, especially in areas like technology and medicine. At the same time, the year’s intense energy may bring volatility that requires adaptability and resilience. Overall, the Year of the Fire Horse is viewed as a time of dynamic contrast—where disruption and progress can coexist and shape both personal and collective experiences. Read the South China Morning Post report: https://bit.ly/4pt7hac News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/01/13 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao 2026/01/21 Perception and Reality: What U.S.–China Relations Mean for Chinese Americans Today 2026/01/28 Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Exceptional Public Service 2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/02/11 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: BD Wong Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. APIAVote 2026 Paid Summer Internships APIAVote is now accepting PAID interns for the Summer 2026 term! Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels. APIAVote envisions a society in which all AAPIs fully participate in and have access to the democratic process. Interns will be provided a $3,500 stipend for 10 weeks from June 1st to August 7th (with some flexibility on dates based off of need) of in-person work with APIAVote at our national office in Washington, DC. Learn more and apply at: https://bit.ly/4qJr8TF . Priority deadline is March 1, 2026. # # # 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 January 12, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #113 2/7 Meeting Summary; Gang Chen Talks; Take Action; IHRN Statement; ODNI Accountability #113 2/7 Meeting Summary; Gang Chen Talks; Take Action; IHRN Statement; ODNI Accountability Back View PDF February 14, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #31 Registration For 12/02 Webinar; EEOC Webinar #31 Registration For 12/02 Webinar; EEOC Webinar Back View PDF November 28, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #381 3/24 Mass Surveillance Webinar; AASF Update; Citizen Diplomacy; Birthright Citizenship #381 3/24 Mass Surveillance Webinar; AASF Update; Citizen Diplomacy; Birthright Citizenship In This Issue #381 · 03/24 Webinar: What AAPI Should Know About Mass Surveillance · Update from Asian American Scholar Forum · USHCA: Advancing Subnational and Citizen Diplomacy · More Amicus Briefs to Oppose Birthright Citizenship Executive Order · Equity Pulse: Is Your Citizenship at Stake? · News and Activities for the Communities 03/24 Webinar: What Asian Pacific Americans Need to Know About Mass Surveillance During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 2, 2026, Mike German announced an upcoming webinar titled “Mass Surveillance and the ICE Crackdown: What the AAPI Community Needs to Know,” scheduled for March 24 at 4 p.m. Pacific (7 p.m. Eastern). The webinar aims to raise awareness about mass surveillance programs—particularly the reauthorization of Section 702 and related national security authorities—that are fueling aspects of the current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown. The Asian American community has long been unfairly targeted as a national security threat, including during the China Initiative, and that these surveillance programs continue to disproportionately impact the community. The event is intended to educate the public about how ICE uses technology and law enforcement information, what is being done to address these practices, and how community members can support ongoing advocacy efforts. APA Justice is deeply grateful for Mike, retired Fellow of the Brennan Center for Justice and former FBI Special Agent, for taking a break from his retirement to help organize this webinar. Please save the date and time and look for further details in the coming days. Update from Asian American Scholar Forum During the APA Justice monthly meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, starting at 1:55 pm ET. Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum, highlighted three major updates from AASF. First, she discussed the recent hearing in the case involving Dr. Jane Ying Wu 吴瑛 and Northwestern University. Although Dr. Wu was not charged following a 2019 National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigation, her family has alleged that the university took damaging actions against her, including limiting her work, closing her lab, reassigning grants, isolating her, and involuntarily admitting her to a psychiatric unit. The court allowed several claims—including a discrimination claim—to move forward, and written discovery will proceed. AASF is closely monitoring the case, has organized support from more than 1,000 faculty signatories, is preparing a nonprofit letter with Advancing Justice | AAJC, and will host an educational webinar featuring Dr. Wu’s daughter. Gisela emphasized that the case reflects the broader employment and institutional ripple effects of the China Initiative. Second, she noted that AASF is monitoring reports of potential efforts to bar individuals of Chinese descent, including permanent residents, from certain federal employment roles. AASF is assessing these developments and will keep the community informed about any actions requiring response. Finally, Gisela ended on a positive note, announcing AASF’s inaugural AIX Summit in New York City on April 17, 2026. The summit will highlight Asian American leadership in artificial intelligence and research, featuring prominent scholars and scientists, and aims to celebrate achievements while strengthening the pipeline of future talent in the United States. For more information, visit https://www.aasforum.org/2026/02/17/inaugural-aasf-aix-summit/ A summary for the March 2 monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. ***** On March 4, 2026, NPR reported on the story of Dr. Jane Ying Wu 吴瑛, interviewing a number of scientists and researchers, as well as her daughter Liz Rao. Read or listen to the NPR report: https://n.pr/4cNobOr . USHCA: Advancing Subnational and Citizen Diplomacy According to the U.S. Heartland China Association (UCHCA), from October 23 to November 2, 2025, a Heartland Leaders Delegation organized by USHCA traveled to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Xianyang, engaging with local governments, universities, and businesses to explore cooperation in healthcare, education, environmental governance, and sustainable economic development. This delegation included six local elected officials representing communities across the Mississippi River Basin and beyond. The delegation's meetings and exchanges coincided with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, where Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping were holding high-level discussions. While national leaders set the tone for the bilateral relationship, the delegation demonstrated how local and regional actors can also advance constructive engagement on the ground — often operating ahead of, and in support of, broader national conversations by sustaining dialogue, trust, and cooperation at the community level. Amid evolving U.S. federal engagement in subnational diplomacy and a shifting geopolitical landscape, the visit highlighted how state and local leaders play a vital role in promoting understanding and advancing diplomacy through local-to-local cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for their communities. Across all four cities, Heartland leaders moved beyond symbolism to engage in substantive, place-based exchanges on healthcare innovation, environmental stewardship, education, advanced manufacturing, and cultural heritage — areas where local governments are uniquely positioned to deliver tangible outcomes. The visit also highlighted the growing recognition among Chinese private-sector leaders of the critical role local relationships play in successful international business development. Engagements with companies such as Nongfu Spring and Gotion underscored how Chinese firms seeking to expand in the United States increasingly prioritize understanding local contexts, workforce needs, regulatory environments, and community expectations in the American Heartland — reinforcing that economic cooperation is driven not solely by national policy, but by sustained dialogue with state and local leaders. In 2026, the Yangtze-Mississippi River Dialogue will return to the U.S. in the fall, with USHCA planning to host a reciprocal Chinese delegation. Read the USHCA report: https://bit.ly/46EwbNK More Amicus Briefs to Oppose Birthright Citizenship Executive Order On February 27, 2026, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Howard University School of Law's Civil Rights Clinic filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, Equal Justice Society, the National Urban League, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, urging the Court to strike down President Trump's executive order 14160 on birthright citizenship. The brief debunks the Trump administration's claim that the Reconstruction Congress intended birthright citizenship to apply only to freed slaves and their children, arguing that the 14th Amendment and the Immigration and Nationality Act clearly grant birthright citizenship to all people born in the United States, regardless of the legal status of their parents. The groups warn that if upheld, the executive order would resurrect a time in American history when only certain people could be declared a citizen by birth, and would further expose communities of color to harmful policies — with immigration enforcement tactics that hearken back to a time when newly freed Black people had to carry their manumission papers. On March 2, 2026, the American Bar Association (ABA) filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that Executive Order 14160 violates the birthright citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. The ABA urges the Supreme Court to affirm the lower court's judgment invalidating the executive order and preserve the settled rule that birth in the United States confers citizenship. Equity Pulse: Is Your Citizenship at Stake? On March 17, 2026, the Committee of 100 will host a webinar as part of its Equity Pulse series: “Equity Pulse: Is Your Citizenship at Stake?” On April 1, 2026, the Supreme Court will hear arguments that could redefine what it means to be a U.S. citizen. It is a battle Chinese Americans have fought before. In 1898, Wong Kim Ark sued for his right to reenter the United States after being denied because of his Chinese ancestry. His Supreme Court victory established birthright citizenship as we know it. Now, that precedent is under attack in Trump v. Barbara . Join attorneys Wendy Feng , Arjun Shenoy , Tony Wang , and Jennifer Wu on Monday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT, as they break down the legal arguments and discuss what this case could mean for AAPIs and civil rights. They were directly involved in the drafting of the two amicus briefs filed by the AAPI community in this case. Even if you are a U.S. citizen today, this case could affect generations to come. Hear from top legal experts, ask questions, and engage on a constitutional right. Register to attend: https://bit.ly/4aVpBDC News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/03/17 Equity Pulse: Is Your Citizenship at Stake? 2026/04/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/04/14 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Anla Cheng Visit 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 6, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #273 NIH Statement; AA Voters; Pandas; Everything National Security; Perils of Vilifying+ #273 NIH Statement; AA Voters; Pandas; Everything National Security; Perils of Vilifying+ In This Issue #273 · NIH Support Statement Falls Short · NYT Reports: Asian Americans and Asian American Voters Carry More Weights · The Pandas Are Back in San Diego and Coming to Washington DC · Foreign Affairs : How Everything Became National Security · TIME : The Perils of Vilifying Chinese Migrants · News and Activities for the Communities NIH Support Statement Falls Short On August 15, 2024, Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli , Director of National Institutes of Health (NIH), issued a statement expressing support for Asian American, Asian immigrant and Asian research colleagues. According to the statement, the NIH has taken steps to address serious threats to the integrity of NIH-funded research, particularly those linked to the government of the People's Republic of China. While these actions have reduced violations related to peer review confidentiality and reporting foreign support, they have also created an unintended difficult climate for Asian American, Asian immigrant, and Asian research colleagues.NIH acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Asian researchers and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research community. The NIH emphasizes that its efforts to address foreign interference are applied in a nondiscriminatory manner and do not target individuals based on ethnicity, race, or national origin.Moving forward, the NIH is working with stakeholders, universities, and professional organizations to repair relationships with Asian researchers. These efforts include research security training, guidelines for foreign talent program recruitment, and tools to protect the integrity of NIH-funded research while promoting international scientific collaboration.Read the NIH statement: https://bit.ly/4dFphIU APA Justice welcomes the NIH's commitment to work with the Asian scientific community to repair relationships. This action is long overdue. However, NIH must also implement an open and fair due process and procedures to prevent administrators from overreacting and unjustly targeting researchers in the name of security or caution.The China Initiative was launched in apparent coordination with the NIH's August 2018 warning to 10,000 grantee institutions about "threats to the integrity of U.S. biomedical research." The first wave of dismissals, some lacking due process and disproportionately targeting Asian researchers, began at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the spring of 2019. On March 23, 2023, Science reported on NIH’s “China initiative” upended hundreds of lives and destroyed scores of academic careers: https://bit.ly/3ZbJL4B . According to NIH as of June 9, 2024 , it has identified more than 250 scientists, mostly of Asian descent, who it says have failed to disclose work in China that overlaps with their NIH-funded research or broken other rules. NIH says 112 scientists have lost their jobs as a result.Despite the China Initiative ending two and a half years ago, the scientific community was once again shocked on July 10, 2024 by the tragic passing of a prominent Chinese American researcher in neurology and genetics after her lab at the Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine was shut down.APA Justice takes exception to the choice word of "unintended" in the NIH statement. NIH made mistakes that had grave consequences to individuals, communities, and U.S. leadership in science and technology. A more direct acknowledgment of the impact without relying on "unintended" could demonstrate a stronger commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring that future actions are carefully considered to avoid similar outcomes. Accountability, corrective actions, and a continuing dialogue with the Asian American communities are still needed from NIH. On August 16, 2024, Science reported that the NIH director expressed support for Asian researchers 6 years into the "China initiative," but some say the agency should apologize and acknowledge racial targeting. Gisela Kusakawa , Executive Director of Asian American Scholar Forum, said: “When policies are written down and specified, that helps increase transparency and reduce issues of racial biases.”Some scientists told Science that they are disappointed NIH denies any racial profiling and did not apologize or acknowledge that, in some cases, NIH’s probe has needlessly destroyed careers and lives. Many of the instances investigated, says Peter Zeidenberg , an attorney who represented some of the accused scientists, “were simple mistakes made out of ignorance of confusing and evolving reporting requirements for which NIH provided no training.”“I am disappointed that Chinese American scientists whose labs were shut for 2 or more years or forced into early retirement because of [NIH’s] overzealous prosecution have not received any apology or compensation,” says Yan Chen , an information scientist at the University of Michigan. University of Houston electrical engineer Steven Pei worries new guidelines aren’t enough. “NIH must also implement open and fair due process and procedures to prevent administrators from overreacting and unjustly targeting researchers in the name of security or caution,” says Pei, who co-leads the nonprofit Asian Pacific American Justice Task Force. “This is a very important step toward rebuilding trust by Asian and Asian American scientists,” says Yale University pathologist Qin Yan . “I look forward to continued dialogue and measures to support the scientists who were unfairly impacted by the past actions of government agencies.” The Committee of 100, a nonprofit group of prominent Chinese Americans, adds: “We commend the NIH for recognizing this harm and agree that moving forward, our focus should be on fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative environment for all scientists and researchers, including those of Chinese and Asian descent.”Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/4cCSBPG NYT Reports : Chinese Americans and Asian American Voters Carry More Weights The New York Times recently published two articles highlighting the growing role of Chinese Americans and Asian Americans voters. In one article titled Asian American Voters Could Be Key Swing Voters of 2024 , it pointed out that Asian American voters have historically leaned Democratic, but recent trends suggest a more nuanced and independent voting pattern. The 2020 election highlighted the significance of Asian American voters, particularly in battleground states. Both parties recognize the untapped potential within the Asian American electorate. However, despite growing outreach efforts, many Asian Americans report not being contacted by either party, indicating room for further engagement. As Asian Americans continue to grow in numbers and political influence, they are likely to play an increasingly pivotal role in future elections.Another article In the Race for San Francisco Mayor, Chinese Voters Take Center Stage examined how the upcoming mayoral election in San Francisco has prompted