Newsletter - #319 NYU Shanghai; JACL et al v Musk/DOGE; Birthright/SB17/Student Visa Ban; Mahmoud Khalil #319 NYU Shanghai; JACL et al v Musk/DOGE; Birthright/SB17/Student Visa Ban; Mahmoud Khalil In This Issue #319 · NYU Shanghai Receives Record Number of Applicants · JACL and OCA Join Lawsuit Against Musk and DOGE · Latest on Birthright Citizenship, Texas SB17, and Ban on Student Visas · Who Will Be Next After Mahmoud Khalil? · News and Activities for the Communities NYU Shanghai Receives Record Number of Applicants According to Washington Square News , a New York University (NYU) student newspaper, on March 12, 2025, NYU Shanghai received a record-breaking 24,000 applications for its class of 2029. This surge aligns with NYU’s overall admissions growth, making it the most-applied-to private university in the U.S. The Shanghai campus maintains an enrollment of about 500 students per class, with half of the spots reserved for domestic Chinese students from China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and the other half allocated to international students, with around 53% from the United States and the rest from 156 other countries. NYU Shanghai’s class of 2027 received just 16,773 applications from 84 different countries. The campus’ class of 2026 received 16,059 applications and its class of 2024 received over 13,000. The rise in applications, particularly from Chinese students, reflects a growing interest in international education without leaving China.The university’s unique position as the first Sino-U.S. research institution in China contributes to its appeal, offering students opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and career advancement. However, while NYU Shanghai and other joint programs like Duke Kunshan University (an all-time high of 11,884 applications this year) have seen application increases, American student enrollment in China has sharply declined, largely due to political and visa restrictions. NYU Shanghai requires all students to study abroad for at least one semester, though some Chinese students worry about potential travel limitations. David Pe, Dean of Students at NYU Shanghai, emphasized the importance of encouraging more students from NYU’s New York campus to study in Shanghai, citing the growing need for global engagement. JACL and OCA Join Lawsuit Against Musk and DOGE As of March 15, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 126 with two closed cases. The New York Times is tracking court rulings that have at least temporarily halted some of the president’s initiatives. As of March 15, 2025, there are at least 46 such rulings.On March 5, 2025, the Campaign Legal Center filed a lawsuit , Japanese American Citizens League v. Musk (1:25-cv-00643) , in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists. The complaint alleges that under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has acted illegally to “slash federal funding, dismantle federal agencies and fire federal employees” to harming everyday Americans.JACL issued a statement that said: “Neither Elon Musk nor DOGE have the lawful authority to exercise the sweeping power that they currently wield in the federal government. However, since President Trump created DOGE and placed Elon Musk at its helm, Musk has exercised significant unconstitutional authority and taken control over our agencies and our funding systems. This illegal and reckless control over the federal government has upended the lives of countless individuals, both within the United States and abroad.” JACL Executive Director David Inoue said, “JACL joins this lawsuit to stop DOGE from making reckless cuts that will directly impact national historic sites under the National Park Service that are among those where over 125,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during WWII. Regarding what DOGE has done thus far, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen said, “The reckless budget cuts at the Department of Education are a direct assault on Pell Grant recipients, student organizations, and AANAPISI institutions that are vital to advancing educational equity.” Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said, “We are taking DOGE to court to defend Americans’ ability to safely and freely access the landscapes that unite us.” Union of Concerned Scientists President Gretchen Goldman said, “DOGE’s actions have interfered with life-saving research and scientific collaboration on cancer, vaccines, extreme weather and more. They have pulled funding for job-boosting clean technology initiatives and fired civil servants who enforce laws that protect us from air, water and climate pollution.” Latest on Birthright Citizenship, Texas SB17, and Ban on Student Visas 1. Birthright Citizenship According to Reuters on March 11, 2025, a third federal appeals court has ruled against President Donald Trump 's executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship, marking another legal setback for the administration. On March 11, 2025, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston rejected the administration’s request to lift a nationwide injunction issued by a Massachusetts judge. This follows similar rulings by the 4th and 9th Circuit Courts, keeping the executive order blocked. Trump’s directive, signed on January 20, aimed to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident, affecting an estimated 150,000 children annually.The 1st Circuit panel upheld the injunction, citing longstanding constitutional protections under the 14th Amendment and the 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark , which affirmed birthright citizenship. Chief Judge David Barron criticized the administration for failing to present a constitutional defense of the order, instead attempting to disrupt established legal precedent. The lawsuits, led by 18 Democratic attorneys general, San Francisco officials, and immigrant advocacy groups, argue that the order would harm states by reducing federal funding tied to newly born citizens. According to the Washington Post and multiple media reports, the Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court on March 12, 2025, to allow its birthright citizenship ban to take effect in about half of the country while legal challenges continue. The administration argues that these injunctions limit executive power and wants them restricted to only the states involved in the lawsuits. Critics say this would create legal chaos, forcing migrants to travel between states to give birth and overwhelming courts with challenges. The policy faces at least eight lawsuits, and four nationwide injunctions have already been issued against it. Opponents argue the order is blatantly unconstitutional, violating the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent from United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898). The ACLU and state attorneys general argue that the executive branch cannot bypass the Constitution and must pursue a constitutional amendment to change birthright citizenship. Judge John C. Coughenour , a Reagan appointee, called the order politically motivated and unconstitutional, and his ruling is now on appeal to the 9th Circuit, with arguments expected in June.On March 8, 2025, Stanford School of Medicine hosted a teach-in on Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment. Watch the video at: https://bit.ly/421Nnux (1:04:27)***** Trump Offers U.S. Citizenship to White Farmers in South Africa As Trump tries to strip birthright citizenship, according to CBS News on March 10, 2025, he reaffirmed his offer to grant U.S. citizenship to White farmers in South Africa, accusing the government of treating them "terribly" and promising "safety" and a "rapid pathway to citizenship." He criticized new land expropriation laws as "racist" and a violation of "human rights," leading to the halting of U.S. foreign aid.White farmers, reportedly making up less than 10% of South Africa's population, own around 70% of South Africa's arable land. This concentration of land ownership has been a focal point in debates about land reform in the country. Elon Musk , who was born in South Africa and still holds dual nationality, took to his X platform and criticized the government in Pretoria, claiming his Starlink satellite network was "not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I'm not black." South Africa's Electronic Communications Act , which, since 2005 has regulated broadcasting and telecommunications in the post-Apartheid country, requires that at least 30% of a company must be owned by previously disadvantaged groups as part of the criteria to gain a communications license. Starlink has not applied for a license to operate in South Africa. Clayson Monyela , the head of public diplomacy for the South African government's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, replied to Musk on X, saying: "Sir that's NOT true, and you know it! It's got nothing to do with skin color." 2. Texas Alien Land Bill SB17 Hearing According to AsAmNews on March 7, 2025, the Chinese community in Texas mobilized in large numbers to testify against Senate Bill 17 (SB17), which seeks to restrict property ownership for individuals from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea due to national security concerns. While the bill exempts citizens, lawful permanent residents, and asylum seekers, opponents argue it unfairly targets Asian Americans, discourages investment, and echoes past discriminatory policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act and Alien Land Laws. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst , who authored the bill, defended it as a measure to protect Texas’ land and resources. Lily Trieu of Asian Texans for Justice contends there is no substantial evidence of foreign land ownership posing a security threat. The hearing on March 6, 2025, saw strong opposition, with testimonies emphasizing the bill’s impact on Asian American communities and Texas’ pro-business reputation. Debbie Chen of OCA Greater Houston warned, “This bill echoes historic anti-Asian policies... fostering discrimination and anti-Asian hate.” Another speaker called it a “job killer” that undermines fundamental property rights and economic growth. With Texas home to over 1.5 million Asian Americans, opponents argue the bill casts every Chinese individual as a potential adversary. The Senate Committee on State Affairs adjourned the hearing without taking a vote. 3. House Bill to Ban Chinese from Student or Research Visas According to AP News , Northwest Asian Weekly , South China Morning Post , and multiple media reports, a new bill to ban Chinese nationals from obtaining student visas is set to be introduced by Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), reigniting debates over national security, racial profiling, and academic exchange. The Stop CCP VISAs Act seeks to block all student and research visas for Chinese citizens, going further than previous restrictions targeting specific fields. Moore's bill aligns with broader Republican efforts, including Project 2025, which calls for reducing visas from "enemy nations".Asian American advocates, however, call the bill xenophobic and counterproductive.Representative Grace Meng , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said that banning only Chinese students was “xenophobic and wrong-headed. We cannot give in to fearmongering tactics that will restrict the freedoms and economic opportunities that make America the envy of the world.” Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) also denounced the bill, emphasizing that Chinese students contribute to U.S. academia and democracy, warning, “Unilaterally cutting off pathways of study for Chinese students… will make our country less innovative and the world less safe.” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) warned that security concerns should be addressed “with a scalpel, not a bludgeon.” “No policy should target individuals solely on the basis of their national origin,” Fanta Aw , executive director and CEO of Association of International Educators (NAFSA), said in a statement. Yangyang Cheng , research scholar at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center, said the bill “should be seen as part of a broader effort to restrict academic freedom and hurt higher education in this country, to control what can be taught, which research projects can be pursued, and who have access to the classrooms and laboratories.” John Yang , president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, denounced the proposal, stating, “We strongly reject this move to paint all Chinese students as a threat and caution against racial profiling based on geography and not fact.” Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups argue that such bans harm U.S. innovation, education, and diplomacy, while increasing discrimination against Asian Americans. In a public statement , Asian American Scholars Forum cautions that legislation like this would effectively harm the talent pipeline of Asian American scientists, scholars, and researchers, thereby undermining U.S. leadership in science and innovation. Who Will Be Next After Mahmoud Khalil? According to AP News , Intercept , New York Times , Washington Post , and other media reports, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil , a legal U.S. resident and former Columbia University protest leader, was arrested by federal immigration officials and now faces deportation. Despite holding a green card, Khalil was detained on claims that his student visa had been revoked, and later, that his permanent residency was being revoked as well. Permanent residents are entitled to due process before any revocation of their status. Khalil's wife is a U.S. citizen and is eight months pregnant. The lawsuit Mahmoud Khalil v. William P. Joyce (1:25-cv-01935) was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York on March 9, 2025. District Judge Jesse Furman temporarily blocked Khalil's removal the next day, pending further judicial review on March 21. Khalil is currently being held at a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana. ACLU and NYCLU issued a statement that they have joined Khalil's legal team in filing a motion under the All Writs Act to compel ICE to return Khalil to New York, where he can have access to his legal counsel and family. According to a statement by the Asian American Legal and Education Defense Fund (AALDEF) on March 12, 2025, The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil is illegal and discriminatory. Its intended effect is to chill free speech and create a climate of fear among immigrants, chiefly Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. In the 1950s, during the McCarthy “red scare” era, people with opposing viewpoints were labeled as communist and targeted for investigation, arrest, and harassment by law enforcement. In the past several weeks, ICE has raided Asian communities, seizing family members without warning, detaining and then deporting them. The new administration has weaponized the immigration system as a tool for policing and now political oppression, against many people who themselves came to this country to escape political oppression.The Khalil case raises broader concerns about free speech, racial profiling, and immigration enforcement that could impact Asian Americans, particularly activists and immigrants. His detention over alleged political affiliations—without criminal charges—mirrors past government crackdowns on dissent, such as post-9/11 surveillance of Muslims and the "China Initiative" targeting Chinese researchers. The case also highlights the vulnerability of green card holders, a status many Asian immigrants hold, as Khalil faces deportation without a conviction. If his case sets a precedent, Asian American activists, students, and immigrants could face increased scrutiny, government targeting, or restrictions on political expression.On March 14, 2025, AP News reported that Leqaa Kordia , a Palestinian from the West Bank, was arrested by immigration officers for overstaying her student visa. The Trump administration also revoked on March 5 the visa of Ranjani Srinivasan , an Indian citizen and doctoral student “for advocating for violence and terrorism.” ***** 2025/03/18 Stop AAPI Hate Community Town Hall on Anti-Immigrant Attacks WHAT : Stop AAPI Hate’s Community Town Hall on Anti-Immigrant Attacks WHEN : March 18, 2025, 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT WHERE : Virtual Town Hall HOSTS : Stop AAPI Hate DESCRIPTION : ICE officials are raiding communities, businesses, and private homes. Asian immigrants are being shipped off to Central American countries. And millions of immigrants and people of color are living in fear of racial profiling, detention, and deportation. The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda has put a target on the backs of our nation’s most vulnerable Asian communities — and we’re prepared to fight back. We’re bringing together advocates, organizers, and impacted folks for a virtual town hall on mass deportation and what it means for us. Register now to learn what’s at stake for immigrant communities and how different people are fighting for policies that protect our communities and our right to call this nation home. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4iudJLv News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2025/03/18 Stop AAPI Hate’s Community Town Hall on Anti-Immigrant Attacks2025/03/21 Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America2025/03/26 Policing White Supremacy: The Enemy Within2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/05/11 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 03/21 SFU Webinar: Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America WHAT : Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America WHEN : March 21, 2025, 4:00 pm-6:30 pm PT/7:00 pm-9:30 pm ET WHERE : Hybrid event HOST : Simon Fraser University, Labor Studies Program DESCRIPTION : Join us for an important discussion on the case of Dr. Anming Hu , a respected scientist who was wrongfully targeted under the previous Trump administration’s China Initiative. Dr. Hu’s case highlights critical issues of racial profiling, academic freedom, and the growing surveillance of scholars in North America.This event will feature insights into Dr. Anming Hu’s case and experience, the broader implications for researchers of Chinese origin, and the fight for justice in academia in North America. We will also discuss what universities, scholars, and policymakers can do to protect academic integrity and prevent future injustices. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3Fd11SD # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF March 17, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #242 Officer Angwang; CAPAC Update; Georgia Alien Land Law; What is Texas SB4? More #242 Officer Angwang; CAPAC Update; Georgia Alien Land Law; What is Texas SB4? More In This Issue #242 · AP Report on The Firing of NYPD Officer Angwang · CAPAC Updates from March APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Update on Alien Land Laws in Georgia · What is Texas SB 4? · News and Activities for the Communities AP Report on The Firing of NYPD Officer Angwang On March 20, 2024, AP reported that in a decision made public recently, New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban ordered the immediate firing of New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 on January 29, saying he disobeyed an order to submit to questioning by internal affairs investigators about the spying case against Angwang under the now-defunct "China Initiative." Federal prosecutors dropped all criminal charges alleging Angwang spied for China a year earlier. Angwang, 37, said he declined to appear before the investigators last year on the advice of his lawyers, because the NYPD refused to give them department documents ahead of the questioning that would have allowed them to prepare. Now he is considering taking the commissioner to court over his firing.“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 in the past who’s getting the wrongful treatment I just got at this moment, or any potential discrimination victims in the future. I will not give up until I find the justice.” Angwang, who also served in the U.S. Marines and was deployed to Afghanistan, said he believes he got caught up in the Trump administration’s effort to root out Chinese espionage across U.S. institutions, and alleges there were shades of racism targeting people with Chinese links.In firing Angwang, Caban chose a harsher penalty than what was recommended in November by an NYPD disciplinary judge who held a hearing on the firing and listened to testimony and arguments from both sides. The administrative judge, Vanessa Facio-Lince , found that Angwang violated department rules by disobeying the order to submit to internal affairs questioning. Facio-Lince said, however, that he should not be terminated, after citing his good record as a police officer and praise by his superiors. Instead, she recommended an alternate manner of Angwang leaving the department that would allow him to negotiate some terms of his departure, including partial retirement benefits. Angwang’s lawyer, Michael Bloch , said even the judge’s proposal was out of line with department disciplinary guidelines. Bloch said the maximum penalty Angwang should have faced was a 20-day suspension. Bloch said there have been many other officers who committed more serious misconduct and were allowed to keep their jobs, despite administrative judges recommending their firing. Angwang said it was ironic that the NYPD was firing an officer who immigrated to the U.S. and was supported by the immigrant community, when the department is struggling to make the force more diverse.“I just want people to be aware as an immigrant I served in the Marines. I went to combat. I went to Afghanistan,” he said. “I was able to become a police officer. I was able to become a community affairs officer. I was able to build a bridge between the underserved community and the NYPD, which never happened in the past. I gained a lot of support. And now, unfortunately, NYPD terminated that opportunity between the NYPD and the community.”Read the AP report: https://bit.ly/4ci2sv4 CAPAC Updates from March APA Justice Monthly Meeting During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 4, 2024, Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), reported that CAPAC Chair Judy Chu , First Vice Chair Grace Meng , and Senator Mazie Hirono wrote a letter opposing language in the Commerce Justice Science Appropriations Bill that would essentially reinstate the China Initiative. Nisha is pleased that language is no longer included. There is some language about directing the Department of Justice to provide a broader, more general report, such as outlining all the efforts that would be undertaken to identify areas of potential PRC espionage efforts. Congresswoman Meng and her team are credited for holding the line on this issue. This has been a major priority for CAPAC. There have also been ongoing activities with Professor Anming Hu . A letter was sent to USCIS to get clarity on the way they work on prosecutions and individuals who have issues coming out of the China initiative. CAPAC will also have its own appropriations process in terms of pushing forward its priorities. Research and security are certainly still top priorities in this process. A summary for the meeting is being prepared at this time. 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 . Update on Alien Land Laws in Georgia During the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 4, 2024, Thông Phan, Senior Policy Associate, Advancing Justice - Atlanta, provided updates on the alien land bills that are coming out of Georgia. HB 1093 did not get a vote on Crossover Day. SB 420 passed the Senate. Since the APA Justice meeting was held, SB 132 was quietly revived and passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. This was possible because Georgia has a 2-year legislative session, and SB 132 had already been passed by the Georgia Senate last year. Thông explains that they are very similar bills. Originally, SB 420 had a 25-mile radius outside of military installations, however, the most recent substitute bill for SB 420 changed its radius to 10 miles. SB 132 changed to mirror the language in HB 1093, which held its restrictions at 10 miles outside of a military installation. Both have restrictions on the purchase of agricultural land and some exemptions for residential property. Both target individuals as well as companies from China, Hong Kong, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. Something new in this year's bills is that violations of these bills carry penalties of possible felony convictions and monetary penalties of up to $15,000 and/or one or two years in prison.SB 420 passed the Senate on a 41 to 11 vote. It is now assigned to the House Judiciary Committee in Georgia. [which has a committee hearing on March 19, 2024. During the past year, Thông wrote a report, held a webinar, and convened community members and lawmakers to bring awareness to the bills. Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta has an action network letter that was signed by at least 1,400 people. It has been distributed in various forms to reflect changes in the bills as they moved through the legislative process. A coalition of groups in Georgia is working on this issue. Their focus is to continue lobbying, testifying against the bill, and getting community members involved. On March 12, 2024, AP reported on the passing of SB420. State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes , a Democrat from Duluth, slammed the bill during debate on the Senate floor, comparing it to historical attempts by lawmakers in the U.S. to limit immigration from China and land ownership by Asian Americans. “This bill provides no real national security benefit, but does threaten the safety and security of Asian Americans, immigrants from Asia and other immigrants,” she said. “Questioning people’s loyalty, trustworthiness and dangerousness based on their country of origin is offensive and xenophobic.” Advocate Megan Gordon cited the litigation around Florida’s law to urge members of the Florida House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs committee not to push forward with similar legislation. “It doesn’t really make sense for us to wade into pending litigation in this way,” said Gordon, policy manager with the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Thông Phan, with Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, said the Georgia Senate bill wrongly treats citizens of China and the other targeted countries as their agents.“It targets individuals and families more so than it targets foreign governments,” he said in a phone interview with AP . “How is it effective in achieving national security?” Read the March 12 AP report: https://bit.ly/3VisbO1On March 21, 2024, multiple media including AP , Georgia Recorder , State Affairs , and Georgia Public Broadcasting reported the Georgia House of Representatives voted 97 to 67 in favor of SB420. Democratic Rep. Michelle Au , whose parents came to the U.S. from China, said regardless of intent, the bill would be perceived as racist and xenophobic by the people it could affect most. “This bill does not target intent, it restricts rights based on national origin, which is illegal,” she said. “Legality aside, put that aside for a moment, this bill, whether it’s supposed to be or not, paints a picture that residents from certain parts of this world cannot be trusted. They are essentially suspect and potentially traitors simply by dint of their nationality. Think about the message this sends to the international community. Think about the message this sends to business partners who’ve been proud to welcome and cultivate in the state, bringing vehicle and battery plants, manufacturing, huge technology, and export industries, and thousands of jobs that come with them.” Minority Whip Sam Park , a Lawrenceville Democrat whose grandparents were refugees from the Korean War, criticized the exemption for companies doing agricultural research. He said the bill could cast “a shadow of suspicion” on any Asian-American looking to buy farmland and echoes past examples of anti-Asian racism. “From the Chinese Exclusion Act that banned immigration from Asia and prevented all Americans of Asian descent from becoming citizens, to the forced relocation and internment of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans, to the rise in hate crimes and discrimination against Asian-Americans fueled by racist rhetoric and disinformation amidst the COVID -19 pandemic, it seems we have not come as far as we thought with respect to living up to our highest American principles and values of ensuring freedom, equality, and justice for all,” he said. Park and other Democrats referenced a Florida law (SB 264) similar to Georgia’s bill that was put on hold by a federal judge as a case moves forward into its constitutionality. What is Texas SB 4? Multiple media have reported on the recent legal whiplash on a Texas state law known as SB 4. A whirlwind of court orders briefly allowed, then blocked again, a highly questionable new immigration law in Texas that would allow state and local law enforcement to arrest and deport people who are in the state illegally. According to NPR , Texas SB 4 was originally set to go into effect on March 5. But the U.S. government and the ACLU both filed lawsuits against it, and a district judge issued a preliminary injunction to block the law from enforcement while the case was being heard. Texas appealed the injunction to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court turned to the Supreme Court, which ultimately allowed the law to go into effect before the appeals court blocked it. The Biden administration has argued that Texas overstepped its constitutional limits in passing SB 4, and they maintain that immigration policy and law enforcement are exclusive functions of the federal government.Federal attorneys have repeatedly pointed to a 2012 Supreme Court decision known as Arizona vs. United States, a case about a state law in Arizona that sought to create state-level crimes for immigration offenses and empower local law enforcement to check citizenship status and arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally. In a 5-3 decision, the court sided with the federal government and struck down most of Arizona's law.Groups that advocate for civil rights and immigrants' rights have criticized the law over concerns that it could lead to racial profiling. SB 4 would allow law enforcement officers to question someone's immigration status for any reason. "We know that this law is going to increase racial profiling. We know that this law is going to strip people of their constitutional rights. We know that this law is also going to lead to the mass criminalization of our communities," said Alan Lizarraga , a spokesperson for the Border Network for Human Rights. Opponents also worry that migrants with legitimate claims to asylum could have their federal cases asylum complicated by the Texas law if they come to face state criminal charges.Mexico also opposes the law. Its foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that the country will not accept migrants who have been deported under the Texas law. And it expressed concern for Mexican nationals living in Texas, who it said could now be subject to "expressions of hate, discrimination and racial profiling." With the case back at the Fifth Circuit, Mexico said it plans to file a legal brief in opposition to SB 4 that lays out how the law could affect the relationship between the two countries, the statement said.Read the NPR report: https://n.pr/3TqN07f . News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/03/24 Committee of Concerned Scientists Annual Meeting 2024/03/25 Committee of 100: Asian American Career Ceiling Challenges in Broadcast News2024/04/07 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/08 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/04/19 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2024/05/02 AAGEN 2024 Executive Leadership Workshop2024/05/05 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Citizenship Question in Census Stopped On March 21, 2024, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) announced that they stopped House Republicans from adding a citizenship question to the next United States Census. In 2018, then-President Trump pushed to add a question on the 2020 U.S. Census which would have asked respondents about their citizenship status. Meng and Hirono fought against the plan, and after the Supreme Court blocked it from moving forward, the Trump administration abandoned its crusade. But this past January, House Republicans revisited the effort, attaching a measure to a key funding bill that would have required the question to be on the 2030 census.Meng and Hirono led a letter to congressional leaders urging them to remove it, and the legislation was passed and signed into law without the citizenship question being included. Meng and Hirono had argued that a citizenship question would have caused an undercount of immigrant communities out of fear that the information they provide will be used against them. As a result, it would have jeopardized the Census Bureau’s ability to accurately count every person in the U.S.The lawmakers’ letter, which was signed by 48 other Senators and House members, was sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson , House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell . Read the announcement: https://bit.ly/4co81rZ . Back View PDF March 22, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

A Dialogue Between the Academic & Asian American Communities and the FBI 2024 FBI Dialogue, Hybrid Event Thursday, June 6, 2024 In 2022, the Department of Justice ended its China Initiative — a strategy to counter Chinese espionage and threats to U.S. research security — after academic and civil rights groups raised concerns about bias and damage to the United States' scientific enterprise. Since then, however, reports of border entry issues have increased for Chinese academic researchers and graduate students. This event brings together Jill Murphy, deputy assistant director of counterintelligence at the FBI, and the leadership of the FBI’s Houston field office for a dialogue with members of the academic and Asian American communities. It will examine gaps between federal science and technology policy and its implementation — particularly in the context of law enforcement at the U.S. border. It will also explore the possibility of establishing a regular communication channel between the academic and Asian American communities with FBI field offices. 20240606 FBIForum4.jpg 20240606 FBIForum6.jpg 20240606 FBIForum7.jpg 20240606 FBIForum5.jpg 20240606 HoustonForumPosterDraft.jpg 20240606 Forum with FBI Program.jpg Previous Item Next Item

April 7, 2019 On April 7, the Committee of 100 (C100 百人会) issued a statement condemning racial profiling against Chinese Americans . The statement was broadly distributed to the media and read by C100 President Frank Wu during its annual conference in New York. The statement responds to a few high-level American government officials, respected media outlets, and opinion leaders who have stated or suggested in the last few years that all Chinese persons in America should be suspected of wrongdoing. However, "overzealous criminal prosecutions in recent years of innocent individuals such as Sherry Chen and Xiaoxing Xi, like Wen Ho Lee before them, have embarrassingly fallen apart, while ruining lives for no reason. Such targeting of individuals based on their ethnic heritage or national origin violates our shared American ideals. It simply has to stop." "Racial profiling is wrong and un-American in our nation of democracy." The statement concludes that "by standing up and speaking out for what is right and just, Chinese Americans can help lead the way in answering the call that is always before us as Americans: to embody more perfectly the ideals and principles of this great nation we call home." C100 pledges additional plans and actions beyond the released statement. A conference is scheduled for September 28, 2019 in East Palo Alto, California. Previous Next Committee of 100 Condemns Racial Profiling of Chinese Americans

Newsletter - #314 3/3 Meeting; 3/4 Alien Land Laws Webinar; 3/12 MSU China Initiative Webinar; Lawsuits+ #314 3/3 Meeting; 3/4 Alien Land Laws Webinar; 3/12 MSU China Initiative Webinar; Lawsuits+ In This Issue #314 · 2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · 03/04 Webinar on Fair Housing Rights and Alien Land Laws · 03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative · Updates on Lawsuits Against Trump Administration Executive Actions · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 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), speakers are: · Grace Meng 孟昭文 , Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) (invited) · Jessica Chen Weiss 白洁曦 , Founding Faculty Director of the Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF), SAIS, Johns Hopkins University · Michelle Lee , President and Board Chair; Brian Pang , Chief Operating Officer and Head of Partnerships, Stand with Asian Americans · Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Co-Founder, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) 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 . *****The February 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting summary is posted at https://bit.ly/43dlMHN . Past monthly meeting summaries are posted at https://bit.ly/4hyOV4i We thank the following speakers for their remarks and update reports: · 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 · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Kai Li 李凯 , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Bethany Li , Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense Education Fund (AALDEF) · Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) 03/04 Webinar on Fair Housing Rights and Alien Land Laws WHAT: Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community WHEN: March 4, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOSTS: Committee of 100 and APA Justice Opening Remarks: Cindy Tsai, Interim President, Committee of 100 Moderator: John D. Trasviña, Former Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Panelists: · Hope Atuel , CEO/Executive Director, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) · Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) Closing Remarks: Jeremy Wu, Founder and Co-Organizer, APA Justice DESCRIPTION: With new laws limiting property ownership based on nationality, real estate professionals and advocates are stepping up to challenge these discriminatory policies. This webinar will provide critical insights into how these restrictions are reshaping the housing landscape and what we can do to fight back. What you will learn: · Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act – Understand the legal protections in place to combat discrimination. · How These Laws Affect Asian Homebuyers & Real Estate Professionals – Hear real-world impacts from industry experts. · Community & Legal Advocacy in Action – Learn how grassroots efforts and legal challenges are pushing back and how you can get involved. Stay ahead of these evolving legal challenges by exploring Committee of 100’s interactive map , which tracks ongoing land ownership exclusion laws, and APA Justice’s Alien Land Bills webpage , where you will find the latest updates on lawsuits and policy developments. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3EOqGke 03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative WHAT: The China Initiative WHEN: March 12, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOST: Asian Pacific American Studies Program, Michigan State University Moderator: Kent Weber, Assistant Director of Asian Pacific American Studies, Assistant Professor of History, Michigan State University Speakers: · Lok Siu , Professor of Ethnic Studies and Associate Vice Chancellor of Research, UC Berkeley · Jeremy Wu , Founder and Co-Organizer, APA Justice Task Force DESCRIPTION: 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. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4hVaITO Updates on Lawsuits Against Trump Administration Executive Actions As of February 23, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 91.Some of the recent developments: 1. National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump (1:25-cv-00333) On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, with assistance from the Attorney General and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to terminate all DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, offices, and positions, as well as "equity-related" grants and contracts.On February 3, 2025, Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of four organizations representing different affected groups: · American Association of University Professors (AAUP) – representing faculty members · National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education – representing diversity officers in academia · City of Baltimore – representing a public sector grantee · Restaurant Opportunities Centers United – representing a private sector grantee The lawsuit challenges the executive order as unconstitutional, arguing that it usurps congressional power and violates the First and Fifth Amendments by suppressing speech and discriminating against certain groups.On February 21, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Adam B. Abelson issued a memorandum opinion and granted a n ationwide preliminary injunction against the order. According to a statement from AAUP, the court explicitly cited evidence from AAUP members, finding that: · Plaintiffs and their members had suffered “concrete actual injuries” due to the administration’s actions. · AAUP members and their institutions would either be forced to restrict their legal activities and expression related to DEI or forgo federal funding altogether. This ruling marks a significant legal challenge to the administration’s directive, with broader implications for DEI policies across public and private institutions. Read the AP News report: https://bit.ly/4hOmZtK 2. Injunctions Against Drastic Cuts in Medical Research Funding According to AP News on February 21, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley extended her temporary restraining order blocking cuts to National Insitutes of Healh (NIH) research funding. The order will remain in place until she rules on an injunction, which would provide a more permanent decision.Judge Kelley is presiding over three lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts: · Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10338) · Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10340) · Association of American Universities v. Department of Health & Human Services (1:25-cv-10346) The states and research organizations argue that the cuts are illegal and directly contradict bipartisan congressional action from former President Donald Trump’s first term, which explicitly prohibited such reductions. “It violates bipartisan appropriations law. I should know—I helped author that provision,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) during a Senate budget debate on February 21, 2025. John Bueker , an attorney representing the research groups, argues that the cuts threaten to derail scores of clinical trials of new treatments, with universities saying they will have to “stop or not enroll patients.” “Let’s think about that. A clinical trial is a last hope for a lot of people,” Bueker said.The NIH, the primary funder of biomedical research in the U.S., awarded approximately $35 billion in grants in 2024. These funds are divided into: · Direct costs – covering researcher salaries, laboratory supplies, and project-specific expenses. · Indirect costs – supporting essential infrastructure such as electricity for lab equipment, hazardous waste disposal, research compliance staff, and janitorial services. The Trump administration previously dismissed indirect costs as “overhead,” but universities and hospitals argue they are essential for sustaining research. The new policy would cap indirect costs at 15%, a move NIH estimates would save $4 billion annually. Critics argue the impact would be devastating. “It’s like forcing a company to sell a product for $10 when it costs $15 to produce,” said Devon Cimini , a grants administrator at Florida State University. “Quite bluntly, if this cap goes into effect, there wouldn’t be much research anymore.”According to POLITICO on February 12, 2025, red-state universities are also pushing back against the cuts, warning they could be forced to close labs and lay off staff due to sudden funding shortfalls. “This change isn’t a cost savings; it’s a cost transfer,” said Jeffrey Gold , president of the University of Nebraska system, predicting that research capabilities would shrink and states would have to fill the funding gap. The impact could be severe across multiple institutions: · UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas estimates a potential annual loss of over $100 million. · The University of Alabama-Birmingham warned that the cuts could trigger widespread job and economic losses. · The University of Kentucky has sent officials to Washington to urge its congressional delegation to prevent tens of millions of dollars in additional costs. As legal battles and political pressure mount, the future of NIH research funding remains uncertain. 3. Dellinger v. Bessent (1:25-cv-00385) According to the Washington Post on February 21, 2025, a divided Supreme Court has delayed ruling on the Trump administration’s request to remove the head of an independent government watchdog agency. The justices will wait until at least after a lower-court hearing in the coming week before making a decision.This is the first case to reach the Supreme Court involving President Donald Trump’s broad efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy. The administration had sought to overturn a District Court order that allows Hampton Dellinger to remain as head of the Office of Special Counsel while his lawsuit over the firing proceeds. Established by Congress in the late 1970s, the agency is responsible for protecting whistleblowers within the federal government from retaliation.At the heart of Dellinger’s case is a test of Congress’s authority to limit presidential power and insulate certain agencies from political influence. When lawmakers created the Office of Special Counsel, they sought to ensure its independence by allowing the president to remove the director only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office” during the five-year term.The case presents an early test of how the conservative-majority Supreme Court, which includes three Trump-appointed justices, will respond to challenges against the president’s sweeping efforts to assert greater control over the federal government. In his first weeks back in office, Trump removed more than a dozen inspectors general , replaced top ethics officials, and dismissed the heads of agencies responsible for protecting federal workers and investigating government misconduct. Several of these actions are now being challenged in court.Highlighting the case’s broader implications, a group of law professors specializing in financial regulation has urged the Supreme Court to ensure that any ruling in Dellinger’s case does not weaken the independence of the Federal Reserve. They emphasized that central-bank autonomy is critical to maintaining a strong U.S. economy. 4. Early Wins on Birthright Citizenship According to the Washington Post on February 24, 2025, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong , the son of Chinese immigrants, made his stance clear when asked in December about Donald Trump ’s pledge to end birthright citizenship: “I would be the first to sue.” Three weeks later, he was the first — but he was not alone.The day after Trump signed the executive order, all 22 Democratic-led states, along with Washington, D.C., and the city of San Francisco, filed legal challenges, arguing the order was unconstitutional. The lawsuits were filed in two federal courts—a 32-page complaint in Seattle and a 50-page filing in Boston. Judges in both cases have since issued nationwide injunctions blocking Trump’s order.Legal scholars widely agree that the matter is settled law, citing the 1898 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark . In that case, the Court affirmed that Wong Kim Ark, a San Francisco-born son of Chinese immigrants who had been denied reentry to the U.S., was a citizen under the 14th Amendment.San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said the city’s support for the lawsuit is rooted in its historical connection to the Wong Kim Ark case. “Our office wants to make sure the story is told accurately and litigated fully,” said Chiu, who has been in touch with Wong’s descendants. He added that the family is “horrified at the idea that the 14th Amendment and that case could be summarily ignored by the president of the United States.”At least 10 lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration’s executive order 14160 on birthright citizenship, with four injunctions issued so far.On February 19, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit declined the administration’s emergency request to lift a nationwide injunction blocking Trump’s order, rejecting its argument that the preliminary injunction was overly broad. This marks the first time an appellate court has weighed in on the legal challenges to the executive order.The three-judge panel unanimously rejected the request. Judges William C. Canby Jr. and Milan D. Smith Jr. wrote that the administration had not made a “strong showing” that it would succeed on the merits of its appeal. In a six-page concurring opinion, Judge Danielle Forrest emphasized that setting aside a court order on an emergency basis should be an exception rather than the rule, and that the appeal did not meet that threshold. In rejecting the emergency plea, the panel upheld a nationwide injunction ordered February 6 by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour in Seattle, who called Trump’s executive order “blatantly unconstitutional,” while paving the way for the case to be brought before the Supreme Court. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/03/04 Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala 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 February 25, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #300 1/6 Monthly Meeting; 11/18 Meeting Summary; Ronnie Chan; Tom Friedman; WSJ Warning; + #300 1/6 Monthly Meeting; 11/18 Meeting Summary; Ronnie Chan; Tom Friedman; WSJ Warning; + In This Issue #300 · 2025/01/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · 2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Summary · The Past, Present, and Future of U.S.-China Relations · NYT Opinion: "I Never Felt Like This in China Before" · WSJ : Chinese Students in U.S. Warned to Stay Ahead of Second Trump Term · 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 speakers are: · Congresswoman Judy Chu , Chair Emeritus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · 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 · Paul L. Hoffman , Director of Civil Rights Clinic, University of California Irvine School of Law 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 . ***** On December 18, 2024, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a statement marking 80 years since the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the landmark case of Korematsu vs. United States, which ruled that Executive Order 9066 authorizing the relocation of over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry to incarceration camps did not violate Japanese Americans’ rights. The court affirmed the conviction of Fred Korematsu , a Japanese American civil rights activist, who refused to relocate. In 2018, the Supreme Court rejected its 1944 decision in Korematsu with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that “Korematsu was gravely wrong the day it was decided” and “has no place in law under the Constitution.” Read the CAPAC statement: https://bit.ly/3DwWcTf .The Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, established in 2009 by Professor Robert S. Chang at Seattle University School of Law, is dedicated to advancing justice and equality through research, advocacy, and education. Named after civil rights hero Fred Korematsu, the center focuses on combating discrimination, empowering communities to advocate for themselves, and training future lawyers committed to social justice. In July 2024, the Korematsu Center relocated to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Law , continuing its mission under Professor Chang's leadership. This move aims to further the center's initiatives in promoting racial equity and social justice on a national scale. Professor Chang is part of the plaintiff's legal team in Jones Eagle LLC v. Ward (4:24-cv-00990) . On December 9, 2024, a District Court in Arkansas granted a preliminary injunction halting Arkansas officials from enforcing state laws restricting foreign ownership of land and digital asset operations within the state.Professor Chang has accepted the invitation to speak at the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025. 2024/11/18 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Summary Senator-elect Andy Kim made history as the 1st Asian American from New Jersey elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Now he set another record to become the 1st Asian American in the U.S. Senate from the East Coast. He has dedicated his life to serving the country. He worked as a career public servant under both under both Democratic and Republican administrations, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on November 18, 2024, Senator-elect Kim said in a video that, at a time when we see so much hate and discrimination out in the public, he wanted to provide the kind of security, comfort, and reassurance to all Americans, including his seven- and nine-year-old children and his two elderly parents at a time of real concern. He said that we need to do a lot more fighting back against anti-Asian hate and discrimination, building the kind of coalition to step up against hate in all forms, taking on some of the different ways in which that fear is weaponized, like the China initiative and other efforts that are unfortunately going to be used going forward. These are difficult times. These are tough times. He hopes to be in a place in the U.S. Senate to be able to work alongside us to fight for the types of things that we all believe in. Senator Kim was sworn into the Senate on Monday, December 9, 2024. His video is posted at https://youtu.be/bBQ4Pq1iagY . Senator Kim welcomes people contacting his team by writing to info@andykim.com .A summary of the APA Justice 2024 November monthly meeting has been posted at: https://bit.ly/4iQMlbh . Read past monthly meeting summaries at: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP The Past, Present, and Future of U.S.-China Relations On December 2, 2024, Ronnie Chi-Chung Chan 陳啟宗 and Lien-Hang T. Nguyen , a professor at Columbia University, discussed the historical context, current dynamics, and potential future developments in the relationship between the United States and China. The conversation delves into economic, political, and cultural aspects, providing insights into the complexities and challenges that have shaped and continue to influence interactions between the two nations. Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong and University Professor Jeffrey Sachs gave introductory remarks.Ronnie Chi-Chung Chan is a prominent Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist. He serves as Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair Emeritus of the Asia Society. An alumnus of the University of Southern California, where he earned his MBA in 1976, Chan has held influential roles in various international organizations. His philanthropic endeavors are highly notable, particularly through the Morningside Foundation, which has made substantial contributions to educational institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Southern California. Chan is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Lien-Hang T. Nguyen is the Director of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, and the Dorothy Borg Associate Professor of the History of American-East Asian Relations at Columbia's Department of History. Professor Nguyen specializes in the study of the United States in the world, with spatial focus on Southeast Asia and temporal interest in the Cold War. The Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University is a hub for the study of modern and contemporary East, Inner, and Southeast Asia at Columbia University. Its mission is to advance knowledge of East, Inner, and Southeast Asia, both across the University and among the public. "Studying is not just to get a job; studying is to make you a better person. Enjoy your education because studying itself is a joy," Chan said during the webinar. "I'm pessimistic but not passive. If you’re passive, you have no future. We must all do our part, even if it’s small, to try to make a difference. If we don't, the world is doomed."Watch the video at https://bit.ly/49RloQq (1:12:44) NYT Opinion: "I Never Felt Like This in China Before" On December 24, 2024, the New York Times published an opinion titled "I Never Felt Like This in China Before" by Thomas L. Friedman . The opinion examines the complexities and evolving nature of U.S.-China relations in the context of global politics. It underscores that the relationship is no longer just about competition but must also include elements of cooperation. While the U.S. and China are embroiled in a range of issues like trade imbalances, technological rivalry, and differing ideologies, the article suggests that these tensions should not overshadow the need for collaboration. The changing global landscape, with rising economic powers and shifting alliances, makes the U.S.-China dynamic crucial not only for both nations but for the stability of the global order.Friedman emphasizes the importance of addressing key challenges, such as the competition in advanced technologies and the battle for global influence. However, he also points out that areas like climate change and global health are issues that transcend national boundaries and require cooperation between the two superpowers. Rather than focusing solely on confrontational tactics, the article advocates for strategic engagement that acknowledges the necessity of cooperation in certain sectors, while also maintaining healthy competition in others. This balanced approach, the article argues, is vital for avoiding catastrophic outcomes, such as military conflicts or economic decoupling. "Excessive confrontation between the U.S. and China could lead to global instability, which would be detrimental not only to both countries but also to the rest of the world," Friedman said. "Fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation is essential for addressing the interconnected challenges of the modern world."Read the New York Times opinion: https://nyti.ms/3BYe0WZ . WSJ : Chinese Students in U.S. Warned to Stay Ahead of Second Trump Term According to the Wall Street Journal on December 26, 2024, Chinese students in the United States are being urged to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump ’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, due to concerns over potential travel and visa restrictions. Universities such as the University of Houston and Rice University have sent out advisories, encouraging international students to return promptly to avoid disruptions. This guidance stems from uncertainty over possible policy changes under the new administration, especially given President-elect Trump’s track record of restrictive immigration measures during his first term. The concerns are particularly acute for Chinese students, who represent one of the largest groups of international students in the U.S. During Trump’s earlier presidency, various policies—including travel bans and tightened visa regulations—created significant barriers for international students from several countries. While no specific plans targeting Chinese students have been announced, the lingering memory of past restrictions has heightened anxiety among this community. Many students are worried about the possibility of being stranded abroad or facing delays in returning to their studies. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by international students in the U.S., who must navigate a constantly shifting immigration landscape. International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and academic environment, yet they often find themselves caught in political crossfires. Universities are stepping up to provide support, recognizing the critical role these students play on campus and the stress they endure due to uncertain policy changes. Institutions are advising students to secure their legal status and ensure compliance with potential new regulations.The return-to-campus advisories also reflect growing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Over the years, Chinese students have faced increasing scrutiny in the United States amid allegations of intellectual property theft and national security concerns. These issues, coupled with domestic pressures to tighten immigration controls, have led to a more challenging environment for Chinese nationals pursuing education in the U.S. Universities, however, remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment and minimizing disruption for their students. Ultimately, the situation highlights the precarious position of international students in an era of shifting political priorities. While universities are taking proactive measures, the uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies under the new administration adds an additional layer of difficulty for students. As the global landscape evolves, the need for stable and predictable policies to support international education becomes increasingly urgent, ensuring that students can continue their studies without undue fear of sudden policy shifts.Read the Wall Street Journal report: https://on.wsj.com/41T5tPU 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. Breaking News : Passing of President Jimmy Carter According to the Carter Center and multiple media reports, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy ; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn , and one grandchild.Serving as the 39th President from 1977 to 1981, Carter's administration was marked by significant achievements, including the historic decision to establish formal diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the SALT II treaty, and the establishment of the Departments of Energy and Education. Carter's commitment to U.S.-China relations extended beyond his presidency. He visited China multiple times and established a China Program within The Carter Center, aiming to promote dialogue and understanding between the two countries.There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending. The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at https://jtfncr.mdw.army.mil/statefunerals/ . 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. # # # 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 30, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

​AAJC and Asian Law Caucus have submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for all records relating to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection enforcement, treatment, and denial of admissions of students with connections to China. August 10, 2020 On August 10, 2020, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Asian Law Caucus submitted a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request for all records relating to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) enforcement, treatment, and denial of admissions of students with connections to China. "Hateful rhetoric from public leaders has created a climate of fear for Asians and Asian Americans living in the United States. Public statements by government officials against Chinese students have had a chilling effect on international students and scholars, particularly those from China seeking only to graduate and finish their studies," the FOIA says. "In 2018, the Department of Justice (DOJ) laid the general groundwork for a hawkish shift towards China when they announced the China Initiative. With this initiative, the DOJ began to see connections to China as a threat and increased its efforts to investigate and prosecute individuals with Chinese ancestry for alleged espionage. This was despite growing concerns from civil society about implicit bias, discrimination, and race & ethnicity based profiling." "Moreover, since 2019, we have seen reports of CBP denying admissions to Chinese students while providing little to no information for the reasons why... It is imperative that CBP provides our communities and the public with information on its decisions to refuse entry and admission to students connected to China. The public has a strong interest in getting this information considering the government’s potential targeting of individuals of Chinese or Asian descent based on their race or ethnicity." AAJC and Asian Law Caucus have submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for all records relating to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection enforcement, treatment, and denial of admissions of students with connections to China. Previous Next FOIA Request on Chinese and International Students

Newsletter - #317 Dr. Bryant Lin; Rep. Sylvester Turner; NIH Cuts Blocked Amidst Fear; DOGE Errors; + #317 Dr. Bryant Lin; Rep. Sylvester Turner; NIH Cuts Blocked Amidst Fear; DOGE Errors; + In This Issue #317 · NYT : Dr. Bryant Lin Got Cancer; He Didn't Quit · Remembering Congressman Sylvester Turner · Trump's Cuts to NIH Blocked Amidst Fear and Uncertainty · DOGE Errors and Questions of Transparency · News and Activities for the Communities NYT : Dr. Bryant Lin Got Cancer; He Didn't Quit According to New York Times on February 26, 2025, Dr. Bryant Lin 林百里 , a Stanford University professor and physician, was given a terminal Stage 4 lung cancer at age 50. A nonsmoker, he had spent much of his career researching lung cancer in Asian populations—only to find himself facing the very disease he had studied. Instead of withdrawing, he chose to teach a deeply personal course, “From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor’s Real-Time Battle With Cancer,” in which he shared his journey as both a doctor and a patient.The course filled immediately, with students even sitting on the floor to attend. Dr. Lin was moved by their enthusiasm, telling them, “It’s quite an honor for me, honestly. The fact that you would want to sign up for my class.”Throughout the 10-week course, he remained upbeat, guiding students through discussions on the psychology of illness, difficult medical conversations, and the role of spirituality in coping with disease. His wife, Christine Chan , spoke in a session on caregiving, describing her challenges and their family’s adjustments. Despite the severity of his condition, Dr. Lin’s humor shone through—when discussing new treatment options, he quipped, “Asking for a friend!”In one lecture, Dr. Lin shared a letter from a dying patient who had chosen to end dialysis, expressing gratitude for his care, “You treated me as you would treat your own father.”Dr. Lin explained that this moment stayed with him and inspired him to give back through his class. His goal was to help students see the humanity in medicine and, perhaps, inspire some to work in cancer care. By the final lecture, when he asked how many were considering that path, about a third raised their hands.His closing remarks echoed Lou Gehrig ’s famous farewell, “Yet today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” He expressed gratitude for his students, family, and colleagues, stating, “I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.”The class had an impact beyond medical training. Some students encouraged their families to get screened for lung cancer. One freshman, Gideon Witchel , took the course to better understand his mother’s past battle with breast cancer. Inspired by Dr. Lin, he finally talked to her about her illness, reading through letters she had written during treatment.Dr. Lin referred to his course as his “letter” to students, sharing his lessons while he still had time. Privately, he had written a personal letter for his sons to read after he was gone: “Whether I’m here or not, what I want you to know is that I love you. Of the many things I’ve done that have given my life meaning, being your daddy is the greatest of all.”His story became one of resilience, education, and love—an unfinished puzzle that others would continue piecing together.Read the New York Times article: https://bit.ly/43sYFZU Remembering Congressman Sylvester Turner According to multiple media reports, Congressman Sylvester Turner passed away suddenly on March 4, 2025. He was 70.Rep. Turner was elected to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District in the November 2024 election. The district includes much of inner-city Houston and the surrounding areas. Before him, the seat was held by late-Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee . Rep. Jackson Lee represented the district from 1995 until July 2024, when she died of pancreatic cancer. Prior to joining Congress this year, Rep. Turner was mayor of Houston and a member of the Texas House of Representatives.Both Reps. Turner and Jackson Lee participated actively in the opposition of the Texas alien land bill SB147 in 2023, taking to the streets and marching with the Asian American communities. According to Houston Public Media on January 23, 2023, then-Houston-Mayor Turner said, "Senate Bill 147 is just down right wrong. It is more divisive than anything else. Houston, the most diverse city in the United States, stands as one to say that we all should stand against 147." Trump's Cuts to NIH Blocked Amidst Fear and Uncertainty As of March 6, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 104.According to AP News , New York Times , STAT , and multiple media reports, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from slashing National Institutes of Health (NIH) payments for research indirect cost, a decision that suggests plaintiffs seeking to overturn the sweeping policy change are likely to eventually succeed. “Absent a nationwide injunction, institutions across the country will be forced to operate with the same uncertainty, resulting in the types of irreparable harm that a preliminary injunction is meant to prevent,” she wrote.Judge Kelley made the ruling in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10338) which was filed in the U.S. Court for the District of Massachusetts. The case combined three lawsuits brought by coalitions of Democratic states, universities, and medical associations. Dr. David J. Skorton of the Association of American Medical Colleges, one of the plaintiffs, applauded the ruling. “These unlawful cuts would slow medical progress and cost lives,” he wrote in a statement, saying the NIH-funded research “benefits every person and community in America.”According to the Washington Post on March 6, 2025, the Trump administration’s orders have created more turmoil and damage at the NIH than was previously known. On January 24, 2025, the Trump administration installed Matthew Memoli , a longtime NIH influenza researcher and physician who was not part of the senior leadership ranks, as acting director, bypassing Lawrence Tabak , principal deputy director of NIH who served as acting director for two years under the Biden administration. That initial shock marked the beginning of six weeks of turmoil for NIH's scientific staff. In just that short period, the Trump administration reshaped NIH's leadership, stalled its core mission of identifying cutting-edge research to fund, and effectively silenced personnel at the world's largest biomedical research sponsor—a $48 billion operation supporting roughly 300,000 external scientists. The Washington Post provides a detailed week-by-week summary of the events.Even in a climate of fear, NIH employees say they want to protect their institution. They worry this winter of disruption may be causing lasting damage to the way science is conducted in the United States. “The whole thing could just disappear,” said Phil Murphy , senior investigator and chief of the laboratory of molecular immunology at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). “The biomedical research enterprise in the United States depends largely on NIH dollars. You take the dollars away, the labs go away, and you lose the next generation of scientists.” Latest Developments with Federal Employees According to AP News on March 5, 2025, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 180 employees who were laid off two weeks ago can come back to work. An email was reportedly sent with the subject line, “Read this e-mail immediately.” It said that “after further review and consideration,” a February 15 termination notice has been rescinded and the employee was cleared to return to work on Wednesday. “You should return to duty under your previous work schedule,” it said. “We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused.”According to NPR on March 5, 2025, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to temporarily reinstate close to 6,000 employees fired since February 13, finding reasonable grounds to believe the agency acted illegally in terminating them. MSPB issued a stay , ordering the USDA to return the fired workers to their jobs for 45 days while an investigation continues. The MSPB acts as an internal court to consider federal employees' complaints against the government. According to MSPB , the weekly number of cases it receives has spiked since February, reaching 2,178 in the most recent week. According to Federal News Network on March 4, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has just rehired about half of the employees it fired two weeks ago. The reversal comes after a federal judge ruled in American Federation Of Government Employees, AFL-CIO v. United States Office of Personnel Management (3:25-cv-01780) that the Trump administration's directives telling agencies to fire their probationary employees were illegal. The reinstated workers will receive backpay and will not see a break in service. While 84 employees will be going back to work, the other 86 fired workers will still be out of their jobs. NSF said that is because they were intermittent employees and not full-time staff members. DOGE Errors and Its Lack of Transparency According to New York Times on March 3, 2025, for the second time in a week, Elon Musk’s "Department Government Efficiency" updated its “wall of receipts” to remove mistakes that inflated its success, erasing over $4 billion in claimed savings. It deleted or altered more than 1,000 contracts—40% of last week's listings. Total reported savings has dropped from $16 billion to under $9 billion since February 19.Experts have flagged numerous errors, including miscalculations, duplicate entries, and contracts that ended long ago. According to Inside Higher Ed on March 5, 2025, education scholars say the administration’s rash of cuts and lack of quality transparency will have a “devastating effect” on public policy and student outcomes for years to come.On February 18, 2025, President Trump ordered federal agencies to disclose all terminated programs, contracts, and grants to enhance transparency. However, the Department of Education has not provided details on cuts totaling $1.9 billion, despite requests. Critics argue the administration is failing to be truly transparent, with experts warning that these cuts will significantly impact research, policymaking, and education outcomes.“The cuts that happened recently are going to have far-reaching impacts, and those impacts could really be long term unless some rapid action is taken,” said Mamie Voight , president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy. “To eliminate data, evidence and research is working in opposition to efficiency,” she said.In a recent analysis, titled “ Running Down DOGE’s Department of Education Receipts ,” Nat Malkus , deputy director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, compared a leaked list of the 89 terminated Institute of Education Sciences contracts, along with detailed data from USASpending.gov * , to those DOGE had posted on its website. He said he found major inconsistencies in how savings were calculated. Antoinette Flores , director of higher education accountability and quality at New America, conducted similar research and also found that the DOGE data does not add up and exaggerates the savings. “It’s absolutely hypocrisy,” she said. “It feels like we’re all being gaslit. I don’t know why they are saying they want to be transparent without being transparent.” * What is USASpending.gov ? USASpending.gov is the official U.S. government website that tracks federal spending. It provides public access to data on how taxpayer dollars are allocated, including details on federal contracts, grants, loans, and other financial assistance. The site is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and aims to enhance transparency by allowing users to search and analyze government expenditures across agencies, recipients, and specific programs.USASpending.gov was created as part of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on September 26, 2006. The website was launched in 2007. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/26 Policing White Supremacy: The Enemy Within2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 03/12 MSU Webinar: The China Initiative On March 12, 2025, please join the webinar hosted by Michigan State University's Asian Pacific American Studies Program for an insightful discussion of the past and present of the China Initiative, a Trump administration program that targeted Asian American scholars and researchers for investigation and prosecution. Dr. Lok Siu of UC Berkeley and Dr. Jeremy Wu of APA Justice will speak at the event moderated by Dr. Kent Weber of Michigan State University.Register to attend: https://bit.ly/4hVaITO 3. USCET 2025 Summer Internship Opens The U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) is accepting applications from undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about U.S.-China relations. This hybrid, part-time internship at a nonprofit dedicated to cross-cultural dialogue offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn a stipend or academic credit. Read the job description and follow application steps here: https://bit.ly/3Nz4Tyi . Application Deadline: March 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. 4. Erratum In APA Justice Newsletter Issue #316 , Jeremy Berg was incorrectly identified as a former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He previously served as the director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a division of NIH. We regret the error. Back View PDF March 7, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #95 "China Initiative;" OSTP; ACLU, Sherry Chen, Mass Surveillance; 11/01 Meeting Summary #95 "China Initiative;" OSTP; ACLU, Sherry Chen, Mass Surveillance; 11/01 Meeting Summary Back View PDF November 10, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #143 Special Edition: Letters Opposing the Casey Arrowood Nomination Sent #143 Special Edition: Letters Opposing the Casey Arrowood Nomination Sent Back View PDF September 8, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter