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3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest. April 19, 2019 On April 19, 2019, the Houston Chronicle and Science jointly reported that 3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest, the first such publicly disclosed punishments since federal officials directed some institutions to investigate specific professors in violation of granting agency policies. MD Anderson took the actions after receiving e-mails last year from the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s largest public funder of biomedical research, describing conflicts of interest or unreported foreign income by five faculty members. The agency, which has been assisted by the FBI, gave the cancer center 30 days to respond. The departures follow an unprecedented Houston gathering last summer at which FBI officials warned Texas academic and medical institution leaders of the threat, particularly from insiders, and called on them to share with the agency any and all suspicious behavior and information. On April 25, 2019, the United Chinese Americans (UCA), a nationwide nonprofit and nonpartisan federation and a community civic movement, released a statement to raise concerns for Chinese American scientists as collateral damage in the crossfire between the United States and China due to deteriorating relations, including five appeals to address the current situartion. This was reported by the Houston Chronicle on April 29, 2019, expressing "grave concern" that ethnically Chinese scientists have become "collateral damage in the crossfire" of deteriorating U.S.-China relations. 3 scientists were ousted by MD Anderson Cancer Center over concerns about Chinese conflicts of interest. Previous Next Chinese Scientists Ousted from MD Anderson Cancer Center

Newsletter - #134 PennLaw Acts on Amy Wax; US-China Hostility Hurts People; UCA Convention; 5/2 Meeting #134 PennLaw Acts on Amy Wax; US-China Hostility Hurts People; UCA Convention; 5/2 Meeting Back View PDF July 21, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #307 2/3 Meeting; Birthright Citizenship Campaigns; Section 702 of FISA Ruling; 1/6 Summary #307 2/3 Meeting; Birthright Citizenship Campaigns; Section 702 of FISA Ruling; 1/6 Summary In This Issue #307 · 2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Nationwide Mobilization to Defend Birthright Citizenship · Cato: Federal Court Rules FISA Section 702 “Back Door” Searches Unconstitutional · 2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Summary Posted · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, February 3, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Kai Li 李凯 , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are: · Gary Locke 骆家辉 , Chair, Committee of 100; former U.S. Ambassador to China; former U/S. Secretary of Commerce; former Governor of the State of Washington · Julia Chang Bloch 張之香 , Founder and Executive Chair, US-China Education Trust; former U.S. Ambassador · Bethany Li , Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense Education Fund (AALDEF) · Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) 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 . Nationwide Mobilization to Defend Birthright Citizenship ACLU and Stop AAPI Hate have launched campaigns calling on the public to urge Congress to protect birthright citizenship after President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking to deny citizenship to countless children and babies born in the U.S. · Join the ACLU campaign: https://bit.ly/3PLukO7 · Join the Stop AAPI Hate campaign: https://bit.ly/3PMApKc The United States is a nation founded and built by immigrants. While some were brought here against their will, others arrived in pursuit of the American Dream or for various other reasons.Birthright citizenship is firmly rooted in the U.S. Constitution through the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on American soil, a principle upheld by Supreme Court rulings like United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898). It provides legal certainty and equality, ensuring that all children born in the U.S. have equal status regardless of their parents’ origins or immigration status, preventing statelessness and promoting fairness. It has been a cornerstone of American society since 1868, fostering national unity, social stability, and a clear, inclusive pathway to citizenship in a nation built by immigrants.On January 21, 2025, the case CASA v. Trump, docket number 8:25-cv-00201-DLB, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The plaintiff, CASA, Inc., a nonprofit organization, challenges the Trump administration's executive order concerning birthright citizenship. Read the CASA announcement: https://bit.ly/4azYPQJ . This is the fourth known lawsuit on the executive order: · 2025/01/20 New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Trump (1:25-cv-00038) https://bit.ly/40sjdhU · 2025/01/20 Doe v. Trump (1:25-cv-10136) https://bit.ly/40tjtNI · 2025/02/21 State of Washington et al v. Trump et al (2:25-cv-00127) https://bit.ly/3PPcee8 · 2025/02/21 CASA Inc. et al v. Trump et al (8:25-cv-00201) https://bit.ly/4aG6nBG According to AP , New York Times , Washington Post , and other media reports, on January 23, 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order, dealing the president his first setback as he attempts to upend the nation’s immigration laws and reverse decades of precedent. In a hearing held three days after Trump issued his executive order, Federal District Court judge, John C. Coughenour , sided at least for the moment with four states in State of Washington et al v. Trump et al (2:25-cv-00127). “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” he said. “Frankly,” he continued, challenging Trump administration lawyers, “I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar would state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. It just boggles my mind.”The decision applies nationwide and prevents the Trump administration from taking steps to implement the executive order for 14 days. In the meantime, the parties will submit further arguments about the merits of Trump’s order. Judge Coughenour scheduled a hearing on February 6 to decide whether to block it long term as the case proceeds. On January 24, 2025, the Committee of 100 issued a public statement on President Trump’s executive order. “This Executive Order is a blatant attack on a fundamental constitutional right—a right upheld by the landmark case of a son of Chinese immigrants, United States v. Wong Kim Ark,” said Cindy Tsai , Interim President, Committee of 100. “For generations, the Chinese American community has faced exclusionary policies, systemic racism, and violence, despite generations of contributions to this nation. Revoking birthright citizenship represents a troubling return to discriminatory practices, disturbing settled law, and decades of progress toward inclusivity. Targeting this right is an assault on the core American values of liberty and equality. The Committee of 100 stands firmly in solidarity with all communities impacted by this unjust and divisive policy.”"President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is an affront to the core principles of equality and opportunity that have guided this nation for generations," said Stewart Kwoh , Co-Founder of The Asian American Education Project and Committee of 100 Member since 1999. "As educators, we know firsthand how the fear and uncertainty created by such policies harm our students and their families, particularly in immigrant communities. This order threatens to marginalize and disenfranchise children born on U.S. soil, many of whom belong to the AAPI community, and it risks undoing the progress we've made toward a more inclusive and equitable society." On January 24, 2025, San Francisco District Attorney David Chiu joined a dozen community leaders, local experts and historians at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) to reflect on the community’s history of fighting discriminatory immigration policies. CCBA, also known as the Chinese Six Companies, was founded in 1882 as a coalition of associations by immigrants with shared roots in southern China. It raised funds and hired prominent lawyers to bring Wong Kim Ark’s case to the Supreme Court. “Donald Trump has repeatedly and blatantly disregarded the rule of law and our Constitution,” said Chiu. “This is not a one-off case,” said community historian David Lei , adding that the community spearheaded some 10,000 civil rights lawsuits in the first 23 of the more than 60 years the Chinese Exclusion Act was in effect. “The real story was: We fought back,” Lei said. In their suit, Doe v. Trump (1:25-cv-10136), against the birthright citizenship order, plaintiffs including the city of San Francisco. “It’s not just a Chinese issue,” said Bill Ong Hing , a professor of law and migration studies at the University of San Francisco. Hing noted that the anti-Chinese sentiment from a century ago has resurfaced in new forms, now also targeting immigrants from Mexico and Central America. Norman Wong , the great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, echoed Hing, saying that other family members who were not of Chinese descent were affected by past discriminatory policies. Wong’s mother, who is Japanese American, was forcibly taken to an incarceration camp with her family under Executive Order 9066 during World War II. “These are the consequences of these unequal laws,” Wong said. City Attorney David Chiu said he expects the lawsuits to prevail in appellate court, but that the Trump administration will likely appeal the appellate rulings all the way up to the Supreme Court. Read the San Francisco Public Press report: https://bit.ly/40zGRJo . Read the AP News report: https://bit.ly/3Wzps2l Cato: Federal Court Rules FISA Section 702 “Back Door” Searches Unconstitutional According to Cato Institute on January 22, 2025, a December 2, 2024, ruling by Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall of the Eastern District of New York marked a significant development in surveillance law, finding that the FBI’s use of warrantless "back door" searches under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) violated the Fourth Amendment. These searches allow the FBI to query communications collected without a warrant from non-U.S. persons abroad, but they often incidentally include Americans’ communications. The court’s decision underscores longstanding concerns over privacy and the scope of government surveillance powers. Despite acknowledging the constitutional violation, the court denied defendant Agron Hasbajrami ’s motion to suppress the evidence obtained through these searches, citing separate legal grounds. Hasbajrami, a lawful U.S. resident originally from Albania, was charged in 2011 with providing material support to a terrorist organization. While the evidence obtained through Section 702 queries played a key role in the investigation, the court determined that excluding the evidence was not warranted under the circumstances of the case.The ruling has drawn significant attention from civil liberties advocates. Patrick Toomey , an attorney with the ACLU, remarked, “While the new opinion holds that the FBI’s Section 702 queries violated the Fourth Amendment, the court ultimately denied the defendant’s motion to suppress the resulting evidence on separate grounds.” This decision highlights the ongoing debate over balancing national security interests with constitutional protections and could have implications for the upcoming reauthorization of Section 702, a key provision of U.S. intelligence law set to expire in December 2025. Xiaoxing Xi, a Chinese American physics professor at Temple University, and his family filed a lawsuit in 2017, challenges the FBI’s baseless arrest of him and its surveillance methods as well as its discriminatory targeting of Chinese American scientists. ACLU represents Professor Xi, who is suing the government over its dismissed prosecution of him for supposedly sharing sensitive technology with scientists in China. The dangers of giving the government sweeping surveillance powers are real and unmistakable. Professor Xi's case is a glaring example of an innocent American’s privacy rights being grossly violated, with disastrous consequences for him and his family.Read the Cato Institute report: https://bit.ly/3Q8Depn . Read the ACLU summary of Professor Xi's lawsuit: https://bit.ly/3GlCCqS 2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Summary Posted The January 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at . We thank the following speakers for their reports and updates: · Judy Chu , Chair Emeritus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) with video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MNT61PApwQ (8:17) · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Kai Li , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Sudip Parikh , Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Executive Publisher of the Science family of journals · Robert S. Chang , Executive Director, Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, University of California Irvine School of Law · Yawei Liu , Senior Advisor, China Focus, Carter Center Read the January 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting summary: https://bit.ly/40J9cOY . Read previous monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/01/30 USCET Women in China Policy: Tech and US-China Competition2025/01/30 ACLU Know Your Rights Training: Mass Deportation2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2023/02/03 Getting China Right: Launch of ACF Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Get Help Today on LA Fires Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance: · Online at DisasterAssistance.gov · Calling 800-621-3362 · By using the FEMA smart phone application · Assistance is available in over 40 languages · If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Please share with your families, friends, and colleagues in the Los Angeles area. 3. 2025/01/30 USCET Women in China Policy: Tech and US-China Competition WHAT : Women in China Policy: Tech and US-China Competition WHEN: January 30, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm ET WHERE: Room 505, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University HOST: US-China Education Trust, Women's Foreign Policy Group, and the American Mandarin Society PANELISTS : · Nina Palmer , Senior Principal Data Scientist for Strategic Economics, MITRE · Samantha Payne , Defense Fellow, Office of U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX). DESCRIPTION: This insightful discussion will explore the critical intersection of technology and U.S.-China competition, offering unique perspectives on this complex topic. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3PNW0lI 4. 2025/01/30 ACLU Know Your Rights Training: Mass Deportation WHAT : ACLU Know Your Rights Training: Mass Deportation WHEN : January 30, 2025, 8:00 pm ET WHERE : Training via Zoom HOST : ACLU DESCRIPTION : The Trump administration has been gearing up for mass deportations since day one, threatening the safety of millions of families. Join the ACLU's People Power Immigration/Deportation Know Your Rights Training to learn how you can protect immigrant communities facing these escalating threats. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3PLEvCl # # # 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 27, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #212 10/2 Meeting; Section 702 Reforms; Anti-Asian Racism in the US; 2020 Census Data; More #212 10/2 Meeting; Section 702 Reforms; Anti-Asian Racism in the US; 2020 Census Data; More In This Issue #212 2023/10/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Report on The Warrantless Surveillance Program and Section 702 Reforms Report on Anti-Asian Racism in The United States 2020 Census Data for Nearly 1,500 Detailed Race and Ethnicity Groups, Tribes and Villages News and Activities for the Communities 2023/10/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, October 2, 2023, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Joanna Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), and Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Partner, DeHeng Law Offices 德恒律师事务所, confirmed speakers will also include: Nancy Chen , Founding President, Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA) on the history of CAWA and its interests and concerns in Illinois and national issues Andy Wong , Managing Director of Advocacy, Chinese for Affirmative Action, on the coalition letter on Section 702 reforms, responses, and related CAA activities such as the recently launched "Stop The Blame" campaign Haipei Shue (薛海培) , President, United Chinese Americans, on the recent hearings of Professor Feng " Franklin" Tao 陶丰 's appeal in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver and the administrative trial of New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 in New York City (new addition) 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 NOTE : A shutdown of the federal government happens when Congress fails to pass some type of funding legislation that is signed into law by the president. Funding expired on September 30, 2023, but a 45-day stop-gap bill was signed into law at the last minute to continue government operation until November 17, 2023. Report on The Warrantless Surveillance Program and Section 702 Reforms On September 28, 2023, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) released a 297-page report titled "Report on The Surveillance Program Operated Pursuant to Section 702 of The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act." According to The Hill on October 1, 2023, "the PCLOB report reveals deep divisions among its five members on how to reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows for warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad. "In a departure from precedent, the report did not reach unanimous conclusions about how to update the law, a confusing prospect as a Congress divided on Section 702 stares down an end-of-the-year deadline to renew it. "The board’s two Republican-appointed members voted against its release, said its findings should not be attributed to them and attached their recommendations in a 56-page annex that read almost like a second report. "Civil liberties advocates have long viewed Section 702 as a backdoor for gaining access to information on Americans, whose communications get swept up in searches as they speak with those being surveilled abroad. It’s a factor they see as a violation of Sixth Amendment rights and a particular risk to Black and other communities of color. "The report, however, includes a third rail for the intelligence community — a suggestion the intelligence community first get a court order before reviewing any intel gleaned on Americans. "Doing so, PCLOB’s majority writes, would offer the 'most critical safeguard for Americans’ privacy rights.' "The FBI spied on 119,000 Americans last year, a sharp decline that reflects changes in FBI policy for how the agency accesses the information of citizens swept up in other searches. Still, an unsealed opinion from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, the entity that would oversee the court order process recommended by the report, recently unsealed an opinion showing a string of abuses, including reviewing information on elected officials. "The inclusion of a recommendation to get a court order before reviewing information gathered on Americans and permanent residents was celebrated by civil liberties groups that have long pushed for such a requirement. " Elizabeth Goitein , senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, called the report an 'ironclad case for requiring a probable-cause order for U.S. person queries.'" On September 14, 2023, a coalition of 52 Asian American organizations wrote to Congress to oppose the renewal of Section 702 of FISA unless significant revisions are put into place. The letter, led by Asian American Scholae Forum (AASF), Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) and Stop AAPI Hate, wrote "with a sense of urgency and a shared commitment to safeguarding the principles of justice, equality, and privacy in our nation. As Asian Americans and allies, we understand all too well the perils of unchecked national security programs and the historical discrimination our community has endured. Our shared history serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of racial profiling and prejudice in the name of national security." Read the coalition letter: https://bit.ly/3LkEmnt . Read the PCLOB report: https://bit.ly/3PEutm3 . According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) , in May 2017, Professor Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 filed a lawsuit against the lead FBI agent in the case, Andrew Haugen , and other agents, alleging that they made knowingly or recklessly false statements in support of the investigation and prosecution. Xi’s wife and oldest daughter later joined the case. The ACLU joined the case in October 2017. The lawsuit asks the court to award damages and to declare that the defendants violated the plaintiffs’ Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights. It also asks the court to order the government to return or delete any of the Xis’ communications that it obtained during the investigation. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals allowed Xi and his family to pursue their lawsuit against the U.S. government in May 2023. Report on Anti-Asian Racism in The United States On September 27, 2023, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) released its 2023 statutory enforcement report, The Federal Response to Anti-Asian Racism in the United States . The report assesses the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021, and the federal role in preventing and enforcing federal hate crime laws. According to USCCR, the report examines three main areas: 1) national trends and data regarding the rise of hate incidents and hate crimes against members of Asian communities; 2) local and state law enforcement’s prevention and reporting practices regarding hate crimes; and 3) federal efforts and policies that encourage greater participation in reporting hate crime incidents, as well as prosecution and enforcement efforts to prevent hate crimes. The report highlights that language barriers hinder the reporting of incidents, and many incidents, even if they don’t meet legal hate crime criteria, still evoke fear and are not accounted for in official statistics. A major impediment is the lack of comprehensive data and reporting in understanding the severity of hate crimes against individuals of Asian descent. The report notes that the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System has been slow for some agencies, leading to incomplete data. The Commission proposes a “holistic strategy” to combat anti-Asian hate incidents, including improvements in data collection, legal enforcement, community support and education initiatives. It recommends urging prosecutors and law enforcement to vigorously investigate and prosecute hate crimes against Asian Americans and providing first responders with training on identifying hate crimes. It also highlights the need to address language barriers in federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and victim services. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency established by Congress in 1957. Its mission is to inform the development of national civil rights policy and enhance enforcement of federal civil rights laws. Read the USCCR report: https://bit.ly/3ZB9llm 2020 Census Data for Nearly 1,500 Detailed Race and Ethnicity Groups, Tribes and Villages On September 21, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau released 2020 Census population counts and sex-by-age statistics for 300 detailed race and ethnic groups, as well as 1,187 detailed American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) tribes and villages. On the Asian Population Among Asian respondents, Asian Indian was the largest alone group (4.4 million) and Chinese, except Taiwanese the largest alone or in any combination group (5.2 million). Filipino (4.4 million), Vietnamese (2.3 million), Korean (2.0 million), and Japanese (1.6 million) all had alone or in any combination populations over 1 million in 2020. The Nepalese population was the fastest growing Asian group among those with populations of 50,000 or more in 2010. The Nepalese alone population increased 295.5% from 51,907 in 2010 to 205,297 in 2020, and the Nepalese alone or in any combination population grew 269.0% from 59,490 to 219,503 over the decade. On the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population Native Hawaiian was the largest Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) alone group (199,880) and alone or in any combination group (680,442). Nearly all NHPI groups grew from 2010 to 2020. The Chuukese alone population was the fastest growing NHPI alone group, increasing 296.2% to 10,500 in 2020. The fastest growing NHPI alone or in any combination group was Papua New Guinean, which increased by 249.3% to 1,453 people during the decade. Read the Census Bureau news release: https://bit.ly/3rAYGdQ . Read the breakdown on the Asian population: h ttps://bit.ly/3PwxDby News and Activities for the Communities 1. Community Calendar The APA Justice Community Calendar is located on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . Upcoming Events: 2023/10/02 APA Justice October Monthly Meeting 2023/10/08 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting 2023/10/12 Expert Panel on Open Data for Racial Equity 2023/10/12 C100 Webinar - Race-Based Admissions and the Supreme Court Court: An Asian American Perspective 2023/10/12 The FBI and Chinese Americans - From the Investigation and Defense Frontline 2023/10/15 State Legislature 101 Training 2023/10/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting 2023/10/22 Rep. Gene Wu's Weekly Town Hall Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. 2023/10/12 Webinar: The FBI and Chinese Americans WHAT: On-site event - The FBI and Chinese American Community: Stories and Tips from the Investigation and Defense Frontline WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm PT WHERE: Santa Clara University School of Law, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 HOSTS: The Chinese American Lawyers of the Bay Area (CALOBA) and the Chinese American Semiconductor Professional Association (CASPA) DESCRIPTION: "A conversation with the FBI on criminal trade secret theft at the Santa Clara University School of Law. As members of the Chinese American community, we are committed to protecting our shared interests and promoting a safe and prosperous environment for all. Please join us and learn some frontline stories and practical tips offered by our distinguished panelists based on their decades of experience in the field!" REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/46cHiei 3. Foreign Affairs Essay: The Dysfunctional Superpower According to a Foreign Affairs essay on September 29, 2023, a looming government shutdown, a partisan impeachment inquiry, and the former president facing multiple felony charges across four criminal cases. Add to this chaos a presidential election and it’s fair to say that the U.S. political system will be preoccupied with its own drama and division for some time. Such paralysis could not come at a worse time. The United States should be in a strong position to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping —but “dysfunction has made American power erratic and unreliable, practically inviting risk-prone autocrats to place dangerous bets,” the essay said. “The United States finds itself in a uniquely treacherous position: facing aggressive adversaries with a propensity to miscalculate yet incapable of mustering the unity and strength necessary to dissuade them.” Only by working together can U.S. leaders contend with such grave threats. And “therein lies the rub.” Robert M. Gates , author of the essay, is former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Read the Foreign Policy essay: https://fam.ag/3LNONjN Back View PDF October 2, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #401 SCOTUS/APAs Reaffirm Birthright Citizenship; Reporter Herridge Contempt Fine Stands; + #401 SCOTUS/APAs Reaffirm Birthright Citizenship; Reporter Herridge Contempt Fine Stands; + In This Issue #401 · Supreme Court Reaffirms Birthright Citizenship · Asian Pacific Americans on Birthright Citizenship · Supreme Court Lets Herridge Contempt Fine Stand · News and Activities for the Communities Supreme Court Reaffirms Birthright Citizenship On July 7, 2026, ACLU hosted a Town Hall covering the Supreme Court's rulings in landmark civil rights cases, particularly the birthright citizenship case, Barbara v Trump . The event was moderated by Michael Popok , Legal AF Podcast and YouTube Channel Founder. Watch the ACLU Town Hall video at: https://www.youtube.com/live/Bd6bqyDnBc0 (1:00:49). Trump's Executive Order On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting birthright citizenship, aiming to deny citizenship to children born on U.S. soil under certain circumstances — a policy long confined to fringe circles before this administration adopted it. ACLU's Response Anthony Romero , ACLU Executive Director, explained the ACLU had anticipated this move for months, having taken Trump's campaign-trail threats to birthright citizenship seriously well before inauguration. The organization did the legal groundwork in advance — research, identifying clients, choosing venue — so that when the order was signed on Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday, the ACLU filed suit within two hours. Cecillia Wang , ACLU National Legal Director, noted the ACLU's opposition actually traces back further, to when it began pushing back on similar fringe proposals surfacing in state legislatures in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Oral Argument Wang argued the case before the Court on April 1, 2026. She described three levels of stakes she carried into arguments: the roughly 250,000 U.S.-born children who could have lost citizenship in the order's first year (some potentially left stateless); the precedent of a president unilaterally reinterpreting the 14th Amendment, raising fears about who might be targeted next; and the historical weight of the citizenship clause, whose legacy includes free Black Americans who fought for it to cover everyone born in the country, not only formerly enslaved people. Notably, she said the argument stayed accessible to ordinary Americans rather than diving into arcane legal history, since the real audience extended beyond the nine justices. Romero, seated a row behind Trump at the argument, described the president growing visibly anxious as questioning began — contradicting reports that he left before Wang's argument concluded. Supreme Court Ruling On June 30, 2026, the Court ruled 6-3 to block the order, with five justices ruling on constitutional grounds and Justice Brett Kavanaugh concurring on statutory grounds. The panel called it a definitive rebuke of one of Trump's signature first-day initiatives, made more notable because two of Trump's three Supreme Court appointees — Justice Amy Coney Barrett , who joined the constitutional majority, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh , who supplied the decisive sixth vote on statutory grounds — ruled against him, while his first appointee, Justice Neil Gorsuch , dissented. Broader Advocacy Context Deirdre Schifeling , ACLU Chief Political & Advocacy Officer, tied the win to a wider organizing push: protests that pressured the administration into pulling ICE agents out of Minneapolis after the killings of protesters; a "Firewall for Freedom" campaign that has helped pass 145 state and local protections since Trump's inauguration (about half related to immigrant rights, including bans on ICE–local police coordination); and polling showing 61% of Americans disapprove of Trump's immigration approach and 66% have little to no confidence in ICE. She also noted a separate, less favorable Supreme Court ruling permitting termination of Temporary Protected Status for 17 countries, affecting more than 1.3 million people, and pointed to the National TPS Alliance's ongoing organizing on that front. Public Messaging Romero described a multimillion-dollar ad campaign built around Bruce Springsteen 's "Born in the USA" (rights granted by Springsteen and his manager Jon Landau ), targeted at audiences including Fox News viewers and areas like Mar-a-Lago, run during oral arguments and again after the ruling. The strategy paired courtroom litigation with what Romero called the "courts of public opinion," aiming to keep the issue alive with the public through the July 4th period and potentially beyond, depending on whether Trump keeps raising it politically. Closing Note from Forum Wang cautioned against reading the win as reason for complacency: rights remain vulnerable, as shown by the fact that a once-fringe policy reached the Supreme Court at all. She pointed to 134 immigration-related lawsuits the ACLU has filed against the Trump administration since his second term began as evidence the broader fight continues, framing the birthright win as proof that collective action can succeed — not as a signal that the underlying threats have subsided. Closing Note on Supreme Court Decision The Supreme Court actually reported both a 6-3 and a 5-4 vote because of a narrow split in legal reasoning: The 5-4 Constitutional Vote: Five justices (Chief Justice John Roberts alongside Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson) ruled that the executive order violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. The 6-3 Overall Vote: Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed that the policy was unlawful and struck down the order, but he did so based on federal statute (immigration laws from the 1950s) rather than the Constitution itself. Because he joined the majority to invalidate the policy, the total vote against the order was 6-3. This discrepancy is politically and legally significant because constitutional rulings are very difficult to change, whereas Kavanaugh's statutory approach leaves the door open for future Congresses to alter birthright citizenship through legislation. Read more about this legal analysis at SCOTUSblog . Asian Pacific Americans on Birthright Citizenship Asian Pacific American (APA) groups are central to the defense of birthright citizenship, anchoring their advocacy in the landmark 1898 Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court case. Legal Teams and Lawsuits The Asian Law Caucus (ALC) served as part of the core litigation team alongside the ACLU and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in Barbara v Trump . ALC explicitly utilized local history involving Wong Kim Ark in San Francisco’s Chinatown to frame the national debate. They positioned the 2026 legal fight as a direct continuation of the historic 1898 United States v. Wong Kim Ark case, reminding the public and the courts that Asian Americans have historically fought for and secured automatic citizenship for all children born on U.S. soil. ALC spearheaded The American Promise: Defending Birthright Citizenship campaign, uniting more than 200 civil rights, labor, and immigrant advocate organizations nationwide to build a unified front against the policy. ALC also focused on cross-community education, producing multi-lingual Know Your Rights toolkits (available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Korean) and hosted nationwide digital rallies to explain how the policy threatened not just undocumented families, but also temporary workers, student visa holders, and asylum seekers. OCA also filed a lawsuit regarding birthright citizenship on behalf of its members, which included pregnant women residing in the U.S. on lawful temporary visas whose future children were threatened with the denial of birthright citizenship under the executive order. Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) served as the attorney organizations representing OCA. The legal action, titled OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates v. Rubio , was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Following initial filings, AAJC and WLC amended the complaint to proceed as a nationwide class action to protect all immigrant families facing similar threats. The outcome of OCA's lawsuit was entirely decided by the Supreme Court's ruling. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) played a leading legislative, public oversight, and political role in defending birthright citizenship against the January 2025 executive order. CAPAC coordinated closely with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to block any legislative attempts to codify changes to birthright citizenship, ensuring that efforts to alter the policy lacked a legislative path forward. CAPAC Chair Grace Meng co-led a bicameral amicus brief in the landmark case Barbara v Trump , filed by the House Litigation Task Force on behalf of 216 House and Senate Democrats. The brief provided the Supreme Court with exhaustive legislative history and intent behind the Fourteenth Amendment, arguing that the executive branch had unconstitutionally usurped Congress's exclusive authority over naturalization and citizenship laws. CAPAC used its platform to highlight how the executive order targeted legal immigrant communities. They held press conferences and committee hearings emphasizing that the policy directly harmed hundreds of thousands of South Asian and East Asian families caught in decades-long employment-based visa backlogs, whose U.S.-born children would have faced immediate statelessness. The CAPAC community statement summarized the victory with a simple, unifying declaration: “If you are born in America, you are American... We are American, we belong here, and we are not going anywhere!” Additional Asian Pacific American Advocacy Beyond the core litigation and congressional efforts, APA advocacy extended into the bar community, family legacy, and grassroots organizing. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) led a broad coalition of legal organizations defending birthright citizenship before the Supreme Court, filing supportive briefs and public statements throughout 2026. NAPABA's advocacy drew explicitly on the era of Chinese Exclusion, noting that over 7,000 habeas petitions were filed by Chinese migrants during that period, with several cases reaching the Supreme Court — Wong Kim Ark's among them, and the one that ultimately secured birthright citizenship for all persons born in the United States. NAPABA also built coalition ties with affiliate bar groups, including the National Korean American Bar Association and Chinese American Lawyers associations, reinforcing a pan-Asian legal front. The Wong Kim Ark family itself became an unexpected public face of the movement. Norman Wong , the 76-year-old great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, began giving speeches and interviews starting in January 2025, shortly after Trump's executive order was issued. Following the ruling, Wong told the Associated Press he saw the decision as "an obligation and a duty for every American to care about," not a personal or ethnic victory, framing it as safeguarding rights "for every American." His family members echoed this in interviews with the New York Times and Newsweek, with descendant Sandra Wong noting the ruling validated a principle her great-grandfather secured 128 years earlier, and describing anticipated celebration in San Francisco's Chinatown. APIAVote actively defends birthright citizenship by organizing legal advocacy, public education, and coalition efforts to protect the 14th Amendment. Its initiatives include legal advocacy and Supreme Court engagement including filing Amicus briefs, leveraging historical precedent on the landmark 1898 ruling United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and mobilizing public rallies outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments, and public education and grassroots awareness including educational webinars, storytelling campaigns highlighting AAPI family testimonies, dissemination of comprehensive timelines and media & community mobilization. Dozens of Asian Pacific American organizations joined Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund's (AALDEF) filing an amicus brief to defend birthright citizenship. Taken together, the Barbara v Trump ruling stands as both a constitutional victory and a reminder of a long, often overlooked lineage: Asian Pacific American communities and legal advocates have shaped the meaning of birthright citizenship since Wong Kim Ark first carried that fight to the Supreme Court in 1898. From ACLU's courtroom strategy to the Asian Law Caucus's coalition-building, CAPAC's legislative oversight, NAPABA's bar-wide mobilization, APIAVote's grassroots organizing, and the Wong family's own public advocacy, this decision reflects the sustained work of many organizations and individuals across generations. As Cecillia Wang and others cautioned, the ruling protects a fundamental promise for now — but the fight to defend it, and the coalitions built to do so, will likely be tested again. Supreme Court Lets Herridge Contempt Fine Stand On July 2, 2026, the Supreme Court declined to block an $800-per-day contempt fine against journalist Catherine Herridge , who has refused to reveal the confidential source or sources behind her 2017 Fox News reporting on Dr. Yanping Chen 陈燕平 , a Chinese American investigated — but never charged — by the FBI. The Court's order gave no explanation, as is typical for emergency applications, but noted that Justice Brett Kavanaugh alone would have granted Herridge's request to stay the fine. Background of the Case Chen, a naturalized U.S. citizen, founded the University of Management and Technology in Arlington, Virginia, a school that drew significant enrollment from Pentagon and military personnel. Herridge's 2017 reporting examined Chen's alleged ties to the Chinese military and raised questions about whether the school was being used to gather information on U.S. servicemembers on Beijing's behalf. The underlying FBI investigation into Chen lasted six years and resulted in no charges. In 2018, Chen sued the FBI and Justice Department, alleging that a federal official violated the Privacy Act by leaking protected information about her — including FBI interview summaries, personal photographs, and immigration records — to Herridge. Chen has said the ensuing coverage upended her personal and professional life and exposed her to hate mail and death threats. When document demands and depositions in Chen's suit failed to identify the leaker, her attorneys subpoenaed Herridge directly. Herridge sat for a deposition but declined to name her source, invoking a qualified reporter's privilege recognized in the D.C. Circuit and other courts. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in August 2024 that Chen's need for the information outweighed that privilege, and Herridge was later held in civil contempt, triggering the daily fine once an appeals panel upheld the order. Chief Justice John Roberts briefly paused the fine while the full Court considered Herridge's emergency application; SCOTUS’s July 2 order lifted that pause. Herridge's legal team has signaled plans to file a separate, more substantive petition asking the Court to review the underlying ruling — a filing that would be considered independently of the emergency application rejected on July 2. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed an amicus brief on Herridge's behalf, and former Solicitor General Paul Clement has since joined her legal team — a sign, as one report put it, that this fight is unlikely to be over. On July 29, 2024, APA Justice joined Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) and a coalition of eleven organizations in filing a 43-page amicus brief with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Dr. Chen, addressing the role of racial prejudice and negative stereotyping of Asian Americans in the government's handling of her case. The Parallel to Dr. Wen Ho Lee The Chen case closely mirrors the Dr. Wen Ho Lee 李文和 case of the late 1990s and early 2000s, a case well known within APA advocacy circles. Lee, a Taiwanese-American scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, was publicly suspected of spying for China amid intense media coverage and held in solitary confinement for roughly nine months. He was ultimately never convicted of espionage — pleading guilty only to a single count of mishandling classified data, with the remaining 58 counts dismissed. The federal judge overseeing his case took the unusual step of apologizing to Lee from the bench for his treatment by the government. Like Chen, Lee subsequently pursued Privacy Act claims against the government, alleging that officials had unlawfully leaked information about him to reporters at multiple outlets, fueling coverage that branded him a spy before any charges were filed. And as in the Herridge dispute, several journalists who covered Lee's case were held in contempt for refusing to identify their government sources; that dispute was ultimately resolved when Lee's case settled, with a group of news organizations contributing to a payment to Lee in exchange for the contempt findings against their reporters being lifted. The Common Thread Both cases involve Chinese American scientists whose reputations were damaged by leaked, unverified suspicions of espionage, followed by Privacy Act litigation aimed at identifying the government officials responsible for the leaks — placing reporters in the crossfire between source protection and a plaintiff's right, under federal law, to learn who violated their privacy. Press freedom advocates have raised similar concerns in both instances: that forcing journalists to disclose sources under threat of contempt could deter future whistleblowers from coming forward, particularly in cases touching on national security. At the same time, advocates for Chen and, previously, for Lee have argued that individuals wrongly suspected of disloyalty on the basis of their ethnicity and national origin deserve a real path to accountability — one that depends on knowing who inside the government leaked their information in the first place. The Herridge case suggests these tensions — between reporter's privilege and the rights of individuals harmed by government leaks, playing out against a backdrop of national-security suspicion toward Chinese American professionals — remain very much unresolved a quarter-century after Dr. Wen Ho Lee's ordeal. Read the APA Justice summary of Dr. Yanping Chen’s case: https://bit.ly/4wB5MuL News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/08/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/08/05 C100: The Impact of AI on Asian American Careers in Technology 2026/08/07-09 AASF: Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2026/08/26 C100: An Advice and Networking Event (Technology)Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. C100: The Impact of AI on Asian American Careers in Technology WHAT : The Impact of AI on Asian American Careers in Technology WHEN : August 5, 2026, 6:00-7:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator : Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member Speakers: · Buck Gee , Executive Advisor, Ascend · Deb Liu , Co-Founder, Ember AI and former CEO, Ancestry.com DESCRIPTION: With the rapid advancement and implementation of AI in industry and society, one of the issues on the minds of everyone is what the impact will be of AI on careers and, in particular, for careers in technology and for Asian Americans. Where will jobs be lost and will there be job creation? Will the nature of job tasks change and in what way? Will this affect the way one plans your career? Will AI make Asian American Career Ceilings worse or just different? The panelists are veterans in the technology industry and have either just recently left the industry or have done extensive research work related to Asian American careers in industry. They will use their experience and knowledge to shed light on this challenging topic. REGISTRATION : https://c100-8-5-2026.eventbrite.com 3. C100: An Advice and Networking Event (Technology) WHAT : An Advice and Networking Event (Technology) WHEN : August 26, 2026, 6:00-7:15 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator : Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member DESCRIPTION: This is the 60th event organized by the Committee of 100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative. The virtual event will enable Asian Americans who are in the early to mid-stages of their careers to get valuable advice from experienced and successful Asian Americans in the technology industry. The event will start with welcoming comments and introduction to the advisors, followed by virtual breakout rooms where the experienced Asian American advisors will host individual breakout rooms that attendees can join. The attendees will have a list of the experienced advisors in advance and will be able to choose which breakout rooms they want to visit to get career advice and to ask questions. The attendees will be able to move from room to room as they wish. REGISTRATION : https://c100-8-26-2026.eventbrite.com # # # 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 APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF July 13, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #274 Alien Land Laws; 08/05 Meeting Summary; US-China Agreement; Hate Incidents in NYC; + #274 Alien Land Laws; 08/05 Meeting Summary; US-China Agreement; Hate Incidents in NYC; + In This Issue #274 · Present and Historical Impacts of Alien Land laws · Summary of August 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted · FT : China-US Tensions Erode Co-operation on Science and Tech · Two Unsettling Anti-Asian Hate Incidents in NYC · News and Activities for the Communities Present and Historical Impacts of Alien Land laws According to NBC News on August 19, 2024, Wen Raiti , a long-time Republican and small business owner in Jacksonville, Florida, switched her party affiliation to Democrat after Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 264, which bans Chinese citizens from purchasing property in Florida. For Raiti, the law was the “last straw” after all the hostile rhetoric and scapegoating that Republicans have directed at Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s in our Constitution to treat everyone with equality and justice so that everyone can live here without fear,” she said. “The Republican Party has abandoned these principles.” “This bill alone helped activate a lot of people in the Chinese American community who historically are not engaged with the government, especially the state government,” said state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando), who has been an outspoken critic of SB 264.The alien land law, which has angered the Chinese American community, has led to increased political engagement and voter mobilization among Chinese Americans, particularly in the lead-up to Florida's August 20 primary. The bill has been seen as discriminatory, drawing comparisons to historical anti-Asian land laws, and has pushed some conservatives to defect from the GOP.The Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA) has been actively working to educate and mobilize voters, with many in the community now more involved in the electoral process. “After the law passed, we realized that Asian Americans really have no voice,” said Echo King , president of FAAJA, a nonprofit organization that was established last year to fight anti-Asian discrimination. “We’re contributing to this country, so why are we being targeted?” Legal experts compared SB 264 to century-old alien land laws that barred Asian Americans from owning land; Florida was one of the last states to repeal its law, in 2018. Chinese American conservatives have also been subjected to rampant anti-communism, or Red Scare tactics. In June, Bowen Kou , a Republican candidate in a state Senate race, sued Senate Republicans over attack ads that claimed he accepted contributions from Chinese donors linked to the Communist Party. In April, a federal appeals court heard a challenge to the law after four Chinese immigrants in Florida, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups, sued the state last summer. Advocates say they are hoping for an injunction ruling. The Justice Department supported the Chinese plaintiffs in a filing last June.Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3yO5EzH On August 12, 2024, UCLA Professor Paul Ong and two co-authors at the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge published a paper titled "Lessons from California's Historical Alien Land Law: Racial Xenophobia and Homeownership." According to the paper, Florida enacted a controversial law known as SB 264 to prohibit foreigners from purchasing real estate, ostensibly for national security reasons. However, this legislation disproportionately targets individuals from Asian countries and risks creating a chilling effect on all Asians. Similar laws passed by other states echo this trend, unfortunately mirroring historical patterns of discrimination. The efforts, however, are not the first efforts targeting Asians. California and other states enacted alien land laws during the first half of the twentieth century. Rooted in deep-seated anti-Asian sentiments and hostilities, particularly directed at Japanese Americans, these laws combined a toxic blend of racism and xenophobia, further marginalizing Asians socially, politically, and economically. While instigated by the anti-Japanese movement, California’s law broadly applied to all aliens ineligible for citizenship -- a category exclusively encompassing Asians.A direct consequence of California’s law was an extremely low homeownership rate among Asians, far below that of other major racial and ethnic groups from 1910 to 1940. Ownership increased as some Asians found ways to circumvent the unfair law and as the number of U.S.-born Asians grew; nonetheless the rate remained significantly lower than that of non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Even after controlling for income, nativity and other factors, Asians were still several times less likely to own homes compared to NHW in 1940.While overt anti-Asian sentiment may be less intense today, Asian Americans continue to face discriminatory treatment, as evidenced by the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This animus often stems from the perception of Asians as perpetual foreigners, exacerbated by rising global tensions with Asian nations. While the current wave of alien land laws may not explicitly target Asians, they have the potential to harm Asian Americans by restricting property ownership rights and fueling anti-Asian rhetoric.Read the report: https://bit.ly/3AsgDzc Summary of August 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted The August 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 . We thank the following speakers for their reports and updates: · Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Casey Lee , Policy Director for CAPAC, provided an update on recent activities, thanking Professor Franklin Tao and his wife for participating in a press conference celebrating their recent victory. CAPAC remains committed to supporting Professor Franklin Tao’s reinstatement at the University of Kansas. Casey also highlighted CAPAC’s efforts to remove the China Initiative language from the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, which passed out of committee in July but was not considered by the full House before recess. CAPAC will collaborate with lawmakers and advocacy groups to ensure the provision is excluded from the final bill. · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC. Joanna voiced strong support for Casey's remarks and highlighted Advancing Justice | AAJC's efforts to oppose the reinstatement of the China Initiative, particularly focusing on language in the House's Commerce and Justice Appropriations report. Fortunately, the Senate version lacks this language, offering hope for a positive outcome in conference discussions. AAJC is closely collaborating with CAPAC and other allies to monitor developments. They are also tracking the Department of Treasury’s proposed rulemaking related to CFIUS and may submit comments to ensure protections against national origin discrimination. Additionally, AAJC is coordinating with coalition partners to align their advocacy efforts and recently held a press briefing celebrating Professor Tao’s legal victory. Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF). Gisela reported that AASF has been actively working with allies on policy impacts while fostering community engagement. The inaugural Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony, held in partnership with Stanford University's Asian American Activity Center, was a resounding success, drawing over 1,300 attendees. The event featured prominent figures in AI, life sciences, and leadership, including Nobel and Turing Award laureates, with participation from industry leaders and academic figures like Stanford University President John Levin. The symposium highlighted the contributions of Asian Americans, aligning with AASF's broader civil rights efforts. AASF's high school competition, which encouraged students to create videos about medal recipients, further promoted understanding of Asian American history. AASF remains committed to supporting Dr. Franklin Tao and continues to collaborate with civil rights partners to ensure Asian American perspectives are represented in federal policymaking. Membership is now open to all scholars who support AASF's mission. Anne S. Chao , Co-founder, Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum; Program Manager, Houston Asian American Archive (HAAA), Rice University. Anne S. Chao co-founded HAAA, recognizing the lack of records documenting Asian American lives in one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Over the past 15 years, HAAA has grown to include around 500 interviews, various awards, performances, and exhibits, capturing the multifaceted lives of Asian Americans in the Greater Houston area. The archive includes interviews with notable figures such as Judge Theresa Chang, astronaut Leroy Chiao, and renowned physicist Paul Chu, among others. Anne shared the story of the Gee family's contributions to Houston, with plans for a book and curriculum on their legacy. On the national level, Anne highlighted the need for an Asian Pacific American Museum on the National Mall, noting the absence of such a museum despite existing museums for African Americans, Latinos, and women. Although Congress passed H.R. 3525 in 2021 to study the feasibility of creating an Asian Pacific American Museum, the commission cannot start work until all eight commissioner positions are filled. To advance this effort, Anne co-founded the Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum, aiming to mobilize support, fundraising, and coordination to fast-track the museum's establishment. The organization is engaging museum experts and academics nationwide to contribute to the museum's development. · Franklin Tao 陶丰 , former Professor of Kansas University, Victim of China Initiative; Hong Peng 彭鸿 , Wife of Professor Tao. Professor Tao shared an emotional account of his five-year ordeal, beginning with his arrest under the China Initiative in 2019, based on false accusations. Despite being acquitted of all charges by the 10th Circuit Court, the experience has devastated his life and career, costing him nearly everything, including his position at Kansas University (KU), which terminated him in breach of an agreement. Tao and his wife, Hong Peng, faced immense financial and emotional strain, borrowing heavily and nearly going bankrupt, while Hong worked multiple jobs to support their family. Their children also suffered, with trauma from FBI surveillance and the overall impact of the situation. In the past few years while he was fighting his case, Professor Tao published 30 papers and retained the capability of working as a faculty member. Hong Peng echoed her husband’s account, detailing the intense hardship they endured, including the toll on their children's mental health. She worked tirelessly to keep the family afloat, all while watching Franklin struggle with depression. The family's suffering was compounded by the immense legal and financial burdens they carried. Despite the challenges, justice was ultimately served with Franklin's acquittal, and they remain hopeful that KU will reinstate him, allowing them to rebuild their lives. Both Franklin and Hong expressed deep gratitude for the support they received from their community, legal team, and various organizations, which played a crucial role in achieving this victory. · Ron Barrett-Gonzalez , Committee A Co-Chair, Kansas Conference of the American Association of University Professors (KCAAUP); and Rob Catlett , Committee A C-Chair, KCAAUP. The AAUP is a state-wide body representing over 400 faculty members from various higher education institutions across Kansas. The Conference, led by volunteer officers, addresses issues such as due process denial, governance, and tenure disputes. Recently, Kansas University (KU) Professor Ron Barrett-Gonzalez and Emporia State University Professor Rob Catlett met with a KU administrator to advocate for the reinstatement of Dr. Franklin Tao. Ron and Rob approached the meeting with a strategy focused on persuading the KU administration to reinstate Dr. Tao quietly but effectively, emphasizing the ethical and legal imperative to correct this wrong. They outlined a plan to reinstate Dr. Tao during a time when national attention would be elsewhere, offering KU an opportunity to rectify the situation without significant public backlash. The administrator seemed receptive, taking detailed notes and promising a response by August 19. If KU does not act, the newly formed KU Faculty Union, supported by 87% of voters, could escalate the issue, potentially turning it into a rallying cause, attracting media attention, and strengthening the union's influence. Ron and Rob remain hopeful, given their past successes with the same administrator, that justice will prevail, and Dr. Tao will be reinstated. Read the August APA Justice monthly meeting summary: https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 . Read previous monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP FT : China-US Tensions Erode Co-operation on Science and Tech According to the Financial Times on August 19, 2024, rising tensions between the US and China threaten to sever a 45-year-old science and technology pact due for renewal later this month, hindering the superpowers’ collaboration in critical areas. The science and technology agreement between the U.S. and China, originally signed in 1979, has been a significant framework for bilateral cooperation in various fields like energy, agriculture, and disaster management. However, renewing this agreement has become increasingly difficult due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including U.S. concerns over China's access to sensitive technologies and issues related to intellectual property and espionage. Although researchers advocate for continued collaboration in areas like climate change and AI safety, the strained political climate, especially in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election, complicates the prospects of a long-term extension. The potential cancellation of the accord could have a chilling effect on future joint research projects and academic collaborations, underscoring the importance of maintaining ties between researchers to address global challenges.The agreement expired in August 2023. It has been extended temporarily for six months twice. The current extension expires on August 27, 2024.Read the Financial Times report: https://on.ft.com/4dR8Tp4 . Two Unsettling Anti-Asian Hate Incidents in NYC Two unsettling incidents involving racially motivated attacks against Asian Americans occurred in New York City in recent months, highlighting concerns about racism, bigotry, and anti-Asian hate, as well as the work to fight against them still has a long way to go. Shiva Rajgopal , an Indian descent and Kester and Byrnes Professor at Columbia Business School, published a post on his LinkedIn account, sharing the disturbing attack that he suffered on August 19, 2024.“Completely unprovoked, a well toned white male with a red mountain bike slaps me on the face on 112th and Broadway. My glasses go flying. Then he goes on to hurl racial epithets:‘ you think I am afraid of you lot. You f..ing Indians.’ Another white person comes to my rescue. And I just ran like hell,” wrote Rajgopal.Rajgopal was rattled by what he had experienced. He said this was the first time that he had suffered explicit racial abuse in his 32 years in the United States. “No wonder so many of my colleagues are leaving the upper west side of New York City for the suburbs,” Rajgopal concluded.In a separate case, Ben Chang , a Columbia University spokesperson and vice president for communications, was assaulted near campus by a man who struck him with a metal water bottle and yelled xenophobic remarks. Despite attempting to avoid the confrontation, Chang was pursued by the attacker until he managed to alert a public safety officer. Chang, who was born and raised in the U.S., found the experience jarring and emphasized the importance of reporting such attacks to prevent them in the future. These incidents reflect continuing concerns about anti-Asian racial tensions and violence in New York City. Amid the pandemic and its aftermath, a number of high-profile, unsettled, anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents happened in New York City. It is unclear what motivated the attacker to assault Rajgopal. It is worthwhile to note that Indian Americans have risen quickly in the nation’s political arena. Democratic party's presidential nominee, Kamala Harris , has a mother of Indian descent. And Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance ’s wife Usha Vance is also an Indian American. Juan Zhang , editor at US-China Perception Monitor, contributed this report. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/09/01 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 Summit2024/1002 C100: Asian American Career Ceiling Initiative2024/10/06 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. New Research Prize: Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research The Chen Institute and Science launched the "Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research" in August 2024. This initiative aims to drive advancements in artificial intelligence that can expand scientific research. Young scientists from around the world are invited to submit AI-driven projects that demonstrate significant potential to improve research and lives. The competition will award a Grand Prize of $30,000, with the winner's essay published in Science and an accompanying five-year AAAS membership. Additionally, up to two runners-up will receive $10,000 each, with their essays published on Science Online and the same membership benefits, promoting sustained engagement with scientific progress.Deadline for application is December 13, 2024. For more information and apply for the prize, visit https://bit.ly/3WRwDCB Back View PDF August 22, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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Newsletter - #292 Statement; 11/18 Meeting; Alien Land Bills - CACA, Activism, What Counts? Civil Rights #292 Statement; 11/18 Meeting; Alien Land Bills - CACA, Activism, What Counts? Civil Rights In This Issue #292 · APA Justice Statement on Election Outcome · 2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · CACA Calls for Equal Land Ownership · Texas' Threat Prompts Surge of Chinese American Activism · What Counts as "Chinese-Owned" Farmland? · Chinese American Scientists Call for Fight Against Racial Discrimination · News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Statement on Election Outcome As a nation built by immigrants, the United States has thrived for 250 years due to the contributions of new arrivals and their descendants. However, this year’s presidential election revealed a stark contrast in how we perceive that legacy of immigration.With Donald Trump ’s election as president, America will face new challenges. In the coming years, APA Justice is resolutely committed to continue addressing issues impacting Asian Pacific American communities. Through coalition-building, education, and civic engagement, we will continue to advocate against the profiling of scientists and any group based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. We will continue to oppose discriminatory alien land laws and legislation that violate constitutional rights, combat harmful stereotypes that question our loyalty, and engage in dialogues that promote fair and accountable government policies and practices.The fight for a more equitable, inclusive future does not end with a single election. Let this moment serve as a powerful call to action. Every individual, regardless of their origin, has the potential to contribute to the future of our nation. Together, we can reaffirm our commitment to diversity and ensure that the promise of America is fulfilled for all. 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 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 . CACA Calls for Equal Land Ownership The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA) is one of the oldest Asian American civil rights organizations. It was established in 1895 to advocate for the civil rights of Chinese Americans and to promote citizenship, education, and community engagement. On November 1, 2024, CACA issued a public statement with a position paper, advocating for fair land ownership laws with national security safeguards. "The right to own land is a core American value tied to the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution protects this right through due process and equal protection, covering both U.S. citizens and legal residents," the statement said. "Historically, Chinese Americans faced severe discrimination in land ownership — laws like the 1913 California Alien Land Law barred Asian immigrants from owning land, and these restrictions created lasting economic impacts."According to the position paper, in today’s divisive political environment, systemic discrimination is gaining popularity, particularly in real estate markets. Discriminatory alien land laws, stipulating race or ethnicity, are being revisited in over twenty states, and Chinese Americans often face bias from real estate sellers and government officials. A significant consequence of this discrimination is the inability or unwillingness to differentiate between Chinese Americans and nationals from the People’s Republic of China, fueling xenophobia and unfair treatment of our citizens and residents under misguided security concerns.Read the CACA statement: https://bit.ly/3UA9RyC . Read the position paper : https://bit.ly/3Yx8nGA Texas' Threat Prompts Surge of Chinese American Activism According to the South China Morning Post on October 18, 2024, in response to Texas Senate Bill 147, which sought to restrict property purchases by citizens of “adversarial” nations like China, Chinese Americans in Texas have become increasingly politically active. The bill, though ultimately amended and then dropped, would have affected residents like Lan Wang , who has since joined others in protesting similar proposals. Advocacy groups report unprecedented involvement, with community members rallying, fundraising, and learning the legislative process. SB 147 was later watered down and ultimately died, However, Texas state lawmakers are threatening to bring a version of it back, in addition to other legislation that targets Chinese influence. In July, Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst vowed to introduce an anti-foreign land ownership bill in the next legislative session, which begins in January 2025.“The anti-alien land law issue in Texas has ignited a lot of debate and led to a lot of Asian Americans participating in politics and in government in a way that I’ve certainly never seen before,” said Lily Trieu , executive director of Asian Texans for Justice, a non-profit group based in Austin. Trieu, whose organization provides advocacy training, described seeing “unprecedented” numbers of Chinese Americans not only displaying political awareness, but also donating money, hosting rallies and actively participating in the legislative process.In July, the Committee of 100, a non-partisan Chinese American civic group, reported that 151 bills restricting property ownership by foreign entities have been considered in 2024 at the state and national levels, with 71 specifically targeting Chinese citizens. For Gene Wu , a Democratic representative in the Texas House, the battle extends far beyond state politics. Citing proposed land bans and visa restrictions for Chinese nationals in Project 2025, a blueprint by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank for a second Donald Trump administration, Wu called the fight “existential” for Chinese Americans. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter that you’re a citizen … everybody is a spy, and that’s what we’re fighting against,” he said.Over the past few months, Wu has travelled across the country sharing lessons from Texas’ recent experience with other states.In Florida, legislation against property ownership by Chinese citizens has also ignited unprecedented mobilization among local Chinese Americans. The Orlando-based Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA), for instance, was formed in the wake of SB 264, a Republican-sponsored bill targeting citizens of China and six other countries that became state law in May 2023. FAAJA is one of several groups supporting a suit against the law in court.Read the South China Morning Post report: https://bit.ly/4ehE4d1 What Counts as "Chinese-Owned" Farmland? According to the Wall Street Journal on October 31, 2024, Walton Global, a major landholding company identified by the USDA as having Chinese investments, successfully petitioned to reclassify much of its U.S. farmland as non-Chinese-owned, arguing USDA data misattributed Chinese ownership. While the company has some Chinese investors, Walton's CEO Bill Doherty emphasized that his family owns the company, not Chinese entities.“We do business in China. We’re proud to do business in China,” Doherty said in an interview. But he said, “The company is owned by me and my family. And I’m most definitely not Chinese.”Opposition to Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland in the name of economic and national security is a popular message by U.S. politicians from both parties. Some of the largest companies caught up in this criticism are now pushing back. Few agree on what even counts as owned by China or which aspect of that ownership is bad for the U.S., even when that land is close to military installations.Walton, which buys and resells land to developers, owns 14 sites that have some Chinese investment within 15 miles of military bases. Two Walton sites near military bases with more than 90% Chinese ownership are not included in the USDA database because the underlying land is not designated as agricultural. Walton promoted its project in Colorado Springs by noting how the city is home to sports facilities—and local military installations—because they are a source of employment. Walton said it has investors from around the world who can take brief tours of their land holdings, but do not otherwise have access to the land, which the company then aims to sell to developers.“Labeling all Chinese companies, Chinese investors, and Chinese Americans—and now also all of the American companies who do business with them—as threats to our country without any actual evidence, isn’t just detrimental to our national security, but also defies all of the lessons learned from our history,” Texas state Rep. Gene Wu said. Smithfield Foods, acquired by a Chinese firm in 2013, has also faced national security concerns. Its chief executive has disputed concerns that the company’s Chinese ownership threatens the U.S. food supply chain, saying its new ownership has instead helped fuel Smithfield’s growth. Read the Wall Street Journal report: https://on.wsj.com/3YvZ3Tv Chinese American Scientists Call for Fight Against Racial Discrimination A report by BBC on October 29, 2024, highlights the struggles of Chinese American scientists facing discrimination and national security scrutiny. Physicist Xiaoxing Xi , arrested in 2015 on now-dismissed espionage charges, compares his experience to persecution during China’s Cultural Revolution, leading him to avoid professional ties with China. U.S.-China tensions under recent administrations have intensified, with legislative efforts to revive the “China Initiative,” which previously targeted Chinese American academics for alleged economic espionage.Asian American Scholar Forum's Gisela Perez Kusakawa and MIT’s Yasheng Huang underscore concerns over such legislative moves, which would formally reinstate the initiative. Scientists interviewed agree on national security’s importance but argue they have been unfairly scapegoated. Xi, alongside academics like Anming Hu and Franklin Tao , has turned to advocacy, with Hu recently addressing Congressional representatives against the initiative's revival, warning it scapegoats scholars and threatens U.S. technological leadership.Families have borne immense financial burdens, with Tao’s wife, Hong Peng , working extra shifts to cover legal costs that now exceed $2.3 million. Xi, still pursuing legal action against the FBI for his case, aims to uncover potential abuses and ensure transparency. Read the BBC reports: · 2024/10/29 BBC (English): Chinese American Scientists Call for Fight Against Racial Discrimination · 2024/11/01 BBC (Korean): 미-중 경쟁 속 살얼음판을 걷는 중국계 미국인 과학자들 · 2024/11/02 BBC (simplified Chinese): 美国大选：中美关系恶化下华裔科学家如履薄冰“不要再与中国有任何瓜葛” · 2024/11/02 BBC (Vietnamese): Những nhà khoa học Mỹ gốc Hoa đối mặt với rủi ro trong cuộc đối đầu Mỹ-Trung · 2024/11/02 BBC (Thai): เปิดชีวิตบนเส้นด้ายของนักวิทยาศาสตร์อเมริกันเชื้อสายจีน ท่ามกลางการแข่งขันระหว่าง 2 มหาอำนาจ News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2024/11/10 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/12 Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom2024/11/13 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 Initiative2024/11/15 An Advice and Networking Event (Financial Services, Investing and Consulting)2024/11/15 Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue2024/11/15-17 AAASE Inaugural Summit2024/11/17 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/11/24 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Threats to Academic Freedom and International Engagement: China and Beyond WHAT : Threats to International Engagement and Academic Freedom: China and Beyond WHEN: November 12, 2024, 4:00 pm ET WHERE: Hybrid in-person and Online event HOST: Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) at University of Massachusetts, Amherst Speaker : Dr. Yangyang Cheng , Particle Physicist and Research Scholar at Yale Law School's Paul Tsai China Center DESCRIPTION: Across the country, faculty and students are facing impediments to international engagement, and sometimes at significant personal risk, arising from increasingly strict federal regulations. International faculty and students are especially vulnerable, as are Chinese Americans and others with ties to countries experiencing strained US relations. At UMass Amherst, there are strong unions with the power to enforce robust contracts. The MSP event and the conversations it generates will help mobilize the UMass community to win and sustain the strongest possible protections for research and professional lives. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3O77Shv FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3Yn2lcH 3. China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact WHAT : China's Economic Transformation: Policy, Challenges, & Domestic Impact WHEN: November 13, 2024, 7:00 pm ET WHERE: Online workshop HOST: 1990 Institute DESCRIPTION: This workshop is the first of a two-part series on China’s economy. This first session will explore the complexities of China's economic evolution over the past 40 years, highlighting the government's role in shaping the country's economic trajectory and addressing key internal challenges such as unemployment, rising national debt, and the evolution of economic policies. Our expert speakers will also examine the effects of COVID-19 on China’s economy and society. This workshop is open to all secondary school educators and everyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of China’s economic past, present, and future. Participating educators will leave better equipped to help students engage with these complex topics in a relatable way. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3AwiweM 4. America's Trust in Science: What's Changed, What's Next? WHAT : America's Trust in Science: What's Changed, What's Next? WHEN: November 14, 2024, 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm ET WHERE : Online Webinar HOST: American Association for the Advancement of Science DESCRIPTION: The event will feature a breakdown of Pew’s 2024 trust in science survey results, which will be released that morning. Pew will then moderate a AAAS panel to discuss what the results mean for the application and conduct of science, and what the U.S. scientific community should do about it. The event will close with an audience Q&A. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3YEl8PF 5. From Tokyo Rose To the China Initiative: Espionage and AAPIs WHAT : From Tokyo Rose To the China Initiative WHEN: November 14, 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET WHERE : In Person and Online; Costantino Room, Fordham Law School HOST: Center on Asian Americans and the Law, Fordham Law School DESCRIPTION: Asian Americans have long been accused of spying for foreign countries and engaging in acts of treason. In 1949, Iva Toguri D’Aquino was tried for treason in San Francisco—as the infamous “Tokyo Rose.” Years later, she was pardoned. In 1999, Dr. Wen Ho Lee, a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, was arrested and accused of being a spy who had given U.S. nuclear secrets to China. Although he eventually pleaded guilty to one count of mishandling national defense information (after spending 278 days in confinement under harsh conditions), the sentencing judge apologized to him on behalf of the United States.More recently, during the China Initiative, the government arrested individuals of Asian descent with great fanfare, only to eventually drop or drastically reduce the charges in many of the cases. When the end of the “China Initiative” was announced in 2022, there was some skepticism that it was truly over, skepticism that was shown to be justified earlier this year as some members of Congress sought to revive it. Will the China Initiative now be revived? The Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham Law School will explore the issues presented by the government's prosecution over the years of Asian Americans for espionage and treason at its Third Annual Fall Symposium. We will first examine several historic cases and follow with a panel discussion on the government's more recent actions. FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/4fnbZSL 6. 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 9, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #339 7/7 Meeting; Supreme Court; NIH Grant Ruling; Vincent Chin; Perkins Coie Webinar; More #339 7/7 Meeting; Supreme Court; NIH Grant Ruling; Vincent Chin; Perkins Coie Webinar; More In This Issue #339 · 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Orders on Birthright Citizenship · Judge Rebukes Trump Administration NIH Grant Terminations · Anti-Asian Hate: Why We Must Remember Vincent Chin · Perkins Coie Webinar: Strategies for Nonprofits · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored by and welcome the following distinguished speakers: · Lynn Pasquerella , President, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) · Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy, Association of American Universities (AAU) · Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Founder and President, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) · Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Tony Chan 陳繁昌 , Former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (2018–2024) and Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009–2018) 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 . Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Orders on Birthright Citizenship According to AP News , NPR , Washington Post and multiple media reports, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 on June 27, 2025, in favor of narrowing the use of nationwide injunctions, limiting lower courts’ ability to block federal policies for the entire country while litigation is pending. While the ruling does not address the constitutionality of President Donald Trump ’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors, it does pause the order’s implementation for 30 days and returns pending lawsuits to lower courts to reassess the scope of relief.Justice Amy Coney Barrett , writing for the majority, argued that courts must limit relief to actual plaintiffs, not impose universal blocks. Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly opposed the decision, warning it would harm families and shield unlawful executive actions from scrutiny. The ruling allows nationwide class-action suits as an alternative and has already prompted new legal filings from civil rights groups seeking broad protections. While celebrated by Trump and Republican lawmakers as a check on judicial overreach, critics say the decision weakens protections against potentially unconstitutional policies and creates legal uncertainty for families and states.Within hours after the Supreme Court ruling, two class-action suits had been filed in Maryland and New Hampshire seeking to block Trump’s order, including an amended class action complaint and emergency motion for class-wide injunctive relief under Casa Inc. v. Trump (8:25-cv-00201) One of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, William Powell , senior counsel at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, says his colleagues at CASA, Inc. and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project think that, with the class action approach "we will be able to get complete relief for everyone who would be covered by the executive order." The strategic shift required three court filings: one to add class allegations to the initial complaint; a second to move for class certification; and a third asking a district court in Maryland to issue "a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction asking for relief for that putative class," Powell said. According to a Washington Post opinion on June 28, the Supreme Court’s decision in CASA v. Trump will shift judicial power to check the executive from the roughly 700 district judges across the country to the nine justices of the Supreme Court in Washington. For example, district judges can guarantee birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants who file for relief in their district court (or potentially groups of immigrants who bring a class action). But a universal bar on enforcement of this and other presidential decrees will have to wait for the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is now the only court in the country that can block a presidential policy nationwide. However, if the president tries to implement an unconstitutional order and the district courts lack the tools to stop him, the Supreme Court can still swoop in on its time-sensitive emergency docket. Judge Rebukes Trump Administration NIH Grant Terminations As of June 26, 2025, the number of legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s executive actions has risen to 303, according to the Just Security Litigation Tracker (with 12 cases closed). One of the most significant recent developments centers on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' termination of hundreds of NIH research grants: American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10787) In February 2025, HHS halted both ongoing and pending biomedical and behavioral research grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), following Trump’s Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, which barred federal funding from supporting “gender ideology” or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. NIH subsequently issued directives labeling entire categories of research—such as DEI, transgender health, vaccine hesitancy, and COVID-19—as no longer aligned with agency priorities. At least 678 research projects have reportedly been terminated.On April 2, a coalition of prominent health organizations and affected scientists filed suit under the Administrative Procedure Act, challenging the legality of these terminations and seeking an injunction. The plaintiffs include four researchers, the American Public Health Association (APHA), the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Ibis Reproductive Health—all alleging loss of funding or research suppression. According to Politico on June 16, U.S. District Judge William Young of Massachusetts issued a forceful ruling against the administration. Calling the NIH’s actions “illegal” and “palpably clear” discrimination, Judge Young ordered the immediate reinstatement of the terminated grants. He condemned the terminations as unconstitutional, stating they demonstrated racial and anti-LGBTQ bias and violated procedural norms. The administration’s defense—that the actions aligned with congressional priorities—was found to lack any evidentiary basis.This ruling marks a significant legal and symbolic blow to the administration’s sweeping efforts to dismantle federal support for DEI and LGBTQ+ initiatives under the banner of ideological reform. Appeals are expected. Anti-Asian Hate: Why We Must Remember Vincent Chin According to Detroit Free Press , Detroit PBS , Inquirer , Michigan Chronicle , Outlier Media , and other media reports, 43 years after the brutal killing of Vincent Chin 陳果仁 , a new sign was unveiled in Detroit: Vincent Chin Street. Under the hot June sun, a string quartet played Mozart, and the crowd — elders, youth, activists, public officials — gathered not only to honor the man, but to mark the legacy his death ignited.Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese American draftsman, was celebrating his bachelor party on June 19, 1982, when he was assaulted by two white autoworkers who blamed “people like him” for their economic hardships. It was a time when an Asian nation - Japan - was on the rise and blamed for threatening the American auto industry. Days later, on June 23, Chin died of head injuries from a baseball bat attack in a McDonald’s parking lot. The assailants, Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz , were sentenced to probation and a fine. No jail time.The injustice was not just in the courtroom. It echoed in how little American society at the time recognized Asian Americans as part of the civil rights conversation. Even progressive institutions — local chapters of the ACLU and the National Lawyers Guild — argued Asian Americans did not qualify for civil rights protections. “Those were the things people would say to us,” said Helen Zia, Founder of the Vincent Chin Institute. The battle to establish Chin’s citizenship status in order to pursue justice became symbolic of broader struggles for recognition.And yet, that moment in 1982 became a turning point. Chin’s death spurred the creation of the American Citizens for Justice (ACJ) and catalyzed the modern Asian American civil rights movement. It showed that hate — even when misdirected — had deadly consequences. And it taught a generation that justice does not arrive unless you demand it. The street naming this year, attended by many who led those early fights, is a testament to that generation’s perseverance. Attorney Roland Hwang , who helped cofound ACJ, reminded the crowd: “What happened to him… was seared in our minds. His last words were, ‘It’s not fair.’” Those words, he said, should still guide us today. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reflected on the leniency of the original sentence. “We have to step up and stop [hate],” he said, linking the legacy of Chin’s killing to anti-Arab bias after 9/11 and to the rising violence and polarization seen today. “Most of all, we’ve got to remember. And that’s what you’ve done today.”But remembrance is not enough.According to new data from Stop AAPI Hate, more than 50% of Asian Americans today — especially those aged 18 to 29 — report experiencing racial animus. Many of these young people were not born when Chin died. Many have never heard his name. As Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang put it, “There are going to be people who see this sign and ask, ‘Who was Vincent Chin?’ And hopefully, that will spur learning and understanding.”That learning matters, especially in today’s political climate. The same scapegoating that helped justify Chin’s death in 1982 is reemerging in new forms. Now, it is not Japan but China that is framed as the threat — and proposals like Michigan’s recent House bill restricting land ownership by nationals of certain countries (including China) raise alarm about repeating history. “It’s discriminatory,” said civil rights groups and community advocates. State Senator Chang and others are working to embed ethnic studies into Michigan’s education system so that no one graduates asking “Vincent who?” — not just to preserve memory, but to prevent erasure. To see justice not as a one-time verdict, but a cultural habit that must be nurtured.Even the site of the unveiling — once the heart of Detroit’s Chinatown — tells a story. The Chinese Merchants Association building, where the ACJ first organized in 1982, was demolished in 2023 despite protests. Still, the effort to rebuild continues, with a $1 million appropriation and a vision of a revitalized Chinatown, not only as a cultural anchor but as a space of solidarity and healing.What is clear after 43 years is that Vincent Chin’s story is not just a tragedy. It is a mirror. Of where we were, where we still are, and where we need to go. Every June, as Juneteenth reminds the nation of delayed justice for Black Americans, Chin’s memory reminds Asian Americans that the struggle is shared — and ongoing.Vincent Chin's story calls us to vigilance, solidarity, and the courage to confront injustice in all forms. The next generation is watching. Justice is not a moment — it is a movement, and the work continues. Perkins Coie Webinar: Strategies for Nonprofits The law firm Perkins Coie launched The Compliance Collective webinar series in August 2024, hosting a monthly 60‑minute session—every third Thursday at 1 p.m. ET—covering emerging compliance issues with expert panels.The webinar on June 26, 2025, was titled " Essential Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders Navigating Government Inquiries ," specifically designed to empower nonprofit leaders with the latest insights and practical strategies for effectively responding to government investigations and inquiries. As nonprofits face increasing scrutiny from both executive agencies and legislative bodies, it is essential to be prepared for subpoenas, inquiries, and other actions.The webinar covered: · Unique risks facing non-profit organizations · Interacting with the government o Preparing for informal outreach and inquiries from law enforcement and regulators o Navigating government raids o Effective subpoena response · Best practices for developing policies & procedures to address these risks Sign up and receive Perkins Coie webinar invites and updates at https://bit.ly/44mtKgT On March 11, 2025, Perkins Coie sued the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other government agencies over President Trump’s March 6, 2025 executive order (EO) terminating government contracts, denying members of the firm access to federal employees, and suspending employees’ security clearances. On May 2, U.S. District Judge Beryl Alaine Howell of the District of Columbia held that the EO violates the law and is invalid and permanently enjoined the DOJ from implementing, enforcing, or using statements from the EO in any way. Judge Howell granted Perkins Coie’s motion for summary judgment and declaratory relief and denied the DOJ’s motion to dismiss. News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/06/28-30 2025 ICSA China Conference2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/07/09 8th Annual Congressional Reception2025/07/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/08/02-07 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings2025/08/04 APA Justice Monthly 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 June 30, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #54 Comments To NIH; 04/05 Meeting Summary; "We Belong" Yellow Whistle Project #54 Comments To NIH; 04/05 Meeting Summary; "We Belong" Yellow Whistle Project Back View PDF April 12, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #301 1/6 Monthly Meeting; Honoring President Carter; 12/11 C100 Webinar; AAAS Updates; More #301 1/6 Monthly Meeting; Honoring President Carter; 12/11 C100 Webinar; AAAS Updates; More In This Issue #301 · 2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) · 2024/12/11 Webinar on Alien Land Bills · Updates from AAAS · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, January 6, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Dr. Kai Li , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), invited and confirmed speakers are: · Congresswoman Judy Chu , Chair Emeritus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) (invited) · Judith Terayu , Executive Director, CAPAC · Sudip Parikh , Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Executive Publisher of the Science family of journals · Robert S. Chang , Executive Director, Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, University of California Irvine School of Law · Yawei Liu , Senior Advisor, China Focus, Carter Center 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 . ***** Dr. Yawei Liu , Senior Advisor, China Focus, Carter Center, has agreed to speak at the January 6 monthly meeting Yawei has ben involved with the Carter Center for over 25 years. He directs the Center’s China Focus Program. He is also chief editor of the Center’s U.S.-China Perception Monitor and China-America Stories websites. Yawei will give his tributes as we honor the legacies of former President Jimmy Carter and describe the China Focus Program and its activities. Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) President Joe Biden has declared January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning, ordering federal offices to close and flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor former President Jimmy Carter 's legacy. Memorial Schedule: · January 4-7: President Carter's remains will lie in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta, allowing the public to pay their respects. · January 7: A motorcade will transport his remains to Washington, D.C. · January 7-9: President Carter will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, providing an opportunity for national mourning. · January 9: A state funeral service is scheduled at the Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden expected to deliver the eulogy. · Post-Funeral: Following the Washington service, President Carter's remains will return to Georgia for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, culminating in his interment at his home. Legacies of President Jimmy Carter His many legacies include: 1. Camp David Accords : President Carter brokered a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1978. The Camp David Accords, signed on September 17, 1978, marked a groundbreaking achievement in Middle East diplomacy. Carter's tireless efforts brought Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat together for 13 days of intense negotiations at Camp David. The resulting treaty ended decades of conflict between Israel and Egypt, establishing a framework for peace that has endured for over four decades. 2. Human Rights Advocacy : President Carter emphasized human rights as a core aspect of U.S. foreign policy. His commitment to human rights marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. He established the State Department's Human Rights Bureau and made human rights a central consideration in diplomatic relations. President Carter's advocacy helped raise awareness about human rights abuses worldwide. 3. Post-Presidency Humanitarian Work : President Carter's dedication to humanitarian causes has improved lives worldwide. Since leaving office, he has continued to work tirelessly on humanitarian initiatives through the Carter Center. Founded in 1982, the Center focuses on promoting democracy, human rights, and global health. Carter's efforts have helped eradicate diseases, promote fair elections, and support human rights defenders worldwide. His commitment to humanitarian work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. 4. Environmental Protection : President Carter's commitment to environmental protection led to significant legislative achievements. His administration prioritized environmental protection, resulting in landmark legislation including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and the Superfund law. ANILCA protected millions of acres of wilderness, while the Superfund law enabled the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. His environmental policies set a precedent for future administrations. 5. Energy Policy : President Carter's administration developed a comprehensive national energy policy. In response to the 1970s energy crisis, his administration developed a comprehensive national energy policy to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, promote energy conservation, and develop alternative energy sources. Key initiatives included deregulating the energy industry, imposing fuel efficiency standards, and investing in renewable energy technologies. Carter's energy policy laid the groundwork for future efforts to address energy security and climate change. 6. Panama Canal Treaties : President Carter successfully negotiated the transfer of the Panama Canal from U.S. to Panamanian control. The Panama Canal Treaties, signed in 1977, provided for the transfer of ownership of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama by the end of 1999. This diplomatic achievement demonstrated Carter's commitment to respecting the sovereignty of other nations and promoting peaceful cooperation. 7. Diplomatic Relations with China : President Carter established formal diplomatic relations with China on January 1, 1979, ending decades of isolation. The breakthrough paved the way for expanded economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the two nations. 8. Carter Center's Election Monitoring : The Carter Center promotes democracy worldwide by monitoring elections and ensuring their integrity. The Carter Center has become a leading authority on election monitoring, promoting democratic elections and transparent governance worldwide. Since 1989, the Center has observed over 100 elections in more than 30 countries, helping to ensure the integrity of electoral processes and promoting peaceful transitions of power. 9. Habitat for Humanity : President Carter's partnership with Habitat for Humanity has helped provide affordable housing for countless individuals and families worldwide. Since 1984, he has worked with Habitat for Humanity to build and renovate homes for low-income families. His commitment to affordable housing has inspired countless volunteers and helped improve the lives of millions. 10. Moral Leadership : President Carter's commitment to moral leadership and his willingness to take unpopular stands have inspired generations. Throughout his career, his leadership style, guided by a strong sense of morality and justice, has inspired generations of leaders and citizens. His moral leadership has been recognized globally, earning him numerous awards and accolades. 11. Advancements in Healthcare : The Carter administration's healthcare initiatives, including the creation of the Department of Health and Human Services, improved healthcare access and quality. This reorganization streamlined healthcare policy and administration, improving access to healthcare services for millions of Americans. His administration expanded community health centers, increased funding for healthcare research. 12. Federal Government Reform : President Carter's efforts to reform the federal government, including the creation of the Department of Education and the Senior Executive Service, aimed to increase efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and promote accountability. Key initiatives included the creation of the Department of Education and the Senior Executive Service (SES). The SES reformed the federal government's personnel management system, providing more flexibility in hiring and promoting top executives. Additional Information President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy ; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Married in 1946, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter 's enduring marriage and partnership have been a hallmark of their remarkable lives. They shared a lifelong commitment to public service, human rights, and humanitarian work. Their 77-year marriage came to a close with Rosalynn's passing on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96.President Carter is known to be a man of unwavering integrity, compassion, and humility. His strong Christian faith and rural Georgia upbringing have instilled in him a deep sense of morality, empathy, and responsibility. He has a quick wit and a gentle smile, exuding a quiet confidence and authenticity that has earned him the respect and admiration of people around the world. His home in Plains, Georgia, holds a special place in his heart. The modest, two-story house, built in 1961, has been the Carter family's residence since 1960. After leaving the White House in 1981, Jimmy and Rosalynn returned to Plains, where they continue to live part-time. The house is now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at www.jimmycartertribute.org . This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307. 2024/12/11 Webinar on Alien Land Bills On December 12, 2024, the Committee of 100 and APA Justice co-hosted a webinar titled "From Past Prejudice to Present Policy: The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities." It focused on the resurgence of "alien land laws," historically discriminatory policies that are reemerging in state legislatures across the United States. The discussion covered whether the alien land laws properly address national security concerns or serve as a pretext that infringes upon civil rights and liberties under the guise of protection. The webinar marked the first joint event where APA Justice partnered as a member-driven, "powered by" affiliate with the Committee of 100. Cindy Tsai , Interim President of the Committee of 100, gave opening remarks and moderated the webinar. Panelists included · Edgar Chen , Special Policy Advisor at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) · Ashley Gorski , Senior Staff Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) · Gene Wu , Chair, Texas House Democratic Caucus; Member, Texas House of Representatives Congressman Ted Lieu , Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, gave summary remarks. Jeremy Wu , Founder and Co-Organizer of APA Justice and Member of the Committee of 100, gave closing remarks.Alien land laws are discriminatory policies that historically targeted specific immigrant groups, particularly Asian communities, by restricting their ability to own property. These laws were originally enacted to prevent Japanese immigrants from owning land, reflecting deep-seated racial prejudices of the time. The resurgence of such laws in recent years has raised significant concerns. Florida enacted a law banning non-resident Chinese nationals from purchasing property. The reintroduction of these laws is a stark reminder of how history can repeat itself if we are not proactive in safeguarding civil rights. These laws not only perpetuate racial discrimination but also violate constitutional protections against discrimination. Read more about the webinar and background: https://bit.ly/3CEWK9p . Watch the video of the webinar at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfjrVAZrjj8 (1:00:56).Professor Robert S. Chang , Executive Director, Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, University of California Irvine School of Law, will speak at the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025, to provide a basic description of a recent District Court preliminary injunction against two state laws that restricted foreign ownership of property and data centers in Arkansas.If you have been impacted by the alien land laws in your state or have a story to tell, please contact us at contact@apajustice.org . Updates from AAAS Dr. Sudip Parikh , Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Executive Publisher of the Science family of journals, will also speak at the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025. He last spoke at the September 2023 APA Justice monthly meeting, covering open science, basic research, and US-China collaboration when the renewal of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement was delayed. Founded in 1848, AAAS was the first permanent organization established to promote the development of science and engineering at the national level and to represent the interests of all its disciplines.Sudip said in a recent AAAS statement, "at a time of tremendous scientific promise, scientific advances are critical to ensuring future prosperity and to solving problems that jeopardize the health of the planet and the wellbeing of people. But, as knowledge and expertise are increasingly called into question, our ability to seize this momentum is at risk. To maintain U.S. global competitiveness and put the world on positive footing, we must redouble our collective efforts to advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all. This means stepping out of silos to connect researchers with leaders across sectors, across the country, and across the globe. AAAS is uniquely positioned to lead the way. In our 176-year history, we have stood at the intersection of science across disciplines and public good. We have built essential relationships that have prepared us for this next era and the challenges and opportunities it will bring to our community." The 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting with the theme of "Science Shaping Tomorrow" is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 15, 2025, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Read more about the event at: https://bit.ly/3BQVi3y Sudip will update us about these and other AAAS activities and developments at the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/01/05 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/01/15 Master Class: Maintaining the Effectiveness of Organizational Equity Initiatives in the Current Environment2024/01/16 Master Classes: Asian American Career Lessons2025/01/19 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. No 大年三十 This Year - Blame the Moon! January 29 will be New Year Day for the start of the Year of Snake, but there is no 大年三十 (da nian san shi) – the 30th day of the 12th lunar month. In fact, there will be no da nian san shi until February 2, 2030, when the Year of the Rooster makes way for the Year of the Dog. In the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the first day of each month begins with a new moon, where the moon is least visible to us. A full moon appears around the fifteenth day of each month, and the moon wanes as the month ends.On January 1, 2025, the South China Morning Post provided an explanation. Read https://bit.ly/4gTrthE As the moon’s orbit around Earth does not follow a perfect circle, the interval from one new moon to the next is not fixed. Instead, a lunar month ranges from around 29.27 days to 29.82 days, with an average length of 29.53 days. To correct for, and adjust to, the differences, the traditional Chinese calendar divides the year into “big months” lasting 30 days and “small months” lasting 29 days. The last lunar month is typically a big month, which is why the eve of Lunar New Year is referred to colloquially as “the 30th day of the big year” – da nian san shi. But having a shorter twelfth lunar month is not particularly rare – the month was also a small month in 2022, 2016, and 2013. What makes the coming one special is that it marks the first of five consecutive years to have the twelfth lunar month only lasting 29 days. This means that technically, according to the traditional Chinese calendar, there will be no Lunar New Year’s Eve again until 2030.Interestingly, because of the quirk in the lunisolar calendar, calculations suggest there will be two Lunar New Years in the year 2262.Blame The Moon! Now that we have that cleared away, let's start preparing the celebrations! # # # 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 2, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #232 2/5 Monthly Meeting; AI Safety Cooperation; Carter Legacy; China Initiative 2.0; + #232 2/5 Monthly Meeting; AI Safety Cooperation; Carter Legacy; China Initiative 2.0; + In This Issue #232 · 2024/02/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · White House OSTP Director on US-China AI Safety Cooperation · Invited Report - A Speech by David Lampton: The Carter Legacy and Beyond · Possible Reinstatement of the China Initiative Denounced · News and Activities for the Communities 2024/02/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, February 5, 2024, starting at 1:55 pm ET. In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), invited and confirmed speakers are: · Erika Moritsugu (invited), Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison, The White House, will kick off the Lunar New Year by reviewing the Year of the Rabbit (2023) and looking forward to the Year of the Dragon (2024). · Lora Lumpe, Chief Executive Officer, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, will tell us about the Quincy Institute and its plans and activities. The Quincy Institute promotes ideas that move U.S. foreign policy away from endless war, toward military restraint and diplomacy in the pursuit of international peace in a world where peace is the norm and war is the exception. On November 13, 2023, it led a coalition of diverse organizations in a letter to Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping calling for more stable and productive bilateral ties. · Min Fan 范敏, Executive Director, US Heartland China Association (USHCA) will introduce USHCA and describe its mission and activities. USHCA covers 20 states that stretch from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 430 Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in 84 of the cities within the Heartland region. Mayors of the region lead 37 of the 100 largest cities in the United States. The original organization was founded in 2003 as the Midwest China Association by U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson (IL); John Rogers, lawyer and professor; and Governor Bob Holden (MO), former Chairman of the Midwest Governors Association. USHCA led a bipartisan delegation of six U.S. mayors representing communities along the Mississippi River Basin to visit their counterparts in China in 2023 - the first since the pandemic. · Sandy Shan, Executive Director, Justice is Global, will share how individuals and organizations can help support grassroot rollout of a US-China climate cooperation bill this spring. In 2020 and 2022 , Justice is Global conducted two community canvassing projects that engaged swing state voters susceptible to anti-immigrant sentiments in conversations about the future of US-China cooperation. The positive outcomes from these two projects informed Justice is Global’s current work in supporting the rollout of a climate cooperation bill. 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 White House OSTP Director on US-China AI Safety Cooperation According to the Financial Times , Arati Prabhakar , Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said the US will work with China on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the coming months. The two countries are committed to working together to lessen the risks of AI and assess its capabilities.“Steps have been taken to engage in that process,” Prabhakar said of future collaboration with China on AI. “We have to try to work [with Beijing].” “We are at a moment where everyone understands that AI is the most powerful technology . . . every country is bracing to use it to build a future that reflects their values,” said Prabhakar, who advises President Joe Biden on issues including AI regulation. “But I think the one place we can all really agree is we want to have a technology base that is safe and effective,” she added. “So I think that is a good place for collaboration.”The regulatory frameworks for AI vary between the two nations. China, for instance, has issued comprehensive guidelines for AI development, with a particular emphasis on content control. By contrast, in October last year, Biden issued a sweeping executive order with a specific focus on addressing threats related to national security and consumer privacy.Read the Financial Times report: https://on.ft.com/3UfwlWm In an editorial published online on January 25, 2024, Science reported that "the power and accuracy of computational protein design have been increasing rapidly with the incorporation of AI approaches. This promises to transform biotechnology, enabling advances across sustainability and medicine. However, as with all major revolutionary changes, this technology is vulnerable to misuse and the production of dangerous biological agents." "Enhanced security need not threaten information sharing or transparent communication, the hallmarks of modern science; the use of biosecurity as an excuse to not share new methods and advances should be discouraged by science funders, publishers, and policy-makers. Rather, security in this fast-moving field should be framed as maximizing progress to address pressing societal concerns," the editorial concludes. Read the Science editorial: https://bit.ly/47UHcIm The Science editorial referred to a global AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom in November, 2023. The editorial emphasized that the "road to regulating AI is likely to be long and complicated." At the Summit, representatives from 28 countries worldwide including the United States, China, European Union, and other nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, endorsed The Bletchley Declaration on AI safety. This declaration acknowledges the need to comprehend and collaboratively address potential risks associated with AI. Its goal is to ensure the development and deployment of AI in a safe and responsible manner for the benefit of the international community. At the conclusion of the Summit, South Korea committed to co-hosting a mini virtual summit within the next six months, followed by France hosting the subsequent in-person Summit half a year later.Read more about the AI Safety Summit: https://bit.ly/3SlWYqe Invited Report - A Speech by David Lampton: The Carter Legacy and Beyond Author: Juan Zhang , Editor, US-China Perception Monitor/ 中美印象, Carter Center, Juan.Zhang@cartercenter.org Professor David Lampton is a towering figure in America's collective effort to understand China and to maintain a peaceful and productive relationship with China. At the Inaugural Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations, Lampton offered an excellent description of President Jimmy Carter 's remarkable contributions to global peace, with a particular emphasis on the normalization of relations between the United States and China. Lampton elaborated on how four leadership approaches of President Carter have all played a big role in his visionary China policy. These approaches "served our nation and the world well." Dr. Yawei Liu , Senior Advisor at the Carter Center’s China Focus, lauded Lampton's speech as the most comprehensive summary of President Carter's contributions to peace and prosperity in the U.S. China and the world. To read the full speech, please click here . To find Professor Lampton’s latest book Living US-China Relations: From Cold War to Cold War . Click here . Possible Reinstatement of the China Initiative Denounced On January 26, 2024, the Committee of 100 (C100), an outspoken critic of the China Initiative, issued the following statement from Interim President and Executive Director Cindy Tsai :“The China Initiative was a failed program that fueled racial animosity, xenophobia, and suspicion towards the AAPI community and Chinese Americans in particular. Reimplementing this program would send shockwaves of fear across the AAPI community. We welcome the opportunity to work with Congressional leaders to recognize, address, and prevent future harms to the AAPI community and continue the dialogue towards a shared vision of a better, more secure and inclusive America.” In October of 2021, C100 and researchers from the University of Arizona unveiled a joint research project focused on race and ethnicity in science and research. The survey data showed that the China Initiative was producing a wave of fear among scientists of Chinese descent, where scientists have described cutting ties with their collaborators in China, no longer hiring Chinese postdocs, and limiting communications with scholars in China, even at the expense of their own research projects. Additionally, research jointly led by C100 and legal scholar Andrew Chongseh Kim shed light on significant racial disparities in the implementation of the Economic Espionage Act (EEA) of 1996 and under the China initiative. Data from the research was drawn from nearly 300 defendants across nearly 200 separate cases. Half of the defendants with Western names (49%) convicted under the EEA were given sentences of probation only, with no incarceration. In contrast, the vast majority of defendants of Asian descent (75%) were sent to prison, in particular defendants of Chinese descent (80%). Additionally, Chinese and Asian defendants convicted of economic espionage received average sentences of 27 and 23 months respectively, roughly twice as long as the average sentence of 12 months for defendants with Western names. Read the C100 press release: https://bit.ly/4bpO6si Excerpts from a Boston Globe opinion by Professor MIT Professor Gang Chen 陈刚 on January 16, 2024,"In January 2021, I was wrongfully indicted under the China Initiative launched in 2018 by the US Department of Justice. The indictment contained a laundry list of normal activities for a university professor, such as reviewing proposals and writing recommendation letters. Thankfully, MIT — where I’m a professor of mechanical engineering — and the scientific community came to my defense, with a rallying cry 'We are all Gang Chen.' After a year of grueling legal proceedings, the DOJ finally dropped my case."One month later, in February 2022, the DOJ terminated the Trump administration’s China Initiative, admitting that it created a 'harmful perception' of bias against people with 'racial, ethnic, or familial ties to China.'"Despite the harm the initiative created, the House Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill, H.R. 5893, seeks to mandate the DOJ to reinstate the China Initiative."The proposal is another stab at a deep wound in my heart that has yet to heal. Despite the warm welcome back to campus from colleagues at MIT, my wrongful prosecution has done irreversible damage to my family, my career, and the United States. "Politically motivated, racially biased criminal justice initiatives lead to wrongful prosecutions. The China Initiative led to numerous wrongful prosecutions of scientists of Chinese origin. When catching real spies proved to be difficult and time-consuming, federal agents turned their attention to straw man targets — university professors. Espionage is the antithesis of open science — one operates in the shadows, shrouded in secrecy, and the other seeks truth and consensus through exploration and collaboration. Researchers at universities in the United States do not conduct classified research on campus. We carry out basic research and publish our findings for all to see. "Some initiatives by the government, such as the China Initiative and the National Institutes of Health’s investigation into academics’ collaborations with China, weaken rather than strengthen US national security. American scientific prowess has been built on the United States’ ability to attract the best and the brightest minds from around the world."Passage of the House’s appropriation bill as it’s currently written would once again push out talent and human capital at the expense of scientific advancement and national security. The China Initiative harmed Americans and failed our national interests miserably. Let us not repeat history with the same mistakes." News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/02/01 CAMDC Deadline for Essay Contest2024/02/04 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/02/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/02/10 New Year's Day of the Year of the Dragon2024/03/03 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/03/04 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. AAGEN 2024 Leadership Workshop WHAT: In-person event - AAGEN 2024 Leadership Workshop: “Identity, Integrity, and Influence - How to Lead in Uncertain Times” WHEN: Thursday, May 2, 2024, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm ETWHERE: Partnership For Public Service - 600 14th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005HOST: Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN)DESCRIPTION: Join other professionals and leaders from across government for a professional development training event with interactive panel discussions focused on developing leadership resiliency to build a strong and healthy workforce. Come for individual advice from Senior Executives in the Coaching/Resume Review sessions and hear inspiring AANHPI leaders from the White House and other federal agencies share their leadership stories and career advice. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3UiHMwrREGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/47MG2yB 3. Lunar New Year is a Holiday in Some States According to Denverite , on June 2, 2023, Lunar New Year became an official state holiday after Governor Jared Polis signed a bill and will be celebrated by Coloradans the first Friday of every February. Vương-Sandoval , chair of the Lunar New Year Allies Advisory Group, spearheaded the bill, continuing her efforts to bolster and display Denver’s large Vietnamese and Asian community. The City of Denver recently apologized for its role in an anti-Chinese/Asian riot of 1880 that resulted in the death of Look Young, a Chinese laundry worker, and the destruction of historic Chinatown, a once-thriving community of Chinese-owned properties; The area is now LoDo. Colorado is the second state, after California, to recognize Lunar New Year as an observed holiday. According to NBC News on September 12, 2023, the Lunar New Year will now be observed in all public schools in the state of New York, following legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul . “It is not just a day off from school — it is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate their own or different cultures and traditions,” Hochul said in a news release. New York is home to the second largest Asian population in the U.S., which is the fastest-growing racial and ethnic group nationwide, with 1.9 million residents, The new legislation comes months after New York City Mayor Eric Adams added Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, to its list of public school holidays.On January 12, 2024, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution AJR201/SJR111, designating the first new moon of the first month of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. The holiday has been recognized and celebrated internationally for thousands of years by Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders to welcome good fortune in the new year. 4. Asian American Mayor of Wichita Lily Wu was sworn in as Wichita’s 103rd mayor on January 8, 2024. She is the first woman elected to a full term and the first Asian-American mayor of the largest city in Kansas. Mayor Lily speaks Cantonese and Spanish, was born in Guatemala, and immigrated to Wichita, Kansas with her family in 1993. On her 30th anniversary of coming to America, she announced her candidacy for mayor. She champions an inclusive vision for the entire city focused on ensuring public safety, strengthening the economy, restoring trust in City Hall and building a united community. Prior to being elected, Mayor Lily spent 12 years as a journalist, serving as an anchor and reporter for Wichita television stations KAKE and KWCH 12 News. Read the NextShark report: https://yhoo.it/3Omi3iO Back View PDF January 29, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter