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Newsletter - #245 4/8 Monthly Meeting; Bridge Collapse; Census Changes; Stephen Roach; UMichigan Post; + #245 4/8 Monthly Meeting; Bridge Collapse; Census Changes; Stephen Roach; UMichigan Post; + In This Issue #245 · 2024/04/08 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · The Bridge Collapse in Baltimore is an Immigration Story · Next U.S. Census Will Have New Check Boxes · Stephen Roach: American Sinophobia · US Universities Secretly Turned Their Back on Chinese Professors under DOJ's China Initiative · News and Activities for the Communities 2024/04/08 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 8, 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), confirmed speakers are: · Robert Underwood, Commissioner, President's Advisory Commission on AA and NHPI; Former Chair of CAPAC; Former President of University of Guam · Yvonne Lee, Commissioner, USDA Equity Commission; Former Member, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission · Chenglong Li, Zhong-Ren Peng, and Jiangeng Xue, Officers of Florida Chinese Faculty Association and Professors of University of Florida · David Inoue, Executive Director, Japanese American Citizens League · Cindy Tsai, Interim President and Executive Director, Committee of 100 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 . On March 29, 2024, NBC News reported on the protest by professors, students and advocates across public university campuses in the Florida who say the State Bill 846 could keep graduate students from "countries of concern" out of their schools. A civil lawsuit, Yin v. Diaz (1:24-cv-21129) , was filed on March 25, 2024. Gisela, Joanna, and Professors Li, Peng, and Xue will give reports on the March 26 rally in Gainesville, Florida, at the April 8 monthly meeting. The Bridge Collapse in Baltimore is an Immigration Story According to Reuters and multiple media reports, they came to the United States seeking a better life. They found themselves laboring on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, fixing potholes under the cover of night, only to tragically lose their lives in the Baltimore harbor. All six victims of the bridge collapse were immigrants from Mexico and Central America, engaging in the type of strenuous work often undertaken by immigrants. At 1:30 a.m. EDT on March 27, 2024, a container ship collided with a support pillar of the bridge, causing it to collapse and sending the workers plummeting into the icy waters of the Patapsco River.Despite police managing to close bridge traffic moments before the collision, the maintenance crew had no time to reach safety.Some were not surprised that all of the victims were immigrants, even though they account for less than 10% of the population in Maryland's largest city."One of the reasons Latinos were involved in this accident is because Latinos do the work that others do not want to do. We have to do it, because we come here for a better life. We do not come to invade the country," said Lucia Islas , president of Comité Latino de Baltimore, a nonprofit group. Government and industry figures show that Hispanics are over-represented in high-risk jobs: 51% of construction workers, 34% of slaughterhouse workers and 61% of landscaping workers.The tragedy coincides with a U.S. presidential election where immigration is a key issue. According to Reuters , President Joe Biden 's administration has grappled with a surge in border crossings, while Republican candidate Donald Trump has employed racist rhetoric against immigrants, referring to them as "animals" and "not people" on the campaign trail and has said he would dramatically ramp up deportation if re-elected on November 5. The tragedy illustrated the contributions that migrants make to the U.S. economy, President of Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador said. “This demonstrates that migrants go out and do risky jobs at midnight. And for this reason, they do not deserve to be treated as they are by certain insensitive, irresponsible politicians in the United States,” he said. Will Bunch of the Philadelphia Inquirer castigated the right-wing lawmakers and pundits who have whipped up native-born Americans over immigration, calling immigrants sex traffickers and fentanyl dealers, and even “animals.” The workers who died in the bridge collapse “were not ‘poisoning the blood of our country,’” Will Bunch wrote, “they were replenishing it…. They may have been born all over the continent, but when these men plunged into our waters on Tuesday, they died as Americans.” Historian Heather Cox Richardson quoted Republican President Ronald Reagan, “we lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people—our strength—from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation…. Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we're a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.” The tragedy prompts reflection on the broader immigration debate, challenging stereotypes and underscoring the humanity and contributions of immigrants to American society. Related reports: · 2024/03/29 Reuters : Baltimore: immigrants died doing job 'others do not want to do' · 2024/03/29 Los Angles Times : The Baltimore bridge collapse reminds us immigrants often do unheralded and dangerous work · 2024/03/28 MSNBC : The Baltimore bridge collapse victims were all immigrants. Here’s why we can’t ignore that · 2024/03/28 Fox News : Mexico president says Baltimore bridge collapse shows migrants 'do not deserve to be treated as they are' · 2024/03/28 CNN : The true face of immigration · 2024/03/28 Philadelphia Inquirer : A ship crashed Into a Baltimore bridge and demolished the lies about immigration · 2024/03/28 Heather Cox Richardson: Letters from an American · 2024/03/28 Maryland Matters : The bridge collapse is an immigration story · 2024/03/27 CBS News : Key Bridge collapse victims were 'hard workers,' says organization aimed at helping immigrants · 2024/03/27 Democracy Now : Baltimore Key Bridge Collapses, Killing Six Immigrant Workers Who Had No Access to Emergency Warnings · 2024/03/27 Washington Post : Bridge collapse brings stark reminder of immigrant workers’ vulnerabilities Next U.S. Census Will Have New Check Boxes On March 28, 2024, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) unveiled revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. As reported by NPR, these revisions signify an expansion of the checkboxes for race and ethnicity on the next U.S. census in 2030 and future federal government forms. Under the approved proposals, participants will now encounter a new response option for "Middle Eastern or North African" (MENA) and a reformatted question that includes a "Hispanic or Latino" box under the category "What is your race and/or ethnicity?" There will be instructions that say "Select all that apply." This marks the introduction of the first entirely new racial or ethnic category required on federal government forms since 1977.Advocates for these changes emphasize the importance of updated racial and ethnic data in various aspects, including redrawing voting district maps, enforcing civil rights protections, and informing policymaking and research to better reflect people's identities today.A sea change is underway as federal agencies, as well as state, local governments, and private institutions participating in federal programs, adapt their forms and databases to align with the new statistical standards.By late September 2025, federal agencies must submit public action plans to OMB, aiming to have all of their surveys and statistics in compliance with the new requirements by late March 2029. For over three decades, advocates for Arab Americans and other MENA groups have campaigned for their own checkbox on government forms, reflecting the diverse identities within these communities. Recent research indicates that many individuals of MENA descent do not identify as white, challenging the previous federal government classification that included individuals with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.In the last major changes to its standards in 1997, survey participants were allowed to report more than one race and splitting the "Asian or Pacific Islander" category into "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander," which OMB has now shortened by removing the word "Other."Read the NPR report: https://n.pr/3xmB27c Related reports and statements: 2024/03/28 AP : US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It’s the first revision in 27 years 2024/03/28 Politico : Federal government changes how it collects data on race 2024/03/28 The Hill : US Census changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity 2024/03/28 CAPAC: CAPAC Chair Commends Historic OMB Updates to Federal Race & Ethnicity Data Standards by Biden-Harris Administration 2024/03/28 The White House: OMB Publishes Revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity Stephen Roach: American Sinophobia In a recent opinion published in Project Syndicate , Professor Stephen S. Roach , a Yale University faculty member and former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, addresses the escalating Sinophobia in America and its potential consequences. He is also author of a book titled "Accidental Conflict - America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives." Roach argues that the bipartisan nature of America's Sinophobia is transforming fear into perceived fact, heightening the risk of accidental conflict with China, which could inadvertently provoke the very aggression the U.S. seeks to prevent.He traces the origins of this sentiment back to the early 2000s, when concerns about national security led to suspicions surrounding Huawei's technological advancements, ultimately resulting in sanctions against the company. Since then, Sinophobia has expanded beyond technology to encompass various sectors, including trade and military tensions.Roach also cited China to be equally guilty of its own strain of “Ameri-phobia” – demonizing the US for its accusations of Chinese economic espionage, unfair trading practices, and human rights violations. He highlights the reciprocal nature of fear between the U.S. and China, with both countries demonizing each other based on false narratives.This escalating fear, Roach warns, parallels the red-baiting tactics of the early 1950s in the U.S., now manifesting in unsubstantiated accusations against China by politicians like Representative Mike Gallagher . Roach underscores the absence of concrete evidence supporting many of these allegations, attributing them to the bipartisan politicization of deductive reasoning and America's historical intolerance of alternative ideologies. Roach argues that instead of succumbing to fear, the U.S. must confront its own challenges, such as trade deficits and technological shortcomings, without scapegoating China. He emphasizes the need for rational leadership and quotes President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous dictum, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," urging the U.S. to rise above the politics of fear and uphold its global leadership responsibly. Read the Project Syndicate essay: https://bit.ly/3xhFAvK US Universities Secretly Turned Their Back on Chinese Professors under DOJ's China Initiative According to a University of Michigan report, American universities have increasingly distanced themselves from Chinese professors targeted under the China Initiative and similar federal agency investigations, often pressuring them to resign voluntarily or retire early. At a recent panel discussion on the China Initiative and its aftermath, hosted by the University of Michigan, panelists shared their experiences, insights and lesser-known facts. Gang Chen , one of the professors charged under the China Initiative, expressed gratitude for the support he received from MIT. “I’m the lucky one,” Chen said. Chen was one of the professors charged under the China Initiative, a program launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2018 to counter economic espionage from China. Despite the initial purpose, the program primarily focused on cases involving researchers who had failed to disclose ties with China, such as receiving grants, spending sabbaticals or summers, or receiving honorary appointments from Chinese institutions. All charges against Chen were dismissed. Peter Zeidenberg , a lawyer representing scientists and academics accused of economic espionage, highlighted how universities typically distance themselves from accused professors. Instead of acknowledging their awareness of the professors' connections with China or providing proper disclosure training, universities often shift blame to the accused. Universities often deflected blame, telling granting agencies, “It was him. He did it. Go get him,” Zeidenberg said. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest funder of academic biomedical research on the U.S. Under the China Initiative, NIH started investigating whether federal funds were used properly by faculty. This included examining whether the funds were used to do work in China due to faculty’s undisclosed connections with Chinese institutes. As a result of this investigation, 44% of the 255 professors where NIH asked universities to investigate lost their jobs. “Most of those affected were tenured professors,” said Ann Chih Lin , University of Michigan associate professor of public policy and director of the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies. According to Lin, NIH made it clear that if they could not resolve concerns regarding a faculty member and a grant, NIH would not only require universities to repay the grant, but also investigate universities’ entire portfolio of NIH grants. Fearing the loss of grant money, universities often approached the implicated professors and encouraged them to resign voluntarily or retire early. This strategy aimed to avoid a public disciplinary hearing or grievance process, which could bring unwanted attention to the case. Professors involved in such investigations typically refrained from discussing their cases to protect both themselves and the universities, often choosing to depart quietly.While the Department of Justice terminated the China Initiative in 2022 amid criticism, the damage has been done. In addition to losing talent, recent research by RuiXue Jia , associate professor of economics at the University of California San Diego, indicates reduced productivity among U.S. scientists with Chinese collaborators, particularly in fields receiving pre-investigation NIH funding. Moreover, the cessation of the China Initiative does not signal the end of repercussions, as federal granting agencies continue their investigations, perpetuating potential harm. Read the University of Michigan report: https://bit.ly/3PJLb4f News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/04/02 AA and NHPI Higher Education Leadership Development Summit2024/04/07 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/08 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/04/17 Racially Profiled for Being A Scientist: A Discussion of the US DOJ's China Initiative2024/04/18 Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice2024/04/19 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2024/04/19 Appeals Court Hearing on Florida SB 264Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. 04/09 China Town Hall On April 9, 2024, a hybrid two-part program, China Town Hall, will be held at the Newton City Hall Memorial Auditorium, Newton City, Massachusetts. The first part of the program features Dr. Kurt Campbell , Deputy Secretary of State, in a national webcast hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations (NCUSCR). This part of the program starts at 7 pm ET and is scheduled for one hour. Register here: https://bit.ly/4afaDae . The second part of the program is a local conversation with Newton City Mayor Ruthanne Fuller giving welcome address and opening remarks by Professor Min Ye of Boston University and Congressman Jake Auchincloss . Discussions will follow with Professor Lisong Liu of MassArt serving as moderator. This part of the program is co-hosted by NCUSCR and the New England Chinese American Alliance. It is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm ET for 90 minutes. Join the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/w/87627173939#success Back View PDF April 1, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #138 Oppose US Attorney Nomination; Racist Image; The China Trap; 8/1 Meeting Summary; More #138 Oppose US Attorney Nomination; Racist Image; The China Trap; 8/1 Meeting Summary; More Back View PDF August 22, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions How can I donate to APA Justice? You can help support APA Justice through donation by check or online. Please see the Donation page for more details. Tell me about your newsletters. APA Justice began publishing a free periodic newsletter about 4-7 times a month in July 2020. As of January 2026, there have been over 370 issues .

Newsletter - #91 Rep. Lieu Questions AG; Letter to AG; 11/01 Meeting; New Red Scare; UTK; More #91 Rep. Lieu Questions AG; Letter to AG; 11/01 Meeting; New Red Scare; UTK; More Back View PDF October 25, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #368 Gary Locke Honored by NAPA; William Tong Elected; APA History in CT; NAPABA Updates; + #368 Gary Locke Honored by NAPA; William Tong Elected; APA History in CT; NAPABA Updates; + In This Issue #368 · NAPA Honors Gary Locke for Excellence in Public Service · Connecticut AG William Tong Elected President of NAAG · Asian Pacific American History in Connecticut Schools · Update from NAPABA · News and Activities for the Communities NAPA Honors Gary Locke for Excellence in Public Service On December 10, 2025, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) announced that Secretary Janet L. Yellen , American Economist, former Treasury Secretary and former Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States, and Governor Gary F. Locke 骆家辉 , former U.S. Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Washington State Governor, will receive the Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service on January 28, 2026.The award ceremony will take place at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C, from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28 after a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. Journalist Jenn White , host of NPR’s 1A program, will moderate a discussion with the two award recipients as part of the event.The Elliot L. Richardson Prize is presented on a biennial basis to individuals exemplifying the public service virtues demonstrated by the award’s namesake. The prize in the amount of $50,000 will be split between the two awardees. Consistent with the public-spiritedness of Elliot L. Richardson, recipients of the award are required to designate one or more charities to receive half the prize amount they are awarded. Elliot L. Richardson is considered to be one of the nation’s finest public servants. An Academy Fellow, he served in four Cabinet-level positions in the U.S. government: Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW); Secretary of Defense, Attorney General; and Secretary of Commerce under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. Richardson is remembered for his integrity and courage that saved the nation from a constitutional crisis during the “Saturday Night Massacre” incident during the Nixon administration.Gary F. Locke’s legacy has many dimensions reflecting his varied roles as a trailblazing politician, public servant, and a diplomat who has been a leader in the areas of education, employment, trade, human services, and the environment.Locke served as the 10th United States Ambassador to China from 2011–2014, the 36th U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2009–2011, and Washington State’s 21st Governor from 1997–2005. He was the first Chinese American elected governor in U.S. history, the first Asian American governor in the continental United States, and the first Chinese American Secretary of Commerce.As Governor, Locke earned national recognition for innovations in government efficiency, customer-focused service delivery, and priority-based budgeting. Under his leadership, Washington State was ranked among the nation’s best-managed states, with major initiatives delivered successfully and under budget. His work has been cited by leading scholars and institutions, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.Locke later brought his pragmatic, cross-cultural leadership to diplomacy, strengthening U.S.–China engagement while advancing American economic and strategic interests. He currently serves as Chairman of Locke Global Strategies, advising clients on trade, regulatory, and investment matters, and as Chair of the Committee of 100 .Previous recipients of the Elliot L. Richardson Prize include Secretary Norman Mineta . NAPA is a Congressionally chartered, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that advances excellence in public administration through its research programs and its nearly 1,000 elected Fellows. Comparable in structure and mission to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), NAPA serves as a national resource for objective expertise on governance and public management.Read the NAPA press release: https://bit.ly/4rX1FaI . Register to attend the January 28 event in person or virtually: https://bit.ly/4iZPIgu . Connecticut AG William Tong Elected President of NAAG On December 12, 2025, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) elected Connecticut Attorney General (AG) William Tong 湯偉麟 as President of the association during its annual Capital Forum, held December 8–10. Attorney General Tong succeeds New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella , who served as NAAG President in 2025.William Tong is the 25th Attorney General of Connecticut, first elected in 2018 and currently serving his second term. A national leader in high-impact litigation and investigations, Attorney General Tong has led bipartisan, multistate efforts to hold the addiction industry accountable for the opioid crisis, restore competition in the generic drug market, and protect consumers from data breaches and unfair practices. He has also prioritized reducing energy costs, expanding broadband access, and ensuring affordable healthcare.The son of immigrant small-business owners, Attorney General Tong brings a personal understanding of the challenges facing working families. He has worked to safeguard civil rights, defend Connecticut’s gun safety laws, and hold corporations accountable for climate-related deception. Before becoming Attorney General, Tong served 12 years in the Connecticut General Assembly and practiced law for nearly two decades. He is the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Connecticut and the first Chinese American elected Attorney General in the United States.During the APA Justice monthly meeting on May 5, 2025, Attorney General Tong reflected on the significance of his historic election, noting that its rarity underscores the continued underrepresentation of AAPI communities in political leadership. He spoke candidly about persistent xenophobia and racism, and about how Asian Americans—particularly East Asian Americans—are often perceived as perpetual foreigners who are quiet, passive, and unlikely to lead, contributing to the rise in anti-Asian hate. Tong argued that greater AAPI representation in positions of power would allow communities to prevent discrimination rather than merely react to it, and he strongly defended birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment as central to his own identity. Drawing on the long history of Chinese American contributions to the nation, he emphasized that AAPI stories are deeply American, concluding with a call for solidarity, collective voice, and mutual protection so that no one in the community faces discrimination alone. Read his remarks at the APA Justice monthly meeting: https://bit.ly/4oYIMSf Asian Pacific American History in Connecticut Schools According to AP News on December 12, 2025, three years after Connecticut mandated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in K–12 education, West Hartford Public Schools are rolling out a comprehensive, year-round curriculum that integrates AAPI history across most grade levels. Students will learn not only about familiar topics like Japanese American incarceration during World War II, but also lesser-known stories such as Medal of Honor recipient Sadao Munemori , as well as immigration history, birthright citizenship cases like Wong Kim Ark ’s, and contemporary figures such as architect Maya Lin . Educators say the expanded curriculum addresses long-standing gaps that left many students feeling invisible and reflects the district’s diverse population. The effort is part of a broader national movement accelerated by the surge in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, with roughly a dozen states now requiring AAPI history.At the same time, the push for inclusive education has exposed tensions within the AAPI community and across states, particularly where lawmakers resist teaching systemic racism or broader ethnic studies. While AAPI history mandates have sometimes gained bipartisan support, critics argue that similar openness has not been extended to Black, Latinx, or LGBTQ+ histories, raising concerns about sanitized or selective narratives. Educators in Connecticut emphasize that the goal is not ideological instruction but a “deeper, richer” understanding of American history—one that includes struggle, resilience, and achievement. District leaders plan to continue refining the curriculum, using literature and age-appropriate lessons to embed AAPI experiences into a balanced and inclusive view of the nation’s past. Update from NAPABA During the APA Justice monthly meeting on December 1, 2025, Edgar Chen 陳春品 , Special Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), provided an overview of NAPABA’s recent annual convention and the organization’s broader civil-rights–focused work. He began by thanking APA Justice for the opportunity to share updates and participate in discussion of Florida’s SB 264 during the Q&A.Edgar explained that NAPABA represents more than 80,000 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students across the United States, with additional Canadian affiliates. Each year, NAPABA convenes members in a different host city for its annual convention. The 2025 gathering took place in Denver, Colorado, and was NAPABA’s second-largest convention ever, with over 2,800 attendees. He noted that last year’s Seattle convention reached a record 3,400 attendees and featured Governor Gary Locke as an opening speaker.Edgar highlighted several elements of the Denver convention that intersect with current civil rights issues. Responding to earlier panel discussion about the federal Community Relations Service (CRS), he noted that CRS — often called “the nation’s peacemakers” — has historically had four directors of Asian American descent: Grand Lum , Rose Ochi , Justin Locke , and Julius Nam . Grand Lum participated in a Denver panel on alternative dispute resolution. Edgar also connected other speakers’ points to NAPABA’s recent work, noting, for example, that NAPABA included the Congressional Gold Medal for Chinese American WWII veterans as part of its 2018 lobby-day agenda.NAPABA’s continuing legal education offerings at the convention spanned more than 43 breakout sessions covering emerging and specialized practice areas, including artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, healthcare law, tariffs, and even Asian American leadership in the outdoor and skiing industries — a nod to the Colorado setting. From this broad program, Edgar emphasized several civil rights sessions that were most relevant to the APA Justice audience. These included programming on birthright citizenship, such as a reenactment of the landmark Wong Kim Ark case; discussions about discrimination against Pacific Islander women; sessions addressing sexual violence; and a program on language access in the wake of the recent rescission of the Clinton-era executive order guaranteeing federal language-access services. The convention also explored book bans and the erosion of intersectional identities in public education and discourse.Edgar personally moderated a panel on immigration enforcement featuring Greg Chen of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He summarized the panel’s key conclusion: the central issue currently shaping immigration outcomes is “discretion,” particularly the growing use of negative discretion across U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other parts of the federal immigration system. He stressed that, beyond ICE, these shifts have implications for refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable communities — especially in the context of the recent shooting in Washington, D.C., which has further intensified national debate over immigration policy and public safety. The convention also featured a major plenary session with Justice Goodwin Liu of the California Supreme Court and Ajay Mehrotra of the American Bar Foundation. They discussed the “Portrait Project,” a data-driven analysis of AANHPI representation in the legal profession and the barriers that impede career advancement. The research identifies three persistent barriers: lack of mentorship, limited networking infrastructure, and insufficient development of soft skills that are rarely taught in law school but crucial to professional success. Edgar emphasized that first-generation lawyers in particular face challenges in navigating these unwritten rules of the legal profession, and that part of NAPABA’s mission is helping to close these gaps.He also noted that NAPABA honored several Trailblazers this year, including Committee of 100 member Alan Tse and Rutgers Law Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor , both widely recognized for their leadership and contributions to civil rights and legal scholarship. The convention concluded with a gala featuring an in-depth conversation between actor Rich Ting and journalist Katie Fang — a session Edgar described as especially compelling.Looking ahead, Edgar announced that the next NAPABA convention will take place in Los Angeles, where attendance could reach 5,000 members. He invited APA Justice participants and interested community members to follow upcoming announcements about the 2026 program.A summary of the December 1 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/01/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2026/01/13 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 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 December 15, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Yanping Chen 陈燕平 Docket ID: 1:18-cv-03074 District Court, D. Columbia Date filed: Dec 21, 2018 DC Circuit Appeals Court Appellate Case 24-5050 Table of Contents Overview 2018/12/21 Complaint Against the Government 2022/10/26 Update on Lawsuit 2023/11/27 Update on Lawsuit 2024/02/29 Contempt Ruling to Present Current State Overview Dr. Yanping Chen is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China. She was a cardiologist and medical researcher with the Chinese astronaut program. She became a lawful permanent resident in 1993, and a U.S. citizen in 2001. In 1998, Dr. Chen founded the University of Management and Technology in Arlington, Virginia, to provide secondary and graduate education to working adults. In 2010, Dr. Chen became the focus of a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) investigation. After 6 years of investigation including searches of her home and office, Dr. Chen was told that no charges will be filed against her in 2016. However, beginning in February 2017, Fox News, in stories led by reporter Catherine Herridge, aired a series of negative reports about Dr. Chen using heavily leaked materials from the FBI investigation. On December 21, 2018, Dr. Chen filed a privacy lawsuit against the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. This case is ongoing. 2018/12/21 Complaint Against the Government On December 21, 2018, attorneys for Dr. Yanping Chen filed a civil lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security, collectively the Government. The complaint seeks monetary, injunctive, and declaratory relief to rectify injuries she has suffered as a result of the Government’s illegal and unwarranted public disclosure of her personal information in violation of the Privacy Act. Dr. Yanping Chen is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China. She was a cardiologist and medical researcher with the Chinese astronaut program. Dr. Chen came to the U.S. in 1987 to study and earned a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from George Washington University. She became a lawful permanent resident in 1993, and a U.S. citizen in 2001. She is a resident of Virginia. In 1998, Dr. Chen founded the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Arlington, Virginia, to provide secondary and graduate education to working adults. More than 12,000 students have received degrees in the last 20 years. In 2010, Dr. Chen became the focus of a FBI investigation, which appeared to focus on statements Dr. Chen made on immigration forms concerning her work in the 1980s as a scientist for the Chinese astronaut program. Over six years of overt and covert investigations, including searches of Dr. Chen’s home and office, Dr. Chen was informed that no charges would be filed against her. Beginning in February 2017, Fox News aired a series of negative reports drawing heavily from leaked materials from the FBI investigation, resulting in personal, professional, and financial harm to Dr. Chen. These stories made misleading insinuations to accuse her of spying for China. Congressmembers then pressured the government to end UMT's participation in the Department of Defense tuition assistance program, and the Department of Defense did so in 2018 on "national security grounds." References and Links 2019/12/26 National Law Journal: Suit Claims Federal Agencies Leaked Chinese-American Scientists' Info to Fox News 2018/12/21 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 1) Complaint 2018/12/21 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: Legal Docket 2022/10/26 Update on Lawsuit The Fox News reporter was identified as Catherine Herridge. She joined the Fox News Channel at its inception in 1996 and left for CBS News to become a senior investigative correspondent in 2019. On April 17, 2019, the Government motioned to dismiss Dr. Chen’s case. On January 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper denied the Government’s motion to dismiss. On May 11, 2021, Judge Cooper denied a motion by Dr. Chen made on January 22, 2021, to compel the FBI to respond to discovery requests concerning the use of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Rhoads to help investigate her. Stephen Rhoads frequently communicated with Catherine Herridge in advance of the Fox News publications. The denial of Dr. Chen’s motion was without prejudice to renewal based on future developments. After deposing 18 current and former government employees, Dr. Chen was unable to confirm the sources for the stories. She then moved to seek information about the leak directly from Fox News and Catherine Herridge. References and Links 2021/05/11 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 46) Memorandum and Order 2020/01/27 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 13) Opinion and Order 2019/04/17 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 9-1) Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Government’s motion to Dismiss 2023/11/27 Update on Lawsuit Dr. Chen subpoenaed Fox News and Catherine Herridge to force her to disclose the source of her reports in 2017. On August 8, 2022, Fox News and Catherine Herridge filed motions to quash the subpoena, citing journalists’ First Amendment protections. On May 30, 2023, a hearing was held before Judge Christopher Cooper on the motion. Fox News and Herridge were represented by Patrick Philbin, a former top lawyer from Donald Trump’s White House. On August 1, 2023, Judge Cooper issued a ruling that would force Catherine Herridge to participate in a deposition regarding the identity of her anonymous sources from the 2017 series of stories. “The Court recognizes both the vital importance of a free press and the critical role that confidential sources play in the work of investigative journalists like Herridge. But applying the binding case law of this Circuit, the Court concludes that Chen’s need for the requested evidence overcomes Herridge’s qualified First Amendment privilege in this case. The identity of Herridge’s source is central to Chen’s claim, and despite exhaustive discovery, Chen has been unable to ferret out his or her identity. The only reasonable option left is for Chen to ask Herridge herself,” the ruling said. In a deposition on September 26, 2023, Catherine Herridge was repeatedly asked about how she obtained the information for her 2017 stories. Herridge declined to answer dozens of such questions. On November 9, 2023, Dr. Chen requested a ruling on Catherine Herridge’s defiance of the Court’s order. References and Links 2023/11/08 CNN: A former Fox News correspondent is refusing to reveal a source. Her fate is now in a judge’s hands 2023/11/07 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 161) Plaintiff Yanping Chen’s Application for an Order to Show Cause Why Non-Party Catherine Herridge Should Not Be Found in Civil Contempt For Defiance of The Court’s August 1, 2023 Order 2023/08/07 Just The News: Judge orders Catherine Herridge to reveal sources for stories on FBI, Chinese American scientist 2023/08/03 Voice of America: US Judge Orders Reporter to Reveal Confidential Sources 2023/08/01 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 140) Memorandum and Order 2023/05/30 Politico: Fox News, backed by Trump White House lawyer, fights subpoena in leak lawsuit 2023/05/30 Court House News: Fox News pushes to quash subpoena that could unmask source 2022/08/08 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 97) Fox News Network, LLC’s Motion to Quash 2022/08/08 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 96-1) Memorandum in Support of Non-party Catherine V. Herridge’s Motion to Quash 2024/02/29 Contempt Ruling Catherine Herridge was among 20 CBS News employees laid-off in February 2024. On February 29, 2024, Judge Cooper held Catherine Herridge in civil contempt for refusing to divulge her source for her 2017 series of Fox News reports. Judge Cooper imposed a fine of $800 per day until Catherine Herridge reveals her source, but the fine will not go into effect immediately to give her time to appeal. Judge Cooper wrote that he “recognizes the paramount importance of a free press in our society” and the critical role of confidential sources in investigative journalism. But the judge said the court “also has its own role to play in upholding the law and safeguarding judicial authority.” “Herridge and many of her colleagues in the journalism community may disagree with that decision and prefer that a different balance be struck, but she is not permitted to flout a federal court’s order with impunity,” wrote Judge Cooper. On April 1, 2024, Dr. Chen filed a second motion to compel the FBI to specific deposition questions and reproduce specified documents without law-enforcement-privilege redactions. References and Links 2024/07/30 AALDEF: AALDEF files amicus brief in Chinese American scientist’s case against FBI over information leaked to media 2024/04/01 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 197) Plaintiff Yanping Chen’s Second Motion to Compel 2024/02/29 New York Times: Judge Fines Ex-Fox News Reporter for Not Revealing Sources 2024/02/29 Washington Post: Journalist Catherine Herridge held in contempt for not revealing source 2024/02/29 Los Angeles Times: Journalist held in contempt for refusing to reveal sources in Fox News investigation 2024/02/29 AP: Judge holds veteran journalist Catherine Herridge in civil contempt for refusing to divulge source 2024/02/29 Chen v FBI 1:18-cv-03074: (Doc 193) Memorandum and Order 2023/12/08 Washington Post: A CBS reporter refusing to reveal her sources could be held in contempt https:// bit.ly/3WCm06i Current State Catherine Herridge appealed Judge Cooper's ruling. On July 29, 2024, the Asian American Legal and Education Defense Fund (AALDEF) and a coalition of 11 organizations including APA Justice filed a 43-page amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals in support of Dr. Chen. The brief addresses issues of racial prejudice and the negative stereotyping of Asian Americans, particularly in the context of government actions against Dr. Chen. AALDEF also issued a press statement: https://bit.ly/3WCm06i . The U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit Held a hearing on oral arguments on Herridge's appeal on November 18, 2024 . On September 30, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Appeals Court upheld a contempt finding against former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge for refusing to reveal the government source who leaked FBI records about Dr. Chen. The court rejected Herridge’s claim of reporter’s privilege, ruling that Dr. Chen had met the legal test by showing the source’s identity was central to her Privacy Act case and that no alternatives remained. Herridge now faces $800 daily fines unless she complies. On November 14, 2025, Herridge filed a petition for a rehearing by the three-judge panel and rehearing en banc by the entire Appeals Court in the DC Circuit. References and Links 2025/11/14 USCA Case #24-5050: Catherine V. Herridge’s Petition for Rehearing and Rehearing en banc 2025/09/30 Courthouse News Service: DC Circuit rejects Fox News reporter effort to duck subpoena over anonymous source 2025/09/30 USCA Case #24-5050: Decision on Yanping Chen v FBI et al 2024/11/18 Yahoo News: Court appears unlikely to spare former Fox News reporter in contempt fight 2024/07/30 AALDEF: AALDEF files amicus brief in Chinese American scientist’s case against FBI over information leaked to media 2024/07/29 USCA Case #24-5050: Brief of Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and Asian American Advocacy Organizations as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff-Appellee Previous Item Next Item

China Initiative: Past and Present 中国行动的前世今生 2025 MSU China Initiative Wednesday, March 12, 2025 A virtual discussion on the life and afterlife of the China Initiative, a Trump Administration program that has used racial profiling and fears of espionage to target Asian American scholars and researchers for investigation. Lok Siu presentation Jeremy Wu presentation The webinar was not recorded. 20250312 China Initiative_APAS.png 20250312 Wu & Siu Bios.png Previous Item Next Item

Newsletter - #370 1/5 Meeting; Officer Angwang; NY Education Equity; Surveillance Reforms; Govt Broken;+ #370 1/5 Meeting; Officer Angwang; NY Education Equity; Surveillance Reforms; Govt Broken;+ In This Issue #370 · 2026/01/05 Monthly Meeting · The Story of Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 · NY Governor Signs “New York AANHPI Education Equity Act” · CDT Leads Coalition for Critical Surveillance Reforms · WP : Federal Government Broken in 2025 · News and Activities for the Communities 2026/01/05 Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, starting at 1:55 pm ET. Rep. Grace Meng 孟昭文 , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, is invited to deliver a new year message and a review of 2025. 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: · Deborah Frankel , Counsel, Bloch & White LLP on Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 · Paul Cheng 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Hua Wang 王华 , Chair; Haipei Shue 薛海培 , President, United Chinese Americans · Sharon Wong , National Chair; Thu Nguyen , Executive Director, OCA National 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 APA Justice - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . The Story of Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 , a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Marine, was arrested in 2020 as part of the Department of Justice's China Initiative. As an officer of the New York Police Department (NYPD), he was accused of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government, with prosecutors labeling him an "insider threat." Officer Angwang maintained that his interactions with consulate officials were benign, and his defense argued that the government had misinterpreted and cherry-picked his communications. In January 2023, federal prosecutors dropped all charges "in the interest of justice" after uncovering new information. However, they refused to publicly explain the reversal, citing classified evidence. Although all the federal charges against Officer Angwang were dismissed in January 2023, NYPD failed to reinstate him. Contrary to most internal investigations based on court cases that had been dropped, NYPD continued its internal investigation against him. On January 29, 2024, former New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban ordered the immediate firing of Officer Angwang, saying he disobeyed an order to submit to questioning by internal affairs investigators about the spying case against him under the China Initiative. “It’s extremely disappointing,” Angwang told AP in a phone interview. “I have to continue to fight, not just for me, for anyone who were wrongfully accused … or any potential discrimination victims in the future. I will not give up until I find the justice.” On January 5, 2026, Deborah Frankel , Counsel at Bloch & White LLP, will provide an update on Angwang’s situation at the APA Justice monthly meeting. Read Angwang’s story at the APA Justice website: Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 NY Governor Signs “New York AANHPI Education Equity Act” On December 16, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Legislation S7855E/A8463-E , known as the AANHPI Education Equity Act, a new law designed to assess and strengthen how Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history is taught in New York State schools. The legislation directs the Commissioner of Education to conduct a statewide survey examining how AANHPI history is currently incorporated into social studies curricula. The law also establishes an AANHPI History Advisory Committee to guide future curriculum development and ensure more inclusive and accurate instruction. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of representation in education, stating: “AANHPI history is New York history, and our classrooms should reflect that fact. … This law ensures that students across the state will have the tools to understand and appreciate the impact of these communities on our nation.” The bill is part of the Governor’s broader initiative to strengthen inclusive history education, alongside instruction on African American, Indigenous, Jewish, and other historically underrepresented communities. Research cited by the administration underscores that comprehensive cultural history education promotes empathy, reduces bias, and fosters a stronger sense of belonging among students. State Senator John Liu , the bill’s Senate sponsor, described the law as a critical step toward long-overdue recognition: “This survey bill is not the endgame, but an important step … by measuring how AANHPI history is currently taught in classrooms, and how it is not.” Assemblymember Grace Lee , the Assembly sponsor, framed the legislation as foundational to telling a fuller national story: “The AANHPI Education Equity Act is about telling the complete American story. … This law affirms that our stories matter, that our children belong.” The law has drawn strong support from federal, state, and local leaders. U.S. Representative Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), noted: “For generations, AANHPI history has been poorly represented in our education system … It is critical for our next generation to understand that AANHPI history IS American history.” Education advocates also praised the measure. The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) called the act “a critical step forward” toward integrating culturally responsive curriculum statewide and ensuring that AANHPI students see their histories and experiences reflected in the classroom. In a press release , Stop AAPI Hate joined Asian American community leaders in celebrating the bill’s signing, marking the culmination of years of organizing and advocacy led by the R.E.A.C.H. Coalition in partnership with Senator Liu and Assemblymember Lee. Community-based organizations within the R.E.A.C.H. Coalition—including CACF, AAARI-CUNY, Caribbean Equality Project, JAHAJEE, KACE, OCA–New York, and Stop AAPI Hate—hailed the legislation as historic and long overdue. Advocates emphasized that the statewide survey will help expose longstanding gaps in curriculum, support culturally responsive teaching, combat ignorance and bias, and foster cross-racial understanding. They also stressed the law’s importance in ensuring that students from diverse and transnational backgrounds see their histories reflected throughout their K–12 education. With the enactment of the AANHPI Education Equity Act, New York takes a meaningful step toward a more inclusive, accurate, and representative education system—one that recognizes the essential role AANHPI communities have played, and continue to play, in shaping both the state and the nation. CDT Leads Coalition for Critical Surveillance Reforms As the April 20, 2026 expiration date for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) approaches, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is spearheading a bipartisan effort to protect Americans' privacy. On December 10, 2025, a coalition of over two dozen civil liberties organizations sent a formal letter to the House Judiciary Committee urging comprehensive reform before any reauthorization occurs. The coalition’s primary focus is on ending the "Backdoor Search Loophole," which currently allows government agencies to search through vast databases of communications without a warrant. Past misuses have reportedly targeted journalists, campaign donors, and even Members of Congress. To address these vulnerabilities, the coalition is calling for four essential reforms: · Establishing a Warrant Requirement : Mandating a probable cause warrant for U.S. person queries to end warrantless "backdoor" searches. · Closing the Data Broker Loophole : Preventing agencies from bypassing court oversight by simply purchasing sensitive personal data—such as location and browsing history—from commercial brokers. · Narrowing Provider Definitions : Reversing overbroad definitions that could force a wide range of businesses, including law firms and media offices, to assist in warrantless surveillance. · Empowering FISA Court Amici : Improving access for independent experts (amici) to ensure civil liberties are represented in secretive court proceedings. With the legislative clock ticking, these organizations are urging Congress to prioritize the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act and other measures to ensure that government surveillance remains targeted, transparent, and constitutionally sound. Read the CDT statement and coalition letter: https://bit.ly/4qGKXv5 WP : Federal Government Broken in 2025 In 2025, the federal government experienced one of the most sweeping and disruptive transformations in its modern history. During President Donald Trump ’s second term, a rapid series of executive actions and administrative changes fundamentally altered the size, structure, and culture of the federal workforce—an unprecedented dismantling of the civil service. According to an extensive Washington Post investigation, nearly 300,000 federal employees left government service within a single year through firings, forced resignations, early retirement incentives, and new personnel rules. This marked the largest workforce reduction in decades and resulted in the loss of vast institutional knowledge across federal agencies. At the center of the overhaul was a redefinition of how the civil service operates. Long-standing protections designed to ensure a professional, nonpartisan federal workforce were weakened or bypassed. New policies emphasized loyalty to presidential priorities, giving political leadership greater control over hiring, firing, and agency direction. A newly branded entity, the U.S. DOGE Service (Department of Government Efficiency), played a key role in driving these changes, framing them as efforts to eliminate waste and improve accountability. One of the most controversial initiatives was a “deferred resignation” program that offered employees continued pay and benefits if they voluntarily agreed to leave their positions. While the administration promoted the program as a humane and efficient off-ramp, unions and watchdog groups criticized it as coercive and costly, noting that thousands of workers were effectively paid not to work while agencies struggled to function. The human and operational impacts were immediate. Federal employees described an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear as remote work was abruptly curtailed, reporting requirements multiplied, and entire offices were reorganized or eliminated. Agencies responsible for scientific research, environmental protection, public health, and civil rights saw deep cuts or mission changes. In some cases, essential services slowed or broke down as staffing shortages collided with rising public needs. Beyond day-to-day disruptions, the long-term consequences may be more profound. Experts warn that the erosion of career expertise weakened the government’s capacity to respond to crises, enforce regulations, and provide consistent public services. Critics argue the changes amounted to an ideological purge that undermined the nonpartisan foundation of American governance. The Trump administration, however, defended the actions as fulfilling campaign promises to shrink government, cut inefficiency, and restore accountability to taxpayers. By the end of 2025, one thing was clear: the federal government that emerged bore little resemblance to the one that existed just a year earlier. Whether these changes will result in a leaner, more effective government—or leave lasting damage to public institutions—remains a central question for the years ahead. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/01/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2026/01/13 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao 2026/01/21 Perception and Reality: What U.S.–China Relations Mean for Chinese Americans Today 2026/01/28 Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Exceptional Public Service 2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/02/11 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heros: BD Wong Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF December 29, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #84 State Of Insecurity Report; 09/13 Meeting Summary/Video; "China Initiative" Unraveling #84 State Of Insecurity Report; 09/13 Meeting Summary/Video; "China Initiative" Unraveling Back View PDF September 17, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Republicans have introduced legislation on that would bar Chinese nationals from receiving student or research visas to the United States. May 27, 2020 As history would repeat itself again, two Republican senators and a Republican congressman introduced legislation on May 27, 2020 that would bar Chinese nationals from receiving student or research visas to the United States for graduate or postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields. While sugarcoated under the name of SECURE CAMPUS Act , it is the new Chinese Exclusion Act . The 1882 version started by targeting Chinese skilled and unskilled laborers for 10 years, preceded by anti-Chinese hate violence and "Magic Washer," then extended to all Asians permanently. It was not repealed until 1943. Only after many generations did the U.S. Senate and House express its regret its enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The new Chinese Exclusion Act targets students and scientists, preceded by racial profiling of Chinese American scientists and xenophobic labeling of "China virus" and "Wuhan virus" to provoke racism and hate. Quoting Republican Iowa Congressman John Kasson (1822-1910), this new version of the Chinese Exclusion Act is also "one of the most vulgar forms of barbarism." OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates has prepared an open letter calling on the senators and congressman to withdraw and abandon the bill. Like-minded organizational are asked to sign on to the letter here . Deadline to join the open letter is June 2, 2020. Republicans have introduced legislation on that would bar Chinese nationals from receiving student or research visas to the United States. Previous Next New Chinese Exclusion Act