candidates to intensify their efforts to engage with Chinese American voters. In a city where people of Chinese descent make up over one-fifth of the population, mayoral hopefuls are vying for the attention and support of these voters, who have become more politically active in recent years. The Chinese community played a key role in two 2022 recall elections that removed progressive school board members and a liberal district attorney.Mayor London Breed , who is seeking re-election, is making a concerted effort to win over Chinese voters. She has highlighted her administration's achievements, such as a decline in crime rates, including anti-Asian attacks, and her tough-on-crime agenda. Breed has also focused on improving relations with China, including lobbying for the restoration of direct flights to San Francisco and advocating for bringing giant pandas to the city's zoo. Challengers to Breed, such as Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí , both members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, have also been working to secure support from Chinese voters. They have longstanding ties within the community and represent districts with large Chinese populations. Juan Zhang , editor at US-China Perception Monitor, contributed this report. The Pandas Are Back in San Diego and Coming to Washington DC According to San Diego Union Tribune , Washington Post , and multiple media reports, a long line of admirers formed at the San Diego Zoo to greet the first two giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years on August 8, 2024. On loan from China, Yun Chuan, a 5-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a 4-year-old female, made their public debut to an adoring crowd. Yun Chuan’s mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007, and his grandmother Bai Yun was a mainstay of the zoo from her arrival in 1996 until her return to China in 2019.Not only are the zoo’s newest residents the “furriest, cutest San Diegans,” according to Mayor Todd Gloria , these pandas are diplomats, symbolizing hope for future generations of their species. Chinese dignitaries and local elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom , welcomed the pandas to San Diego with a private ceremony, complete with entertainment from traditional Chinese dancers and singers. Gov. Newsom declared August 8 as California Panda Day.Their arrival marks a renewal of the “panda diplomacy” between China and the United States. For decades, China has sent pandas to zoos around the world, generally on limited loans, as a diplomatic tool to build alliances and goodwill. But relations between the two nations have soured in recent years. The last time China sent pandas to the United States was to the Memphis Zoo in 2003, and the National Zoo’s famous pandas were recalled to China last year. Lei Guang , executive director of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California at San Diego, cautioned that people shouldn’t attach too much political or diplomatic significance to the animals. “The return of giant pandas is a positive development in what is otherwise still a bleak relationship between the U.S. and China. Instead, he saw the pandas as the symbol of what is possible when the two countries cooperate, allowing researchers to study the animals and work on their conservation. The National Zoo in Washington DC will get two new adolescent pandas by the end of the year. The 2-year-old bears are named Bao Li and Qing Bao. Both were born at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan. Bao Li has D.C. roots, though: His mother, Bao Bao, was born at the National Zoo in 2013 and was a local celebrity before being sent to China in 2017. Bao Li’s grandparents, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, lived at the National Zoo for 23 years before being returned to China last year. Read the San Diego Union-Tribune report: https://bit.ly/3YP2JS9 . Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/3M9Bj1q . Foreign Affairs : How Everything Became National Security According to a Foreign Affairs opinion, labeling something a matter of “national security” in American politics automatically elevates its importance. Of course, not everyone agrees on which issues fall into the national security bucket. And the American definition of national security has fluctuated wildly over time. In the years between the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and the 9/11 attacks of 2001—an era in which the United States seemed to have few immediate rivals—even security scholars had difficulty defining the meaning of national security. Unsurprisingly, they could not reach a consensus. Since the subsequent “war on terror,” however, the national security bucket has grown into a trough. From climate change to ransomware to personal protective equipment to critical minerals to artificial intelligence, everything is national security now.It is true that economic globalization and rapid technological change have increased the number of unconventional threats to the United States. Yet there appears also to be a ratchet effect at work, with the foreign policy establishment adding new things to the realm of national security without getting rid of old ones. Problems in world politics rarely die; at best, they tend to ebb very slowly. But if everything is defined as national security, nothing is a national security priority. Without a more considered discussion among policymakers about what is and what is not a matter of national security, Washington risks spreading its resources too thin across too broad an array of issues. This increases the likelihood of missing a genuine threat to the safety and security of the United States. Whoever is sworn in as president next January will need to think about first principles in order to rightsize the definition of national security. Otherwise, policymakers risk falling into a pattern of trying to do everything, ensuring that they will do nothing well. Read the Foreign Affairs opinion: https://fam.ag/4dlk2P3 TIME : The Perils of Vilifying Chinese Migrants According to TIME on August 13, 2024, with intense political debate focused on the U.S. southern border, an unexpected trend has captured a great deal of attention. Chinese migrants are among the fastest growing national populations crossing the border, and their numbers have increased exponentially since 2022. In 2023, approximately 37,000 Chinese nationals entered the United States this way, compared to less than 2,000 the year before. In the first five months of 2024, over 24,000 Chinese migrants were apprehended on the Southern border. The journey over land through Mexico—or via a complex, multi-stop route that leaves them in Baja, Calif.—is not easy. But many migrants say they are motivated to undertake it because of the economic challenges facing middle-class Chinese citizens and small business owners in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s strict Zero-COVID policy. Others highlight increasing political oppression, stemming both from increased monitoring of dissidents connected to Hong Kong or opposition movements as well as increased controls over public discourse since President Xi Jinping began his unprecedented third term in power.In the United States, conservative media, think tanks, and politicians increasingly question these stated motives, expressing concerns instead that the Chinese Communist Party is “sending” migrants as spies, to form an army, or to otherwise sabotage U.S. national security.None of this rhetoric about a Chinese “invasion” or “threat” is new. There is a long history of anti-Chinese and anti-Asian rhetoric in the United States. In the past, such rhetoric has led to violence and discrimination. Using it now—despite the lack of evidence that China or the CCP is using the border to "infiltrate" the country—threatens to stoke backlash against Chinese migrants and Asian Americans, as well as further damage the U.S. diplomatic relationship with China. The assumption that Chinese Americans were unique and different from other ethnic groups in the United States kept the “perpetual foreigner” syndrome alive, allowing many Americans to assume that people of Chinese descent, citizens or not, would always remain more loyal to China than the United States.The assumption that Chinese Americans or Chinese migrants with access to technical and scientific information must be using it on behalf of China has not declined in the last three decades.In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice launched its “China Initiative,” seeking to uncover unlawful technology and scientific transfers to China, investigating ethnic Chinese professors and researchers in the United States and subjecting them to what was often unwarranted scrutiny. The program was ended in 2022 with the admission that it frequently targeted ethnic Chinese people and subjected them to suspicion and harassment without clear evidence that they had done anything wrong.Protecting U.S. national security is important, and immigration law and policy can play an important role in that. However, it is possible to manage even irregular entries on the Southern border without resorting to the language of “invasion” and peril that has done so much damage to Chinese immigrant and Chinese American communities in the past and present. Read the TIME report: https://bit.ly/3SNh5yz News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/08/19 APIAVote DNC Convention Reception2024/08/20 APIAVote DNC Convention Briefing2024/09/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/09/09 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/09/19 1990 Teachers Workshop: Asian American Identity2024/09/19-20 AANHPI Unity Summit2024/10/06 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/10/07 APA Justice Monthly MeetingThe Community Calendar has moved. Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. AAGEN: SES Leadership Development Program Class of 2024-2025 The Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) Senior Executive Service (SES) Leadership Development Program is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Class through September 10, 2024. The program offers executive development courses, coaching in mock interviews, individual mentoring, and career counseling for candidates to gain the skills to effectively compete for SES positions. Each candidate will be assigned an SES mentor who will provide guidance throughout the program. The next class will commence December 9-11, 2024 and the program will continue through September 2025. The training sessions will be held in the Washington, DC metro area. Participants should expect a quarterly time commitment of 2-3 days of classes and other sessions, plus at least one mentoring session. Additional activities, as assigned by the SES mentor and trainers, will be completed on the participant’s own time.For more information about the AAGEN program, please visit http://www.aagen.org/SESDevelopmentProg Back View PDF August 19, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #207 9/11 Meeting; AI, Civil Rights, Equity, Innovation; Franklin Tao, UNC Shooting; More News #207 9/11 Meeting; AI, Civil Rights, Equity, Innovation; Franklin Tao, UNC Shooting; More News In This Issue #207 2023/09/11 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Civil Rights, Equity, and Innovation Tenth Circuit Court To Hear Appeal of Professor Franklin Tao 陶丰 Statements and Media Reports on UNC Shooting News and Activities for The Communities 2023/09/11 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, September 11, 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; Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), 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, confirmed speakers to cover the renewal of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement are: Deborah Seligsohn , Senior Associate (non-resident), Center for Strategic and International Studies; Assistant Professor, Villanova University https://bit.ly/3OMc8En Steve Kivelson , Prabhu Goel Family Professor of Physics, Stanford University https://bit.ly/44xTNPX Sudip Parikh , Chief Executive Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Executive Publisher, Science Family of Journals Ting Wu , Advisor, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Office of the Chief of Staff, The White House 1. Committee of 100 Letter to the President On September 6, 2023, Gary Locke , Chair of the Committee of 100 (C100), wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to renew for another five years the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the PRC on Cooperation in Science and Technology (STA). "The STA offers the United States significant benefits to advance scientific progress in many fields and in people-to-people exchanges, and it presents minimal risks to American national security," the letter said. "Committee of 100 believes renewing the STA for another five-year term will enhance American scientific and technological achievement and promote U.S. leadership in open and transparent scientific cooperation globally. Conversely, Committee of 100 argues that allowing the STA to expire would disrupt mutually beneficial scientific exchange and disrupt peaceful people-to-people ties between the U.S. and the PRC. For these reasons, Committee of 100 urges you and your Administration to renew the STA with whatever additional safeguards your national security advisors deem appropriate and not simply to abandon this proven framework for constructive bilateral engagement."Gary Locke is also former U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and a former college president. Read the C100 letter at: https://bit.ly/3sJD1R0 2. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Members' Update: China! In a recent Members' Update, NAS President Marcia McNutt reported that "[m]embers have expressed concern about the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and China, pointing out that this partnership has resulted in extensive collaborations, joint research projects, and mutual contributions to global scientific knowledge."The National Academy of Sciences has promoted engagement with China since Frank Press' presidency in the 1980s. More recently, I had the honor of co-chairing the first Chinese-American Frontiers of Science symposia, which brought young researchers from both nations together to discuss forefront research and build relationships."Although there have been bumps in the road in our relationship with China, one could well argue that a U.S. position that focuses on de-risking does not fully account for the risks to the U.S., our science, and innovation of pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach towards China. For example, we have seen how policies such as the so-called 'China Initiative' have resulted in many Chinese-American researchers' feeling persecuted and afraid for their safety."To be sure, there are several real concerns related to the actions of China's leadership around the world, and some important issues related to intellectual property, research security, and research misconduct must be addressed. Understanding the nature and implication of these threats requires dialogue among the many stakeholders, and the NAS is leading these discussions. At the same time, we need to identify productive ways to maintain connections between the U.S. and China, especially in mutually beneficial areas. The bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement between the U.S. and China was temporarily renewed last week for six months, but its long-term fate in uncertain."The United States has the most dynamic innovation economy in the world. Our country has benefitted over the centuries from our ability to assess the talent and ideas being developed around the world. At a time when more and more science is being produced outside the U.S., the nation is handicapping itself by restricting these collaborations. NAS will continue to engage with policy makers to listen to their concerns with engagement, while highlighting to them the benefit of such connections for fostering a healthy U.S. science and innovation ecosystem." Artificial Intelligence (AI), Civil Rights, Equity, and Innovation 1. First look: Civil rights group starts center to monitor AI for hate speech According to Axios on September 7, 2023, The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights (LCCHR), one of the nation's largest and oldest civil rights coalitions, is launching a Center for Civil Rights and Technology to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) affects civil rights, fosters racism, and spreads bigotry. The center comes amid rising concern that AI may fuel racism and more antisemitism in the U.S. by amplifying bias from human-generated content on the internet.The center will monitor legislation and regulations on AI and other emerging technologies and assess how those will impact civil and human rights. The center also will publish papers and policy positions, and support active civic conversations about generative AI.Because AI models learn to complete sentences by analyzing enormous quantities of text created by people, usually on the internet, they pick up bias embedded in both the digital environment and broader society."Hate has had a very comfortable home on our social media platforms. And it has been given cover by, sadly, sometimes, by leaders that have every ability to disrupt that," LCCHR president and CEO Maya Wiley said. An advisory group of experts and civil rights organizations will advise the center, including Alondra Nelson , Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) under the Biden Administration.Read the Axios report: https://bit.ly/467vI3F 2. Embed equity throughout innovation According to a Science editorial on September 7, 2023, the social benefit of technologies is frequently unevenly realized across the United States. Rural communities, individuals with disabilities, and historically marginalized groups face out-of-reach costs or lack access to products that meet their needs. Blame is typically placed on complicated regulatory processes or complex delivery systems, but this response neglects the problem that equity is not baked into the nation’s innovation process at any stage. The United States needs to rethink its entire innovation ecosystem to incorporate equity as a foundational guiding principle—from research design and funding requirements to policies and regulations that govern the delivery and oversight of new products to the public.Development of new technologies and products in the United States benefits from a governance framework that optimizes fairness and opportunity for creators and investors while prioritizing the safety and autonomy of end users. Equity is typically an afterthought, usually arising after unfair public outcomes are recognized. Given the recent remarkable pace of progress across all scientific disciplines, there is an urgent need to incorporate equity considerations throughout the innovation life cycle. Consider, for example, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in health care. Lack of diversity in the workforce and in the geographic distribution of innovation centers reduces the range of perspectives that shape research in this field. Nonrepresentative and discriminatory data sets and poor selection of proxy outcomes measures lead to biased algorithms that skew machine learning and adversely affect AI platforms that influence decision-making. Although efforts are underway to advance the ethical use of AI, a fundamental cultural shift is needed to fully integrate equity in this field and in many others.Embedding these values in innovation means accounting for equity at each stage, from idea conception to technology and product development, evaluation, monitoring, and iterative learning and improvement.A diverse community of users and creators should join traditional stakeholders to rethink governance strategies and incentives. Equitable innovation will require creative steps and new practices, such as engaging with underserved and marginalized communities at each stage of the innovation life cycle. This will ensure that these groups are not only consulted during research but also have opportunities to substantively lead and engage in innovation partnerships. If 21st-century innovation is to reflect social needs and improve the well-being of the entire public, then it will require a strong vision activated by a coalition of public and private partners that embrace an equity-centric approach at every stage.Authors of the Science editorial: Keith A. Wailoo , Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs, Princeton University. Victor J. Dzau , President of the National Academy of Medicine. Keith R. Yamamoto , Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Strategy and Director of Precision Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco; President, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Read the Science editorial: https://bit.ly/44HfqO4 Tenth Circuit Court To Hear Appeal of Professor Franklin Tao 陶丰 Professor Feng "Franklin" Tao 陶丰 of University of Kansas (KU) was the first academic to be indicted under the now-defunct "China Initiative." Of the ten charges against him by the government, nine were dropped or dismissed. He was convicted by jury of one count of making a false statement. U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson stated that this “was not an economic espionage case” and released Professor Tao for time served. According to Inside Higher Ed on January 19, 2023, “Dr. Tao will be appealing his count of conviction and expects to prevail and be completely exonerated. And yes, he fully intends to continue his career as a scientist and researcher, either at KU or another university,” Peter Zeidenberg , Tao’s lawyer, said at that time.The 10th Circuit Appeals Court will hold a hearing on Professor Tao's appeal in Denver, Colorado, on September 21, 2023, starting at 8:30 am MT/10:30 am ET. Community members are urged to show their support for Professor Tao by attending the hearing at Byron White Court House, 1823 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80257. The Clerk's Office can be reached at 303-844-3157.Read APA Justice coverage of the case of Professor Franklin Tao at https://bit.ly/3fZWJvK . Read the Inside Higher Ed report: http://bit.ly/3wiMPQm Statements and Media Reports on UNC Shooting 1. Statements by UCA and AASF United Chinese Americans (UCA) and Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) issued statements mourning the tragic death of Dr. Zijie Yan 严资杰 , an associate professor of Applied Physical Sciences at University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill.AASF joins the UNC community in grieving the devastating killing of Dr. Yan, and boldly condemns the senseless act of violence perpetrated against him and his family. Two fundraisers have been set up - one for his daughters here and another for his parents here .Read the AASF statement: https://bit.ly/4669EXj The UCA statement condemns the racist rhetoric stemming from a public official in Wayne County, NC, which has no place in our society. "This hateful speech exacerbates the harm caused by discrimination and intolerance and can have dangerous consequences for the AAPI community," the statement said. "Together we must create an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, can pursue their educational goals without fear. Our condolences go out to the Yan family, and we hope that the UNC community finds strength and resilience in the face of this adversity. Let us come together to honor Zijie Yan's memory, strongly condemn racism, and work tirelessly for a future where such incidents can be prevented." 2. Media Reports on UNC Shooting According to CBS-17 on August 30, 2023, Wendy H. Waters , principal of Spring Creek High School in Wayne County, North Carolina, posted on Facebook a message that is widely viewed as a racist response to the shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill.“There is nothing WHITE about him,” she said as part of the post alongside a photo of Tailei Qi 齐太磊 ,, the man accused of fatally shooting Zijie Yan 严资杰 . The post continued to say “My bet is he’s a Chinese Nationalist.”In a statement from Wayne County schools, the district said Waters’ comments “do not reflect the views of the school district” and that the matter is now under review.Read the CBS-17 report: https://bit.ly/3ZsbS1j According to a report by WUNC on September 8, 2023, the death of Dr. Zijie Yan, triggered deep-seated anxiety and fear among Asian Americans in the Triangle. Jiu-Luen Tsai , 50, had been grappling with fear, frustration and grief. Like many other Asian Americans in the Triangle, he was afraid of how people would perceive him and his family after authorities identified graduate student Tailei Qi as the suspect. It reminded Tsai of instances when he and others in the Asian American community have been attacked.Tsai tried to talk to his 14-year-old son about it. “I honestly don’t know if he has experienced these things himself—xenophobia, racism and fear of gun violence,” Tsai said. “With a teenager, it’s especially hard to know. As a responsible parent, I have to talk about these things because these are truths in our world.”While the event is not characterized as a hate crime, it’s still an example of violence that’s impacted the Asian American community, said Jimmy Patel-Nguyen , the communications director at North Carolina Asian Americans Together.Events like the UNC shooting, as well as the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, highlight a culture that’s prone to gun violence and the vulnerability of Asian immigrants in America, said Eileen Chengyin Chow , a Duke University associate professor of the Practice of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. However, when the gunman and victims are Asian, such as with the shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay in California earlier this year, there is a tendency to dismiss the events as being isolated to the Asian community, she added. Anti-Asian violence has increased especially after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But similarly violent events that have impacted Asian Americans have been happening for decades.Cary resident Lily Chen , a community organizer and PhD student at UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Nursing, recalled when she was an international student at the University of Iowa in 1991. That year, Gang Lu , a graduate student, shot and killed three faculty members in the department of physics and astronomy. He also killed postdoctoral researcher, Linhua Shan , who Chen personally knew.Thirty-two years later, Chen experienced the same feelings that she did back then. She was also dismayed when a Wayne County high school principal posted an angry message on Facebook days after the shooting, speculating that the suspected shooter was “stealing intellectual property” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.“It's like, can I have time even to grieve?” Chen said. “Can I just have time to spend time with my family, with my daughter, with my friends and not have to worry about these kinds of things?”Since the shooting, UNC social worker Susan Chung , has seen many international Asian students in her office and at mental health webinars. “They already feel like outsiders and they don’t feel included at the school,” Chung said. “They don’t feel seen. The incident that happened really escalated that. That’s kind of how they feel.” Chung herself immigrated from Taiwan when she was 12 years old and tries to act as a liaison between the two cultures. Even before the shooting, she said that international students have shared with her that they feel ignored by the school and have been bullied by their peers and professors.Read the WUNC report: https://bit.ly/3Py0mxX News and Activities for The Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar APA Justice has launched a Community Calendar to track the many events and activities. From the Committee of 100 career ceiling webinars, alien land laws, National Voter Registration Day, Franklin Tao's appeal hearing, to the AAUC National Unity Summit, they are all in a one-stop view. Options are available to look at a monthly, weekly, or a daily calendar, as well as an agenda view with event details.You can find the Community Calendar on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . 2. 2023/09/11 Bay Area FBI Community Briefings Roundtable WHAT: Bay Area FBI Community Briefings Roundtable - San Mateo WHEN: Monday, September 11, 2023, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, PT WHERE: The San Mateo City Police Headquarter Community Meeting Room | 200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403 HOST: City of San Mateo: Amourence Lee, Mayor; Ed Barberini, Police Chief PRESENTATION: FBI San Francisco Field Office SPONSORS: Civic Leadership USA (CLUSA), The Asian American Foundation (TAAF); San Francisco Community Alliance for Unity, Safety, and Education (SFCAUSE) REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3sRjBcH OBJECTIVES : Provide the Federal & regional perspectives from the FBI on Public Safety Build trust and relationships by reaching out to San Mateo Community & faith-based leaders Provide a mutual listening opportunity with follow-up actions. The roundtable format will feature selected public safety topics presented by the FBI, followed by a facilitated open dialogue in a roundtable discussion. 3. Behind Bay Area Preservation Dispute Is a Chinese American ‘Asparagus King’ According to the San Francisco Standard on September 10, 2023, Thomas Foon Chew , a young Chinese immigrant and entrepreneur in the canning industry, purchased the land in Palo Alto and built a cannery in 1918. Two years later, it grew to become the third-largest cannery of fruits and vegetables in the world, powered by a large and diverse workforce of Chinese-, Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking workers.Chew’s success turned him into a legendary and well-respected multimillionaire businessman whose company is thought to be the first to can green asparagus, earning him the moniker “Asparagus King.” Chew died in 1931 at the age of 42, and it is believed that 25,000 people attended his funeral in San Francisco's Chinatown. After his death, the cannery thrived until 1949.Now , more than 90 years since his death, a controversial plan to tear down parts of the former cannery site sparked a contentious debate within the local community members, and some of them want to preserve it as a rare piece of Asian American history. Monica Yeung Arima , a board member of Palo Alto History Museum, said this is a golden opportunity to save a critical part of both Chinese American and the city’s history.Palo Alto City Council heard hours of public comment in an early September meeting as people against the redevelopment plan held signs that read “Save the Cannery.” The council will vote on whether to proceed with the plan next week.Read the San Francisco Standard report: https://bit.ly/3LjVYQF Back View PDF September 11, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter