Newsletter - #335 Today’s Monthly Meeting; Ohio Alien Land Bills; Chinese Student Visas; Fulbright Finalists Disqualified #335 Today’s Monthly Meeting; Ohio Alien Land Bills; Chinese Student Visas; Fulbright Finalists Disqualified In This Issue #335 · Today’s APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Ohio Lawmakers and Community Members Speak Out Against Alien Land Bills Introduced · Organizations Outraged by Trump Administration Move to Revoke Chinese Student Visas · Trump Administration Disqualified Finalists in Fulbright Selection Process for Being Related to DEI and Climate Change · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, June 2, 2025 , starting at 1:55 pm ET . In addition to updates by Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Jiny Kim , Vice President of Policy and Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), invited speakers are: · Judy Chu , Member, U.S. House of Representatives; Chair Emeritus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Ya Liu , Member, North Carolina House of Representatives · Juanita Brent , Member, Ohio House of Representatives · Edgar Chen , Special Policy Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) · Aki Maehara , Professor, Historian, East Los Angeles College · Christina Ku and Gerald Ohn, Co-Founders, Asian American Civil Rights League · Brian Sun , Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright · David Inoue , Executive Director; Larry Oda , Chair Emeritus; Gary Nakamura, Vice President, Japanese American Citizens League · Manjusha Kulkarni , Co-Founder, Stop AAPI Hate 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 . Ohio Lawmakers and Community Members Speak Out Against Alien Land Bills Introduced Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly introduced bills to restrict foreign property ownership. The House Bill ( HB1 ) was introduced on January 23, and the Senate Bill ( SB88 ) was introduced on February 10, and both were referred to the respective committees within a few days. The house bill number (1) seems to signify its importance, and the senate bill number (88) was said to be a snub at the number eight, which many in Asian countries deem as a fortunate number. The two bills have a similar text for the most part, which is to ban individuals, businesses, and governments of "a foreign adversary" from owning agricultural land from buying property within a 25-mile radius of military bases, airports, and "critical infrastructure", in the name of protecting national security. The Senate bill has additional restrictions that include forcing a current owner to sell their property at its original price. The Asian community raised alarm in May over the proposed bills and quickly mobilized members to participate in committee hearings and voice their concerns. Lawmakers in the Ohio General Assembly also expressed unease, introducing amendments aimed at narrowing the scope of the bills and reducing potential harm. Primary concerns include racial profiling and the targeting of Asian Americans, particularly those of Chinese descent, as well as the disturbing echoes of some of the darkest chapters in American history, such as California's 1913 Alien Land Law , the Chinese Exclusion Act , and the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. As of May 27, the Ohio HB1 received testimonies from 11 Proponents, 68 Opponents, and three (3) Interested Parties, and the Ohio SB88 received testimonies from four (4) Proponents, 231 Opponents, and eight (8) Interested Parties. · Columbus Dispatch : Opponents call Ohio property sales ban 'racist,' 'discriminatory' · Ohio Capital Journal : Hundreds push back against bill prohibiting foreign nationals from buying property in Ohio · WBNS/10TV (CBS affiliate): Asian American community voices concerns over Ohio bills targeting foreign nationals · State House News Bureau (NPR affiliate): A bill would bar Ohio land buys by businesses and immigrants from some countries · WKYC-TV Cleveland (NBC affiliate): Asian American community voices concerns over Ohio bills targeting foreign nationals · Toledo Blade : Ohioans of Asian descent fight ban on property sales to ‘foreign adversaries’ Organizations Outraged by Trump Administration Move to Revoke Chinese Student Visas The Trump Administration is "aggressively revoking" Visas for Chinese students According to the Associated Press , New York Times , and others, the Trump administration announced this week that it would begin "aggressively revoking" visas for Chinese students, including those allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or those studying in unspecified "critical fields." Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement Wednesday evening, adding that the State Department was revising visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of future applications from China, including those from Hong Kong. The move has sent shockwaves across U.S. universities, which collectively host over 275,000 students from China, making them the second-largest group of international students after India. Administrators, professors, and students expressed concerns that the lack of clarity about the policy’s scope, especially how “ties to the CCP” and “critical fields" are defined, will generate confusion and anxiety on campuses. Critics argue the visa crackdown could damage America’s scientific and technological competitiveness. “Shutting the door on Chinese students doesn’t just betray our values — it weakens our leadership in science, technology, and innovation,” said former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke. Universities have long relied on international students for both talent and tuition revenue. “I think it is terribly misguided, counterproductive, and another way in which we are shooting ourselves in the foot,” said Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University. Reactions from Organizations to the Announcement about Revoking Chinese Student Visas On May 28, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a statement expressing concerns, “The wholesale revocation of student visas based on national origin — and without an investigation — is xenophobic and wrong,” and “turning these students away —many of whom simply wish to learn in a free and democratic society — is not just shortsighted but a betrayal of our values.” On May 29, Advancing Justice I AAJC called Rubio’s announcement “another blow to international students and academia.” The organization condemned the policy as rooted in “fearmongering, racial profiling, and xenophobia,” and said, “exclusionary and discriminatory policies based on stereotypes rarely address actual national security concerns,” “fuel prejudice and unfair targeting of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans” and “have destroyed lives and careers and negatively impacted our country’s competitiveness in global innovation.” In the Asian American Scholar Forum ’s statement, Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa said, “This policy threatens to dismantle the international talent pipeline that has long fueled American innovation and excellence…Treating them with blanket suspicion not only violates principles of fairness, due process, and our democratic values—it sends a chilling message to the world that America no longer welcomes global talent.” The Committee of 100 denounced the visa policy announcement. “This new visa policy will adversely and profoundly affect our colleges and universities, research institutions, scientific discovery, and startups in ways we have yet to fully comprehend,” said Gary Locke, Chair of the Committee of 100 and former U.S. Ambassador to China. U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) criticized the policy as overly broad, discriminatory, and harmful to American soft power. It warned that the new visa policy “fails to distinguish between individuals who pose genuine risks and those simply seeking educational opportunities,” and “beyond undermining core American values of fairness and openness, these measures pose significant risks to U.S. economic competitiveness, soft power, and long-term diplomatic stability.” USCET said education remains the United States’ single largest service export to China, with spending by Chinese students reaching $14.4 billion USD in 2023 and creating 143,000 US jobs. Trump Administration Disqualified Finalists in Fulbright Selection Process for Being Related to DEI and Climate Change On May 29, Inside Higher Ed reported that the Trump administration staged an unprecedented intervention in this year’s Fulbright selection process, rejecting finalists whose research deals with race, gender, or climate change. The Fulbright Commission of Norway selected 17 finalists for this year’s US Fulbright Program , a prestigious academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department and received approval from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) in January, but U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent an internal department cable requesting an additional step for the scholarship’s review process, which historically has entailed an initial project review by the Institute of International Education, a secondary review by a panel in the host country and final approval from the FFSB. The State Department ultimately nixed seven of the 17 finalists Norway selected — about 40 percent of their expected Fulbright cohort. The grounds for their rejections were “clearly political,” said Curt Rice , director of the Fulbright Commission of Norway; he said the finalists whose acceptances were overruled all had proposals that dealt with either diversity or climate change. “There is almost no precedent for them to change a list of finalists sent by a host country,” Rice concluded. News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/05/29 U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later2025/06/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/06/03 The Second Annual State of the Science Address2025/06/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium2025/06/16-24 Discover China 2025: Summer Youth Exchange to the Greater Bay Area2025/06/29-30 2025 ICSA China ConferenceVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF June 2, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #369 1/5 Meeting; 2025 Changed Research; CAPAC 2025 Review; ACLU Update; Summaries Posted;+ #369 1/5 Meeting; 2025 Changed Research; CAPAC 2025 Review; ACLU Update; Summaries Posted;+ In This Issue #369 · 2026/01/05 Monthly Meeting · The Year That Changed Research · CAPAC: 2025 End-of-Year Report · Update from American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) · December and August Meeting Summaries Posted · 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: · Attorneys from Bloch & White LLP on Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 (invited) · Attorneys from Despres, Schwartz, & Geoghegan, Ltd. on Jane Ying Wu 吴瑛 (invited) · 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 Year That Changed Research According to Inside Higher Ed on December 19, 2025, a year of mass federal grant terminations and sweeping policy changes to the nation’s research enterprise broke many scientists’ trust in the government. And those changes offer insight into what may come next year. For federally funded researchers, 2025 was widely described as chaotic, destabilizing, and demoralizing. Early in President Trump’s second term, federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education, and Department of Energy (DOE) froze or terminated hundreds of research grants, disrupting projects across biomedical science, climate research, education, democracy studies, and public health. Many terminations explicitly targeted work involving diversity, equity, gender, or marginalized communities, framing such research as incompatible with agency priorities. Lawsuits warned that these actions would delay scientific advancement, compromise health outcomes, and drive talent away from U.S. research. By some estimates, more than $17 billion in NIH funding alone was disrupted, and thousands of federal agency staff layoffs left researchers with little guidance amid shifting rules. Beyond grant terminations, the administration proposed sweeping policy changes that further eroded trust: attempts to cap indirect cost reimbursements, freezes on funding to elite universities over unrelated political disputes, and executive orders giving political appointees greater control over grant awards and cancellations. Although courts blocked some measures and forced partial restoration of grants, the damage was already done. Universities froze hiring and admissions in anticipation of cuts, trainees lost support, and many researchers began questioning whether long-term academic careers in the U.S. were viable. Even when grants were reinstated, they often returned with reduced funding, delays, or new ideological restrictions, reinforcing the sense that science was no longer insulated from politics. Litigation and advocacy produced some important pushback. Courts halted indirect cost caps, agencies restored thousands of grants, and Congress signaled resistance to the most drastic proposed cuts—suggesting modest increases for NIH rather than the steep reductions sought by the administration. Yet uncertainty remains high heading into 2026. Agencies are scaling back peer review due to staffing shortages, experimenting with automated screening tools, and using text analysis to flag proposals for terms like “health equity” or “structural racism.” Researchers across fields report lasting psychological and professional impacts, including self-censorship, reluctance to pursue ambitious projects, and concerns about the future of evidence-based policymaking. Despite these challenges, the research community also demonstrated resilience and collective action. Scientists, universities, professional associations, and advocates mobilized through lawsuits, public letters, and sustained engagement with Congress. Many emphasized that openness, fairness, and global collaboration—not isolation—are the foundations of U.S. scientific leadership. While 2026 is expected to remain difficult, the partial successes of 2025 show that coordinated advocacy can still defend the integrity of American research. In this context, the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) underscored an important victory: the proposed SAFE Research Act was removed from the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act. AASF’s advocacy helped prevent a measure that would have chilled collaboration, unfairly targeted researchers, and weakened America’s global competitiveness in science—demonstrating that principled, collective action can still make a decisive difference. C APAC: 2025 End-of-Year Report On December 18, 2025, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released its 2025 End-of-Year Report that includes a summary of actions CAPAC has taken to support thriving families and communities, advance equity and defend our rights, and promote economic opportunities for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). “This has been a challenging year for so many across our country. But our community has proven that we are most powerful when we stand together—to defend our rights, hold the administration accountable, and ensure our voices are heard at every level of government,” said Rep. Grace Meng 孟昭文 , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “This report showcases some of CAPAC’s work to protect our community from harmful policies and to create a world where the next generation of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is more successful than the last. There’s more work ahead of us, but CAPAC will not stop until we deliver on the promise of the American Dream for the millions who call this great nation home.” In 2025, CAPAC grew its total membership to 83 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate —the largest in history. CAPAC also released its policy framework for the 119th Congress to ensure the caucus is laser-focused on meeting our communities’ most pressing needs and launched the Spill the Tea with Chair Meng video series to discuss important topics impacting AANHPIs. The Caucus also took legislative action to uphold birthright citizenship, defend language access, stand up for immigrants, protect access to affordable health care, oppose the Republicans’ “China Initiative,” and more. Read the CAPAC press release: https://bit.ly/4qdx32Z Bill to Reunite and Protect Immigrant Families Reintroduced Rep. Judy Chu 趙美心 and Senator Mazie Hirono reintroduced the Reuniting Families Act of 2025 to address severe backlogs and outdated rules in the U.S. family-based immigration system, which currently leaves nearly four million people with approved visa applications waiting—often for more than a decade—to reunite with loved ones. The bill seeks to modernize a system that has not seen meaningful reform in over 30 years by recapturing unused visas, rolling them into future years, expanding the definition of family to include permanent partners, increasing the total number of family preference visas, raising per-country limits, and establishing a firm cap so no approved applicant waits more than 10 years for a visa. Lawmakers and a broad coalition of civil rights, immigrant advocacy, faith-based, and community organizations argue the legislation would make immigration more humane, efficient, and fair while strengthening families and communities across the country. Supporters emphasize that family unity is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy and that prolonged separations harm not only immigrant families—including Asian American, Southeast Asian, African, and LGBTQ+ communities—but also the nation’s social and economic fabric. The bill has garnered endorsements from dozens of national and local organizations, reflecting broad support for restoring compassion and functionality to the family-based immigration system. Read the press release from Rep. Judy Chu’s office. Update from American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) During the APA Justice monthly meeting on December 1, 2025, Patrick Toomey , Deputy Director, National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) returned to provide an in-depth briefing on two major areas of ongoing ACLU litigation: the challenge to Florida’s discriminatory housing law (SB 264) in Shen v. Simpson, and the national-security–related litigation surrounding the federal government’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Both issues, he noted, remain of high importance to Asian American communities and immigrant-rights advocates across the country. Patrick began by reminding the audience that the ACLU is engaged in a wide range of immigration and civil rights litigation, including work related to birthright citizenship, which had been referenced earlier in the meeting. For purposes of this briefing, however, he focused on the two cases in which he is personally involved. I. Shen v. Simpson – Florida’s SB 264 Housing Restrictions Patrick first summarized developments in Shen v. Simpson, a challenge to Florida’s SB 264, a law that restricts property ownership by immigrants from China and six other “countries of concern.” The law prohibits non-citizens and non-green-card-holders from these countries from buying property in large parts of Florida, with only narrow exceptions. The ACLU—together with AALDEF, CALDA, the DeHeng Law Firm, Quinn Emanuel, and the ACLU of Florida—represents four individual Chinese immigrant plaintiffs and a real estate company that serves primarily Chinese clients. On November 4, 2025, the Eleventh Circuit declined to issue a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of SB 264, which Patrick described as “disappointing.” However, he highlighted an important clarification in the ruling: the court narrowed the law’s application and found that it does not apply to certain Chinese immigrants who live in Florida and intend to remain there indefinitely. That clarification, he explained, provides meaningful—but limited—relief to affected communities. He emphasized the broader context. SB 264 echoes a long history of “alien land laws” targeting Asians and other immigrant groups under the guise of national security. The ACLU views the law as part of a nationwide resurgence of discriminatory state-level property restrictions, which mirror policies from the early 20th century. Looking ahead, Patrick explained that next steps remain uncertain. The Eleventh Circuit must first issue a formal order returning the case to the district court. Once that occurs, the ACLU will submit a status update outlining possible avenues for continuing litigation. He assured the audience that updates will be provided as the case progresses. II. Alien Enemies Act Litigation Patrick then turned to the ACLU’s ongoing challenges to the federal government’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, a Civil War–era statute allowing deportation of nationals from countries with which the U.S. is at war. In March of this year, he explained, the government used the Act to deport roughly 250 Venezuelan nationals. These individuals were transported first to El Salvador and detained in the notorious “Terrorism Confinement Center,” before later being transferred to Venezuela. Many had no opportunity to contest their designation or removal. 1. The Fifth Circuit Case (for individuals still in the U.S.) The ACLU represents Venezuelan nationals who remain in the United States and continue to face potential deportation under the Act. In June, the ACLU argued the case before a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit, which issued a 2–1 decision ruling the government’s use of the Act unlawful. The government then requested an en banc hearing before the full Fifth Circuit, which was granted. Briefing is underway, and oral argument is scheduled for late January. Because the case raises significant questions about executive power and wartime authorities, Patrick noted that Supreme Court review is likely. Importantly, deportations are currently paused while the litigation proceeds. 2. District Court Litigation in Washington, D.C. (for individuals already deported) A second challenge focuses on those who were removed in March with no due process. The ACLU is seeking a new preliminary injunction that would allow deported individuals the opportunity to bring habeas and due-process claims that they were unable to pursue before being transported out of the country. Toomey noted that many were deported “under cover of darkness,” without notice, hearings, or the ability to consult counsel. These cases, he stressed, raise profound constitutional questions about due process, wartime authority, and the treatment of immigrant communities. Both remain active and will likely continue into 2026. Conclusion Patrick closed by encouraging attendees to stay engaged as litigation moves forward. He invited follow-up questions through the chat or by email and reaffirmed the ACLU’s commitment to defending the civil rights and liberties of immigrant communities targeted by discriminatory laws and emergency powers. The outcomes of these cases, he noted, will have significant implications for Asian American comunities, Venezuelan migrants, and the broader legal landscape governing immigration enforcement. December and August Meeting Summaries Posted Summary for the December 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at . We thank these distinguished speakers for sharing their insightful remarks and updates: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) · Kin Yan Hui , National President, Chinese American Citizens Alliance · Patrick Toomey , Deputy Director, National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) · Edgar Chen , Special Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Summary for the August 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at https://bit.ly/45gnvw6 . We thank these distinguished speakers for sharing their insightful remarks and updates: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Munira Abdullahi , Member, Ohio House of Representatives · Guangya Liu , Member, North Carolina House of Representatives · Min Fan , Executive Director, U.S. Heartland China Association We apologize for the lateness in posting this summary. Past monthly meeting summaries are posted at: https://www.apajusticetaskforce.org/librarynewsletters-summaries 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 2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 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 22, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #371 1/5 Meeting: Chinese American Survey; Gary Locke; National APA Museum; Nation's Data;+ #371 1/5 Meeting: Chinese American Survey; Gary Locke; National APA Museum; Nation's Data;+ In This Issue #371 · 2026/01/05 Monthly Meeting · Webinar on State of Chinese Americans Survey · Gary Locke to Receive Elliot L. Richardson Prize · National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission: Year-End Update · ASA: The Nation’s Data At Risk · News and Activities for the Communities 2026/01/05 Monthly Meeting APA Justice kicked off the new year with its first monthly meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026. A summary of the meeting is being prepared at this time. One of the featured speakers was Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President of the Committee of 100 (C100). In a January 1, 2026 interview with the South China Morning Post , Paul outlined a vision for C100 centered on nuance, people-to-people engagement, and the defense of civil liberties amid heightened U.S.–China tensions. He emphasized C100’s role in providing context—particularly how geopolitical rivalry directly affects Chinese Americans and shapes immigration, scientific exchange, business ties, and public perception. Paul described C100’s dual mission of addressing domestic civil rights challenges while engaging thoughtfully on broader U.S.–China relations. He highlighted the organization’s cross-sector approach, credible research on issues such as alien land laws and visa policies, and the State of Chinese Americans Survey, which helps inform policymakers and community leaders without functioning as a lobbying effort. The interview also underscored C100’s diverse leadership and legacy, including figures such as Paula Madison 罗笑娜 , Gary Locke 骆家辉 , I.M. Pei 貝聿銘 , Janet Yang 杨燕子 , and Dr. David Ho 何大一 , as examples of Chinese Americans’ longstanding contributions to U.S. society. Paul directly addressed recurring “loyalty” questions, affirming his loyalty to the United States while rejecting the conflation of cultural heritage with foreign allegiance. Looking ahead, Paul emphasized leadership development and renewed people-to-people exchange through C100 initiatives aimed at preparing future leaders and sustaining dialogue despite political and logistical barriers. He defined success in terms of measurable outcomes: leadership advancement, policy impact, stronger partnerships, and effective responses to discrimination. As a member-driven initiative powered by C100, APA Justice advances fairness, equity, and belonging by protecting constitutional rights, combating racial profiling, and opposing discriminatory policies through coalition work, research, public education, and community mobilization. Webinar on State of Chinese Americans Survey WHAT : Perception and Reality: What U.S.–China Relations Mean for Chinese Americans Today WHEN : Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT WHERE: Webinar HOSTS : Committee of 100; NORC at the University of Chicago Moderator : Sheryl WuDunn , Executive, Lecturer, and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Presenter : Sam Collitt , Research and Data Scientist, Committee of 100 Panelists : · Madeline Y. Hsu , Professor of History, University of Maryland, College Park · Ian Shin , Assistant Professor of History and American Culture, University of Michigan DESCRIPTION : Committee of 100 partnered with NORC at the University of Chicago, one of the nation’s largest independent social research organizations, to conduct its third annual State of Chinese Americans Survey. This one-of-a-kind national survey examines U.S. public views on issues affecting Chinese Americans, building on insights from the previous two surveys. The research focuses on the cultural, health, and sociopolitical situations of today’s Chinese American population. Join the webinar for the launch of the first in a four-part series featuring national data on Americans’ views of U.S.–China relations, related domestic policies, and their impact on Chinese Americans. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/45evQ3s Gary Locke to Receive Elliot L. Richardson Prize WHAT: Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Exceptional Public Service WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. WHERE: Ronald Reagan International Trade Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 HOST: The National Academy of Public Administration DESCRIPTION: 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 , 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. Please join us in celebrating this year’s honorees for their extraordinary public service—an embodiment of the values championed by Elliot Richardson. A beacon of integrity and principled leadership, Richardson was a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and served in four Cabinet-level roles, including Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare; Secretary of Defense; Attorney General; and Secretary of Commerce. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4jvoeQc National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission: Year-End Update Established by the 117th Congress, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture is charged with delivering a comprehensive plan to the President and Congress to lay the groundwork for authorizing a national museum in Washington, D.C. honoring the achievements, history, and lasting impact of Asian Pacific Americans. Formally launched in April 2025, the bipartisan, congressionally appointed Commission began its work with a ceremonial swearing-in at the Library of Congress in June. Over its first eight months, the Commission has engaged hundreds of community members nationwide—including scholars, cultural leaders, and institutions across dozens of states—to help shape a roadmap for a future museum. In October, the Commission initiated a national listening tour, visiting New Jersey, Louisiana, and Northern California to gather extensive oral and written public input. These conversations have focused on how a national museum can authentically reflect the depth, diversity, and complexity of the Asian Pacific American experience. Additional site visits and community engagement are planned for 2026. The Commission also announced the selection of SmithGroup, a nationally recognized, research-driven design and planning firm, to evaluate potential museum locations and associated costs. This analysis will inform the Commission’s final report, to be delivered to Congress and the President in October 2026. Co-Chairs Chiling Tong 董繼玲 and Jay Xu 许杰 emphasized that this progress would not be possible without the support of donors and partners nationwide. As the year concluded, the Commission highlighted the historic opportunity to shape how Asian Pacific American histories are preserved and shared for generations to come and encouraged continued public engagement and support. With sustained momentum and broad community participation, 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year as the Commission advances toward congressional authorization of the nation’s first National Asian Pacific American Museum. Visit nationalapamuseum.org to learn more about the Commission’s work. ASA: The Nation’s Data At Risk The December 2025 report by the American Statistical Association (ASA) highlights the critical challenges facing the U.S. federal statistical system, which is experiencing unprecedented strain due to staff losses, funding shortfalls, and threats to statistical integrity. These issues have hindered agencies’ ability to innovate, engage data users, and fulfill their missions, jeopardizing the availability of accurate, timely, and credible statistics essential for evidence-based policymaking, economic management, and public trust. Key findings include: 1. Fragile Capacity and Eroding Trust : Agencies have lost significant staff, including senior managers and data scientists, leading to reduced innovation and delays in data releases. Public trust in federal statistics has declined from 57% in June 2025 to 52% in September 2025. 2. System Challenges : The decentralized structure of the statistical system hinders cross-agency collaboration, with no dedicated funding for system-wide initiatives. Barriers to data-sharing and outdated IT systems further limit efficiency and modernization. 3. Innovation Obstacles : Agencies face declining resources, procedural barriers, and a weakened culture of innovation. Advisory committees have been disbanded, and staff losses have curtailed modernization efforts. 4. Disconnect with Congressional Support : Despite the critical role of federal statistics, agencies remain underfunded due to the fragmented appropriations process and lack of consistent advocacy. The report provides nine new recommendations to address these challenges, including lifting hiring freezes, funding system-wide innovation, improving data accessibility, enhancing trust in federal statistics, and fostering cross-agency leadership development. It also calls for professional associations and stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and engagement with policymakers to secure adequate resources and support for statistical agencies. The report concludes that immediate action is needed to halt the decline of the federal statistical system and restore its capacity to deliver high-quality, trustworthy data that supports the nation’s governance, economy, and well-being. The report has spurred significant concern among experts and the public about the health of federal statistics. According to Federal News Network , “bedrock” federal data sets are disappearing as U.S. statistical agencies struggle with steep staffing and funding cuts, undermining the government’s ability to produce the high-quality data that underpin economic policy and public decision-making. Most agencies have lost 20–30% of their staff this year, and some surveys have been delayed, suspended, or canceled altogether. Former U.S. Chief Statistician Nancy Potok warned that “many statistical products just disappeared,” noting that cuts to contracts, funding, and personnel have left agencies unable to meet their missions. The Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics, for example, now has just three employees following major workforce reductions. Mike Calabria , the current U.S. chief statistician, emphasized the need to strengthen data security and reverse the “long-term decline in response rates,” saying that people are less likely to participate if they don’t trust how their information will be protected. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/01/13 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao 2026/01/21 Perception and Reality: What U.S.–China Relations Mean for Chinese Americans Today 2026/01/28 Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Exceptional Public Service 2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/02/11 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: BD Wong Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF January 6, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #53 Harvard Symposium; Xiaoxing Xi & ACLU Lawsuit; Cato Institute Report; Comment On NIH Due; More #53 Harvard Symposium; Xiaoxing Xi & ACLU Lawsuit; Cato Institute Report; Comment On NIH Due; More Back View PDF April 8, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

COVID-19 This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. The numbers Calls per hour 111 Feedback submitted 22 Average feedback per call 21 As of May 28, 2023, there are 33 states known to have introduced some form of alien land and property bills in the current or recent legislative session. A few have passed and signed into state law; some have died; others are still pending. State-by-state links to the legislations and a companion map are provided below as community resources. They are collected from multiple sources including research by APA Justice, Advancing Justice | AAJC, Committee of 100, National Agricultural Law Center, Project South, media reports, and crowdsourcing. Due to the dynamic nature of these developments, we plan to update the information periodically. We anticipate the introduction or continuation of alien land and property bills into future state legislative sessions. Title Oct. 4th 2023 Tracking Bills Read More Latest developments

Newsletter - #304 Arkansas Lawsuit Update; Meet Judith Teruya+; Legacies of Jimmy Carter; CJR Comment/WP #304 Arkansas Lawsuit Update; Meet Judith Teruya+; Legacies of Jimmy Carter; CJR Comment/WP In This Issue #304 · Latest Development on Arkansas Foreign Ownership Laws · Meet Judith Teruya - New Executive Director of CAPAC · The Legacies of Former President Jimmy Carter · CJR : Trump, the Public, and the Press · News and Activities for the Communities From Governor Gavin Newsom's Office - Get Help Today on LA Fires Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance: · Online at DisasterAssistance.gov · Calling 800-621-3362 · By using the FEMA smart phone application · Assistance is available in over 40 languages · If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Please share with your families, friends, and colleagues in the Los Angeles area. Latest Development on Arkansas Foreign Ownership Laws During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025, Professor Robert "Bob" S. Chang , Executive Director of Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality at the University of California Irvine School of Law, provided background and updates on the latest development on the Arkansas foreign ownership laws. With over 30 years in the legal academy, Bob has focused on anti-Asian discrimination in law, including alien land laws. He described his growing concern as these laws began to re-emerge in recent years, particularly with Florida’s 2023 law. Collaborating with legal scholars like Rose Cuison Villazor (Rutgers Law School) and Jack Chin (UC Davis Law School), and the law firm Foley Hoag, Bob worked on an amicus brief addressing the historical and discriminatory dimensions of these laws. Bob highlighted parallels between historical and contemporary laws targeting minority groups, emphasizing how national security concerns often serve as a “fig leaf” to justify discriminatory practices. Drawing from his experience advancing Fred Korematsu ’s legacy, he explained that the use of national security as a pretext is a recurring theme in American history. Alien Land Laws and Recent Litigation Bob detailed the recent rise of alien land laws, noting that approximately 20 states are considering or have implemented new versions. He provided specific insights into Arkansas, where two laws were passed in 2023: one restricting agricultural land ownership and the other targeting land associated with data centers. Though framed as addressing “countries of concern” per the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) list, evidence suggests these laws primarily target individuals and entities linked to China.Bob joined the Arkansas case after the complaint was filed, working with lead counsel Alexander Jones in the Little Rock office of Kutak Rock, and contributing a historical perspective to demonstrate the broader context and impact of such laws. Also joining in the case as co-counsel is Paul Hoffman , a clinical law professor at UC Irvine, along with several of the students in his civil rights clinic. Legal Strategies and Outcomes Bob discussed the legal strategies used to challenge these laws, including filing motions for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a preliminary injunction. He humorously advised against filing such motions around Thanksgiving due to the intense workload, sharing that his team worked through the holiday to secure the preliminary injunction. Ultimately, the judge granted the preliminary injunction but based the decision on statutory claims of federal preemption without reaching the constitutional claims.The federal preemption claims relied on the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA), emphasizing that land ownership related to national security is under federal, not state, jurisdiction. While this argument succeeded, Chang warned that changes in federal policy or administration could weaken this approach. Historical Lessons and Federal Advocacy Bob drew historical parallels to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, explaining how discriminatory state laws against Chinese immigrants in the 1870s led to federal legislation. He stressed the importance of proactive advocacy with organizations like APA Justice and engagement with groups like the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) to prevent discriminatory policies at the federal level. Ongoing and Future Litigation Bob highlighted the broader legal battle against alien land laws, noting active cases in multiple states. Arkansas just filed its notice to appeal the preliminary injunction, and similar cases in states like Tennessee and Florida are advancing through the courts. He underscored the importance of building strong coalitions and setting favorable legal precedents, as these cases may ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Conclusion Bob concluded by emphasizing the need for vigilance and collaboration to combat discriminatory laws effectively. He expressed his willingness to engage further with interested parties, both during the Q&A session and offline.A summary of the January 6 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Meet Judith Teruya - New Executive Director of CAPAC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025, Judith Teruya spoke on her first official day as the Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) under Chairwoman Grace Meng . She acknowledged the longevity and importance of these efforts, stating, "You all have been doing this for a long time through a lot of different circumstances and different issues coming up in the community across the country." Judith introduced herself and highlighted her professional journey, which began in Congresswoman Meng’s office. During her tenure, Judith contributed to significant legislative achievements, including the “COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act”, the passage of the “AANHPI Museum Study Act”, and the creation of a commission to establish a “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Museum”. Most recently, she served with the “White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)” under Krystal Ka'ai ’s leadership before transitioning to her current role.Judith honored the legacy of CAPAC Chair Emeritus Judy Chu , acknowledging her transformative leadership over the years. Judith expressed her excitement about continuing CAPAC’s work and building upon its past achievements. Acknowledging the challenging political landscape ahead, she stated, "We know that the next couple of years are going to be a challenge. We know there are some challenging legislative battles that we have ahead of us in the House." Judith also referenced potential difficulties under a second Trump administration, noting, "We know from the first time around some of what we can expect... and so I really look forward to getting to work with you all." She emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that AANHPI communities are protected and actively involved in policymaking, saying, "Our communities must be seen, heard, and considered in the voices of policymaking, and not as an afterthought." Judith concluded by inviting collaboration and encouraging open communication, stating, "Please be in touch... I just look forward to getting to join you all monthly, moving forward.” Judith underscored her commitment to sustained engagement, listening to community concerns, and working together to address key issues impacting AANHPI communities.*****During the monthly meeting on January 6, Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director of Advancing Justice | AAJC, provided a brief update on AAJC's opposition to the reauthorization of the House Select Committee on the CCP. She acknowledged that opposing this reauthorization was an "uphill battle," a reality confirmed by the recent passage of the rules package that reauthorized the Select Committee. Despite this setback, Joanna expressed gratitude to all the groups that joined AAJC's letter of opposition and reaffirmed AAJC's commitment to combating "harmful rhetoric and policies" that could lead to discriminatory backlash against the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. She concluded by reaffirming further updates and actions in the weeks and months to come.*****During the same meeting, Dr. Kai Li , Vice President of the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), highlighted AASF's efforts and upcoming initiatives, emphasizing its role as a leading voice for the Asian American scholar community. He noted concerns about the potential resurgence of the "Chinese Initiative," stressing its negative impact on civil rights, talent retention, and U.S. competitiveness in global talent. Kai discussed AASF’s ongoing research on talent retention. A previous analysis revealed a significant loss of talent in the U.S., exacerbated by a chilling effect stemming from investigations targeting Asian American scholars. To deepen their understanding, AASF is initiating a new round of data analysis with updated information through 2024, aiming to uncover the primary reasons behind this talent exodus.AASF is also launching a national survey to gather feedback on new policies from scholars of all backgrounds. This effort includes collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to understand reactions among scientists. The survey aims to facilitate closer cooperation with federal agencies and provide insights for policymaking.Kai mentioned discussions with university lobbying offices in Washington, D.C., regarding shared concerns. They include: · Potential taxation of university endowments. · Penalties for universities perceived as misaligned with administration priorities. · Legislative proposals restricting access to educational and economic opportunities for students from specific countries, particularly China. · Issues such as visa revocations at borders and penalizations of individuals based on historical affiliations with entities now on restricted lists. Kai reported that at AASF’s Annual Symposium at Stanford University on July 25-27, 2024, in partnership with the NSF, six Asian American scientists were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions with inaugural Asian American Pioneer Medals. · Nasir Ahmed : Inventor of discrete cosine transform, enabling modern video conferencing. · Raj Reddy : Developer of continuous speech recognition technology. · Teresa Meng : Innovator in Wi-Fi communication. · Frank Chung : Creator of the power amplifier for prolonged phone use. · Hyungsup Choi : Pioneer in semiconductor memory technology. · Dawon Kahng and Simon Sze : Co-inventors of floating gate memory, the fathers of flash memory. Dawon Kahng also invented MOSFET, the fundamental technology for semiconductor chips. Simon Sze published a book considered as the bible for semiconductors devices. A summary of the January 6 monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. The Legacies of Former President Jimmy Carter Dr. Yawei Liu , Senior Advisor of the Carter Center, has been involved with the center for over 25 years. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 6, 2025, Yawei delivered an insightful talk reflecting on the life, values, and contributions of former President Jimmy Carter , emphasizing lesser-known aspects of his legacy.Yawei highlighted President Carter's humility, honesty, and integrity, noting that while his presidency (1977–1981) is often criticized, his post-presidential accomplishments elevated him to one of the most admired former presidents. Yawei emphasized President Carter's refusal to capitalize on his political status, stating, “He would not take a penny” from honorariums or his Nobel Peace Prize earnings, instead directing all proceeds to philanthropic causes. Yawei noted, “His income is his pension, the royalties from his 33 books, and the proceeds from his farm.”President Carter’s modest lifestyle was underscored with examples such as his return to Plains, Georgia, where he lived in a $170,000, three-bedroom home. Yawei remarked, “The house, along with its three-acre compound, is cheaper than the Secret Service Suburban parked outside.” Carter and his wife, Rosalynn , planned to be buried on this property. President Carter's Humanitarian Efforts The Carter Center led a global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from 3.5 million in 1986 to just 11 in recent years. Yawei quoted President Carter’s lifelong wish: “I would like to see all the worms gone before I die,” acknowledging the near success of this effort.President Carter’s 33-year dedication to volunteering a week annually with Habitat for Humanity exemplified his commitment to grassroots humanitarian work. He also lent his reputation to "The Elders," a group of former global leaders mediating conflicts worldwide, significantly enhancing its credibility. Diplomatic Contributions Yawei shed light on President Carter’s underappreciated role in resolving the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula in the early 1990s. His 1994 meeting with Kim Il-sung helped establish a framework for peace, which later administrations attempted to follow.President Carter’s pivotal role in normalizing U.S.-China diplomatic relations in 1979 was another focus. President Carter’s interest in China began in childhood, inspired by letters from his uncle, a merchant marine, and his awareness of Baptist missionary work in the region. His first visit to China in 1949 exposed him to the devastation of the civil war, deepening his understanding of the country’s challenges. Yawei emphasized the lasting benefits of President Carter’s work, noting that normalization turned East Asia into a global economic engine. Yawei concluded by quoting President Carter's 2018 op-ed, where he called for “courageous leadership” to prevent a U.S.-China cold war. President Carter advocated for continued engagement, arguing that policies initiated under President Richard Nixon and solidified during his presidency brought peace and prosperity to East Asia. Rejecting engagement outright, President Carter warned, was “ludicrous and absurd.” Yawei celebrated President Carter’s enduring legacy as a global humanitarian and diplomat, urging future leaders to uphold his principles of humility, service, and a vision for a peaceful, interconnected world.A summary of the January 6 monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. CJR : Trump, the Public, and the Press On January 6, 2025, the Columbia Journalism Review article, "Trump, the Public, and the Press," examines the dynamic between Donald Trump ’s presidency, media coverage, and the influence of billionaire ownership in journalism. It highlights Trump’s combative relationship with the press, noting his ability to bypass traditional media through rhetoric and direct communication. This strategy, combined with his attacks on "fake news," has eroded public trust in journalism. The article discusses the challenges faced by media outlets owned by billionaires like Jeff Bezos ( The Washington Post ) and Patrick Soon-Shiong ( Los Angeles Times ), emphasizing the tightrope they walk between perceived bias, commercial interests, and editorial independence. The piece observes that “the public’s trust in media has plummeted, exacerbated by political polarization and a president who weaponized distrust.” The article also explores the broader implications of billionaire ownership in journalism. It raises concerns about how ownership can shape editorial direction, subtly aligning coverage with owners’ business interests or avoiding topics that could provoke political or financial backlash. “When billionaires own the press, the line between public interest and private interest can blur dangerously,” the article warns. It urges journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to accountability and truth-telling despite growing external pressures, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and political manipulation. "The truth may not matter to the wealthy owners and CEOs who are treating Trump as much like a pope as a president. But journalists must redouble our efforts to expose every conflict of interest, every lie, and every threat to democracy," the article concludes.The article was authored by Norman Pearlstine . He began his journalism career in the 1960s. He has served as managing editor at the Wall Street Journal ; editor in chief, chief content officer, and vice chairman at Time Inc .; senior adviser at the Carlyle Group; chief content officer at Bloomberg News ; and executive editor of the Los Angeles Times . Read the Columbia Journalism Review article: https://bit.ly/4afy2Jx In a related story on January 9, 2025, New York Magazine reported "It’s Open Season on the Washington Post ." The report delves into the internal struggles and controversies facing The Washington Post as it grapples with leadership changes, financial pressures, and declining morale. Under CEO Will Lewis , the paper has faced layoffs, shrinking subscriptions, and waning confidence in its editorial vision. Interim executive editor Matt Murray has acknowledged “choppy waters ahead” for the publication. Jeff Bezos ’s intervention in rescinding the editorial board’s endorsement of Kamala Harris reportedly led to 250,000 subscription cancellations, further intensifying internal discord. Ann Telnaes , a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist who recently left The Post , highlighted frustrations with the changing culture of the newsroom. Telnaes had created a cartoon that was ultimately blocked from publication by the paper's leadership. Reflecting on her departure, Telnaes said, “It’s not just about one cartoon—it’s about the larger issue of whether The Washington Post is still willing to take a stand.” Her departure underscores broader concerns, as one staffer noted that The Post is increasingly seen as “a stepping stone rather than a destination.” These issues have cast a shadow over the Post ’s ability to retain its identity as a journalistic powerhouse.Read the New York Magazine report: https://nym.ag/4gax7vj News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/01/17-03/15 2025 Asian American Stories Video Contest: My Gift to America2025/01/19 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/01/23 Community Reactions to the Trump Administration’s “Day One” Priorities2025/02/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/05 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Erratum George Ping Shan Koo 顧屏山 was born in Changting, China, in 1938. It was incorrectly reported as Hong Kong in APA Justice Newsletter Issue #303 . # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF January 17, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Alien Land Bills WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME Prev Next Overview Alien land laws were a series of laws enacted in the United States, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the intent of restricting land ownership and leasing rights for non-citizens, particularly targeting Asian immigrants who were ineligible for citizenship, such as Chinese immigrants due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Alien Land Laws varied from state to state but generally prohibited non-citizens, or aliens, from owning or leasing land directly in their own names. In some cases, they also restricted the ability of non-citizen corporations in which aliens were major shareholders from owning land. These laws were often discriminatory and aimed to discourage Asian immigrants from establishing permanent roots and economic stability in the United States. The Alien Land Laws were part of a broader context of anti-immigrant sentiment and racism prevalent during that time period. They contributed to the marginalization and economic disadvantage faced by Asian immigrants, particularly those of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino descent, who were significant contributors to the agricultural industry in states like California and Hawaii. Alien land laws were justified by politicians of the time as "national security" measures, yet they fueled economic hardship, violence, and discrimination against Asian immigrants. Over the decades, courts struck down or repealed most of these laws as unconstitutional, recognizing the equal protection rights of immigrant communities. However, similar patterns and justifications re-emerged with recent legislation, like Florida’s state law known as SB 264, echoing these historical discriminatory practices under new pretexts. References and Links Equal Justice Initiative: California Law Prohibits Asian Immigrants from Owning Land Immigration History: Alien Land Laws in California (1913 & 1920) Smithsonian Institution: A More Perfect Union - Japanese Americans and the U.S. Constitution Wikipedia: Alien Land Laws 2023/02/18 Racism.org: The End of California's Anti-Asian Alien Land Law: A Case Study in Reparations and Transitional Justice History of Alien Land Laws Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to customize this theme across your site. You can update and reuse text themes. Timeline Contents Go Go Select Title

Newsletter - #173 04/03 Meeting; Science on NIH; Stanford Statement; Foreign Affairs; State Department #173 04/03 Meeting; Science on NIH; Stanford Statement; Foreign Affairs; State Department In This Issue #173 2023/04/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Science Editorial and Report on NIH’s “China Initiative” Stanford University Statement on Foreign Engagement and Support for University Researchers Foreign Affairs on "Don't Panic Over Taiwan" State Department Ends Discriminatory "Assignment Restrictions" Policy 2023/04/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, starting at 1:55 pm ET. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Updates will be provided in the meeting by: Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) John Yang 杨重远 , President and Executive Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC Gisela Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum In addition, we welcome three new distinguished speakers. Dr. Robert Underwood Dr. Robert Underwood is a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). He is a former Member of Congress representing Guam for 10 years. He is also President Emeritus of the University of Guam and has the distinction of being the longest serving President of the university. He has served the nation as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the founding Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund. As a scholar and activist, he has served his region and his people as a passionate advocate for the respect and maintenance of the Chamorro language and the empowerment of the peoples of Micronesia. Dr. Underwood is also Co-Chair of the United States Institute of Peace China-Freely Associated States Senior Study Group. On March 10, 2023, APA Justice submitted comments titled " Pursuing a More Perfect Union and an Equitable Society " to the Commission. John Liu 刘醇逸 New York State Senator John Liu 刘醇逸 represents a broad area of northeast Queens. He is chairperson of the Senate’s committee on New York City Education and also serves on the committees of Education, Finance, Higher Education, Judiciary, Rules and Transportation. State Senator Liu will speak on the relevance and importance of New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 's story and racial profiling of Asian American scientists to his bill requiring K-12 schools to provide instruction in Asian American history and civic impact, as well as the revival of Alien Land Laws and similar discriminatory bills in Texas and other states. Paula Williams Madison Paula Williams Madison is a former print and TV journalist, retired NBCUniversal executive and GE Company Officer, Former Vice President of the Los Angeles Police Commission and owner of The Africa Channel. She will expand on her thoughts on holding a conversation with a number of national organizations to form a task force on a media watchdog or a similar purpose for the foreseeable future. UCA, C.A.C.A., Committee of 100, AAAJ, etc., could form such an entity. Named one of the “75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise Magazine in 2005 and included in the Hollywood Reporter’s “Power 100," she has been honored by Asian organizations as well, having been recognized in 2014 as one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business and in 2015, she was honored by the East West Players and AARP with their Visionary Award and by the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles with the Historymaker Award. She authored and produced FINDING SAMUEL LOWE - from Harlem to China 寻找罗定朝 , which tells her successful search to locate her Chinese grandfather's descendants in China. She is a dual citizen of both the US and Jamaica, grew up in Harlem, and lives with her husband in Los Angeles. Science Editorial and Report on NIH’s “China Initiative” According to an editorial by the Editor-in-Chief of Science, H. Holden Thorp , on March 23, 2023, it wasn’t that long ago when scientific collaboration between the United States and China was enthusiastically encouraged as a means to accomplish the best science. That all changed in 2018, when then-President Trump launched the China Initiative to rid US academia of Chinese spies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the largest federal funder of biomedical research—vigorously responded to this charge. The agency’s allegations and investigations have not only destroyed careers but also eroded trust in the agency and federal government across the scientific community.This is probably not how Michael Lauer , deputy director for extramural research at NIH, wants to be remembered. But history is not always kind. Lauer has been heavy-handed with regard to policing foreign influence from China, allowing the agency to engage in secretive hardball to target researchers who receive NIH support and who are affiliated with Chinese collaborators.When pressed publicly for details, the NIH and the institutions have given legalistic responses that provide little reassurance.It ’s hard not to conclude that the answer to what changed is Donald Trump’s term as president along with the rise in power of conservative members of Congress bent on reviving the dark spirit of McCarthyism, with China substituted for the Soviet Union.The result was threatening letters from Lauer and a complete change in tone from the institutions. Since 2018, 100 institutions have received letters concerning 246 faculty members, most of them Asian and most working with Chinese collaborators. Altogether, 103 have been forced out, and many more have been enjoined from receiving NIH funds, which is almost always a career killer. Because the letters contain language portraying these scientists as being “unwelcome in the NIH ecosystem,” very few institutions in the United States will hire them. If the implied nefarious activities were real now, it’s been real for a while. The NIH has not given adequate answers as to why this all started so abruptly.Given the statements that Lauer has made in his letters, it’s no wonder the institutions have clammed up. But they owe their faculty, students, trainees, and staff an explanation as well. Has the national security apparatus demanded administrators’ silence? Or is it the need for institutions to maintain their good standing with NIH? The institutions and the NIH need to resolve this. Given the information available in the public domain, the scientific community could easily conclude that this is a xenophobic program to harm Chinese scientists and cut off international scientific cooperation. The federal government needs to figure out a way to let the NIH and the institutions reassure the community that this is all worth it. Read the Science editorial: https://bit.ly/3z24z40 PALL OF SUSPICION - The National Institutes of Health’s “China initiative” has upended hundreds of lives and destroyed scores of academic careers. According to an investigative report by Science reporter Jeff Mervis , in contrast to the very public criminal prosecutions of academic scientists under the "China Initiative" launched in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump to thwart Chinese espionage, NIH’s version has been conducted behind closed doors. Michael Lauer , head of NIH’s extramural research, says that secrecy is necessary to protect the privacy of individual scientists, who are not government employees. Universities consider the NIH-prompted investigations to be a personnel matter, and thus off-limits to queries from reporters. And the targeted scientists have been extremely reticent to talk about their ordeal.Only one of the five scientists whose cases are described in this article has previously gone public with their story. And only one has pushed back successfully, winning a large settlement against her university for terminating her.But a running tally kept by the agency shows the staggering human toll of NIH’s campaign. NIH’s data also make clear who has been most affected. Some 81% of the scientists cited in the NIH letters identify as Asian, and 91% of the collaborations under scrutiny were with colleagues in China.In only 14 of the 246 cases—a scant 6%—did the institution fail to find any evidence to back up NIH’s suspicions. Lauer, who oversees NIH’s $30 billion grants portfolio, regards that high success rate as proof NIH only contacted institutions when there were compelling reasons to believe the targeted scientists were guilty of “scientific, budgetary, or commitment overlap” with NIH-funded projects. But others, including some of the scientists targeted and the university administrators involved in investigating them, say the tremendous power differential between NIH and its grantees may be a better explanation for why so many scientists have been axed.NIH is by far the largest funder of academic biomedical research in the United States, and some medical centers receive hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the agency. So when senior administrators heard Lauer say a targeted scientist “was not welcome in the NIH ecosystem,” they understood immediately what he meant—and that he was expecting action.“If NIH says there’s a conflict, then there’s a conflict, because NIH is always right,” says David Brenner , who was vice chancellor for health sciences at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in November 2018 when the institution received a letter from Lauer asking it to investigate five medical school faculty members, all born in China. “We were told we have a problem and that it was up to us to fix it.”The five scientists who came forward in the Science report are: Wuyuan Lu , a tenured professor at University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology. In August 2020, Lu resigned his tenured position. He is now a professor at Fudan’s medical school in Shanghai. “NIH was acting like a bully,” he tells Science , “and I decided that I’m not going to waste any more time on this witch hunt.” Yue Xiong , a biochemist at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Xiong never saw a list of specific allegations, nor did UNC ever give him any report of its findings. Instead, on 27 May 2020, Xiong was told at a face-to-face meeting with the medical school’s head of human resources that he had 48 hours to decide whether to resign or be fired. Xiong retired quietly from UNC in July 2020 and is now chief scientific officer of Cullgene, a biotech startup in San Diego. Li Wang , a tenured professor of physiology and neurobiology at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Wang resigned on 19 September 2019, 1 day before her termination went into effect. She fought back. A collective bargaining agreement gives UConn faculty the right to seek outside, binding arbitration in employment disputes. Peter Adomeit , an arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association, ruled in November 2021 in Wang’s favor. In a 56-page decision, Peter Adomeit ordered UConn to pay Wang $1.4 million in compensation for being suspended and terminated “without just cause.” “[Interim Provost John ] Elliott ’s claim that the University ‘has lost confidence’ in Dr. Wang is true,” Adomeit wrote. “But it was their fault, not hers. They relied on false evidence. [Wang] tried to correct them, but they wouldn’t listen.” Xiang-Dong Fu , Distinguished Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). In January 2022, Fu was given the choice of either resigning or accepting a 4-year, unpaid suspension from the university that would ban him from campus and his lab. Fu filed a grievance, contending that many of the report’s findings were incorrect and that the university had failed to follow its own procedures. More than 100 UCSD faculty members petitioned. UCSD officials never replied, nor did Fu get a response to his grievance. On 5 December 2022, Fu “reluctantly resigned” after being told his 2-year campus suspension would go into effect on 1 January 2023. Last month he accepted a position with the fledgling Westlake University, China’s first private research university. Kun-Liang Guan , Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center at UCSD. In 2019, the university concluded he had violated its code of conduct by failing to disclose research support from foreign sources and banned him from applying for NIH funding for 2 years. Guan says he never received a letter describing the allegations he was facing or a report on the outcome of the university’s investigation. He was able to win new NIH awards once the suspension ended in 2021. Even so, his lab has shrunk dramatically, and he’s no longer taking on new graduate students. His love of science has also suffered. “I used to work very hard,” he says. “Now, sometimes, I wonder what was the point of all the effort I made.” “And I’m one of the lucky ones,” he continues. “I don’t know how many people that NIH wanted to stop are able to start again. Maybe none.” Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/3ZbJL4B Stanford University Statement on Foreign Engagement and Support for University Researchers According to a Statement on Foreign Engagement and Support for University Researchers on February 8, 2023, Stanford University pursues its research and education missions drawing on the talents and contributions of its diverse international community of students and scholars. Likewise, engagement and collaboration with international partners are essential to Stanford’s efforts to develop the knowledge and innovations required to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.One challenge to this work in recent years has emerged from the geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China and resulting concerns about U.S. national security. Stanford takes seriously the threats from foreign governments that seek to undermine U.S. national security as well as the security and integrity of the research environment. These concerns and the issues they pose for research universities have been articulated in reports including the 2022 MIT report as well as the 2022 report of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine . As a leading research institution, Stanford has an important role to play in safeguarding the research ecosystem and preventing U.S. national security from being jeopardized while continuing to advance universal scientific values of reciprocity, objectivity and fairness. Unfortunately, the articulation of concerns about the integrity and security of the research environment, and efforts to address those concerns, have caused fear, distress and, in some cases, professional and personal harm to some researchers. This is particularly true for members of our Asian and Asian American communities – especially those of Chinese origin. Inflammatory rhetoric and generalized accusations have caused some researchers to feel targeted and vulnerable purely because they have relationships and collaborations in and with China. This is unacceptable and contrary to the university’s commitment to nondiscrimination and maintaining an open and welcoming environment. Furthermore, discrimination and xenophobia threaten to deprive the U.S. of valuable talent and collaborations, delegitimize serious security concerns, and divert attention and resources from promoting the security of the research enterprise. All international students, faculty, staff, postdocs and alumni are valued members of the Stanford community and should always feel welcome, safe, respected and valued. No one should ever be considered suspect based on their national origin or heritage. Stanford is committed to providing support to researchers engaging in cross-border collaborations, including in China or with Chinese partners, in ways that protect the security and integrity of the research ecosystem and comply with federal laws. For example: Stanford is committed to providing guidance and support to researchers. Stanford is committed to sharing information with the research community. Stanford is committed to defending researchers and protecting the individual’s right to due process. Read the Stanford University statement: https://stanford.io/40xK3Un Foreign Affairs on "Don't Panic Over Taiwan" According to Foreign Affairs on March 21, 2023, fears that China will soon invade Taiwan are overblown. There is little evidence that Chinese leaders see a closing window for action. Such fears appear to be driven more by Washington’s assessments of its own military vulnerabilities than by Beijing’s risk-reward calculus. Historically, Chinese leaders have not started wars to divert attention from domestic challenges, and they continue to favor using measures short of conflict to achieve their objectives. If anything, problems at home have moderated Chinese foreign policy, and Chinese popular opinion has tended to reward government bluster and displays of resolve that do not lead to open conflict.If Western policymakers exaggerate the risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, they might inadvertently create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of worrying that Beijing will gin up a foreign crisis to bolster its standing at home or assuming that Beijing feels pressured to invade in the near term, the United States should focus on arresting—or at least decelerating—the action-reaction spiral that has steadily ratcheted up tensions and made a crisis more likely. That does not mean halting efforts to bolster Taiwan’s resilience to Chinese coercion or to diversify the United States’ defense posture in the region. But it does mean avoiding needless confrontation and identifying reciprocal steps that Washington and Beijing could take to lower the temperature.The hard but crucial task for U.S. policymakers is to thread the needle between deterrence and provocation. Symbolic displays of resolve, unconditional commitments to defend Taiwan, and pledges of a surge in U.S. military power in the region could stray too far toward the latter, inadvertently provoking the very conflict U.S. policymakers seek to deter.Read the Foreign Affairs article at https://bit.ly/3LFyoi9 State Department Ends "Assignment Restrictions" Policy According to reports by Politico and CNN on March 22, 2023, the State Department is ending its controversial policy of issuing assignment restrictions for diplomats as a condition of security clearance. The change comes after an intensive review of the practice, which was perceived as discriminatory by diplomats and Democratic lawmakers, particularly because the limits appeared to fall disproportionately on employees with Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds.The assignment restrictions were applied by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, sometimes to employees who otherwise hold top-secret clearances, to prevent them from serving in particular countries or even, while they’re in Washington, from working on issues related to those countries.In 2021, Reps. Ted Lieu , Joaquin Castro , Andy Kim and Chrissy Houlahan introduced a bill to reform such restrictions, calling them "discriminatory" and that the restriction policy “disproportionately impacts federal employees who can’t trace their heritage to the Mayflower and directly undermines the department’s goal of promoting diversity and inclusion.”The bill cited State Department data that about 1,800 employees were subject to assignment restrictions. The top four countries with such restrictions were China (196), Russia (184), Taiwan (84) and Israel (70). Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Back View PDF March 27, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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Newsletter - #175 4/3 Meeting Takeaways; CCS Letter to President; Franklin Tao Appeals; NY Hate Crimes + #175 4/3 Meeting Takeaways; CCS Letter to President; Franklin Tao Appeals; NY Hate Crimes + In This Issue #175 2023/04/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting - Quick Takeaways from Three Invited Speakers Committee of Concerned Scientists Letter to President Biden on Cross Border Profiling Professor Franklin Tao To File Appeal to Reverse Lone Conviction 22-Year Sentence for Man Guilty in Hate-Crime Killing of Asian Immigrant News and Activities for the Communities 2023/04/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting - Quick Takeaways from Three Invited Speakers 2023/04/17 Roundtable on a National Media Alert Network and Strike Teams. High level of interest was expressed following Paula Madison's thought- provoking and informative suggestion of a proactive national media alert network. As follow-up action, a virtual roundtable of about 90 minutes will be convened on Monday, April 17, 2023. An agenda for the event is being prepared at this time. Additional details will be coming soon. Please mark your calendar. 2. Let the President's Advisory Commission Know Your Issues and Concerns. Commissioner Dr. Robert Underwood joined the meeting from Guam whose Chamorro Time Zone is 14 hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. On March 10, 2023, APA Justice submitted its comments to the Commission, expressing concerns about government-instigated racial profiling that has been repeatedly explained away and justified under the cover of national security that sacrifices the civil and human rights of the Asian American and immigrant communities. Dr. Underwood encourages the communities and individuals to send their issues and concerns to him at anacletus2010@gmail.com and to the Commission at AANHPICommission@hhs.gov . 3. Educate, Educate, and Educate; Reinstate NYPD Officer Angwang. Despite his busy schedule that included a special session of the New York State Senate, Senator John Liu joined the meeting and spoke passionately about the need for education to counter anti-Asian hate. Senator Liu is in touch with New York Mayor Eric Adams' office regarding the reinstatement of Officer Angwang to the New York Police Department and an apology to Officer Angwang. Committee of Concerned Scientists Letter to President Biden on Cross Border Profiling On March 20, 2023, the Committee of Concerned Scientist (CCS) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing concerns about Chinese American researchers being profiled, harassed, and interrogated without just cause at the border. The letter was signed by Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer, Co-Chairs of CCS. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken were copied. CCS referenced a report by the Chronicle of Higher Education on March 1, 2023, which describes instances where professors and scientists have been subjected to harassment and interrogations at the US border. The letter said in part "In this [Chronicle of Higher Education] article, advocates for Asian American academics describe several instances of harassment and interrogations, which have been rising over the past few months. The situation is worrisome since Chinese American researchers should feel free from the China Initiative policy of a few years ago. This policy disproportionately focused on Chinese American researchers in the U.S. Department of Justice’s sometimes overzealous efforts to uncover academic and economic espionage, and in our opinion often constituted ethnic profiling. The climate for Chinese American researchers needs to be made more welcoming. Indeed Gisela Kusakawa (Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum) commented poignantly “Although the China Initiative has ended — and that was a very important and critical step — for many Chinese Americans, it is clear that they still live in a climate that’s less welcoming.” While the Asian American Scholar Forum is aiming to collect more exact data on the number of these border stops, we are aware of a few specific cases: (1) Zhigang Suo, a professor of mechanics and materials at Harvard University; (2) Hong Qi, a visiting scholar of mathematical sciences at Louisiana State University and lecturer at Queen Mary University, London; and (3) a young daughter of a Chinese American scholar traveling alone who was stopped and interrogated about the nature of her father’s research. We ask for border officials to receive further anti-bias training and be encouraged to not focus selectively on Chinese American researchers in stopping them for secondary screening. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter and we look forward to a response from you shortly." Read the CCS letter: http://bit.ly/3Mwsdxx Professor Franklin Tao To File Appeal to Reverse Lone Conviction Attorney Peter Zeidenberg representing Professor Feng "Franklin"; Tao is in the process of filing a brief in the 10th Circuit Court seeking the reversal of the sole count of conviction against Professor Tao. He was the first academic indicted under the now-defunct "China Initiative."; The brief concludes: "The conviction on Count 9 should be reversed because the KU Institutional Responsibilities form—which Dr. Tao submitted only to KU and which KU never shared with NSF or DOE—and which neither agency considered when making funding or other decisions, was not within the Executive Branch’s jurisdiction. There is no legal basis for a felony false statement conviction in these circumstances. The Court’s affirmance would not only be unjust, but it would also open the floodgates to federal prosecutions of employees accused of making misrepresentations to employers that receive federal funding. It would subordinate the decisions of university department chairs, tenure committees, and Human Resources to the whims of federal prosecutors and jurors. An affirmance would also frustrate the ideals of our system of limited government. The Department of Justice is not the Ministry of Truth, and it should have no role regulating routine employee-employer interactions. The Court should reverse." Read the Franklin Tao story: https://bit.ly/3fZWJvK 22-Year Sentence for Man Guilty in Hate-Crime Killing of Asian Immigrant According to a report by the New York Times on March 31, 2023, a man who admitted to brutally, and fatally, attacking a 61-year-old immigrant in East Harlem two years ago because 5 the victim was Asian was sentenced to 22 years in prison. The sentencing of the man, Jarrod Powell, came several months after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter as a hate crime in the killing of the immigrant, Yao Pan Ma. Mr. Powell had suddenly shoved Mr. Ma from behind while the older man was pushing a grocery cart full of bottles and cans near 125th Street and Third Avenue. Video footage released by the police showed that after Mr. Ma collapsed to the ground, Mr. Powell had stomped on his head and kicked him several times in the face. Mr. Ma spent about eight months in a coma before dying as a result of the injuries he sustained in the attack. In entering his plea, according to prosecutors, Mr. Powell, 51, said he had targeted the older man because he was Asian. “New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world,” Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement announcing the sentence. “And no one should have to fear that they may be in danger because of their background.” Mr. Bragg’s office said that it had 39 open cases of anti-Asian hate crime. People of Asian descent have been the victims in several high-profile crimes in the past few years. In November 2021, GuiYing Ma, a 61-year-old Chinese immigrant, was fatally beaten as she swept a Queens sidewalk. In January, the man who admitted attacking her was sentenced to 20 years in prison. In January 2022, Michelle Alyssa Go was pushed to her death by a mentally ill man at the Times Square subway station. The next month, Christina Yuna Lee was fatally stabbed by a man who followed her from the street into her apartment. In March 2022, a 28-year-old man was charged with seven counts of assault and attempted assault in connection with a two- hour spree of attacks on women of Asian decent in Manhattan. Read the New York Times report: https://nyti.ms/3zstXjw News and Activities for the Communities 1. Harvard admits record number of Asian American applicants According to a report by NextShark on March 31, 2023, amid allegations of bias against Asian students in its admissions process, Harvard University welcomed its largest proportion of Asian American first-year students in its history.¶ From a pool of 56,937 applicants, the 6 Ivy League university admitted a total of 1,942 students — its second-lowest admissions rate on record — to its Class of 2027. Of this batch, 722 were accepted through an early action process in December 2022, while 1,220 were notified of the regular decision on March 30, 2023.¶ Asian American students composed 29.9% of the new admissions, marking a 2.1% increase from last year’s 27.8%. This, according to Harvard, is the group’s largest-ever acceptance rate.¶ Starting with the Class of 2027, the costs to attend the university — including tuition, housing, food and other fees — will be free for families with annual incomes of less than $85,000, up from last year’s $75,000 threshold.¶ Read the NextShark report: http://bit.ly/3TYEz34 2. The Silence of Florida’s Presidents According to a report on March 31, 2023, Inside Higher Ed asked 40 public college presidents in Florida to weigh in on state higher education reforms. None were willing to speak, even when offered anonymity.¶ As Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, seeks to enact sweeping reforms to dramatically reshape higher education in the Sunshine State, students and faculty alike have protested legislation that would ban teaching certain topics, limit institutional authority and undermine tenure protections.¶ But one group has remained conspicuously silent: Florida’s college presidents.¶ Of the 40 presidents at Florida’s public colleges and universities, none have publicly challenged DeSantis as he has gone after diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; sought data on health care for transgender students; and pushed HB 999—legislation to remake Florida higher education.¶ Given their shared silence, Inside Higher Ed asked all 40 presidents that lead the institutions that comprise the State University System of Florida and Florida College System for comment. None of the presidents agreed to discuss attacks on higher education from the DeSantis administration, even when offered anonymity, and multiple institutions did not respond to a request for comment.¶ Florida’s college presidents remain silent as constituents demand they speak up with HB 999 advancing through the state Legislature. Observers suggest presidents are in a no-win scenario, where silence equals compliance but speaking out carries personal and institutional risks.¶ Read the Inside Higher Ed report: http://bit.ly/40yLh2a 3. In the war against history, Los Angeles and Asian American history offer hope According to an opinion by Erika Lee, Regents Professor of History at the University of Minnesota and the president of the Organization of American Historians, published by The Hill on April 1, 2023, since January 2021, 44 states have introduced bills or taken other steps to restrict discussions of race, gender, and sexuality in U.S. history. In 2022, proposed educational gag orders attempting to restrict teaching about race, gender, American history, and LGBTQ+ identities in K-12 and higher education increased by 250 percent compared to the previous year. Further, according to a new report by Pen America, more than 2,500 different book bans were enacted in schools across 32 states during the 2021-2022 school year. A few months ago Florida rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement course on African American Studies in the state’s high schools, claiming that it “lack[ed] educational value.”¶ There is a war being waged against American history by those hostile to an honest portrayal of our country’s history—and who seek to stamp out the expansive, inclusive, and complicated understanding of America’s past that recent scholarship has revealed.¶ As more than 1,000 U.S. historians gather in Los Angeles on March 30 to April 2, 2023, for the annual Organization of American Historians meeting, the question of how educators, scholars, officials, and activists can work together in this war will be front and center. We will be discussing how current community, civic, and historian-led efforts are confronting our past in ways that should all give us hope for the future. And how Los Angeles may serve as a model for other cities and states to follow in developing approaches that openly and inclusively tackle our country’s difficult racial history.¶ The stakes could not be greater.¶ Read The Hill opinion: http://bit.ly/3MxIAKf 4. Interim Executive Director for MOCA On March 30, 2023, the Museum of Chinese Americans (MOCA) announced the selection of arts and cultural leader Nina Curley as its Interim Executive Director to succeed outgoing President, Nancy Yao, who has been named the founding director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, effective June 5. Read the MOCA announcement: https://bit.ly/3ZEJ8AE Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Back View PDF April 4, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #200 8/7 Monthly Meeting; US-China Science Agreement; Maui Need Help; March on Washington #200 8/7 Monthly Meeting; US-China Science Agreement; Maui Need Help; March on Washington In This Issue #200 2023/08/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Future of 44-year-old Science Agreement Caught in Middle of U.S.-China Tensions Maui Inferno - The Communities Need Help 2023/08/26 March on Washington 2023/08/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting APA Justice held its monthly meeting on August 7, 2023. Speakers included Nisha Ramachandran , Joanna Derman , Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Echo King 金美声 , Shuang Zhao 赵爽 , Andy Wong , Shanti Prasad , and Christine Chen . A written summary of the monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Presentation by Clay Zhu on Florida Chinese Radio Television (FCRTV) On July 22, Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Founder of Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) and a lead attorney in the lawsuit against Florida discriminatory alien land bill, gave a webinar "从微信案到佛州案：在美华人的维权之路和启发" to describe the road from the WeChat Ban to the Florida lawsuit and the inspiration of Chinese people in the United States to defend their rights. The webinar in Chinese was broadcast by FCRTV 佛州华语广播电视台. Watch the video at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOqobsVDX_A (2:05:26). Clay's 61-slide presentation is posted by the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA) at https://bit.ly/3OWbYdy Chinese for Affirmative Action 华人权益促进会 During the August 7 monthly meeting, Andy Wong andywong@caasf.org , Managing Director of Advocacy, and Shanti Prasad sprasad@caasf.org , Advocacy Manager, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), gave an introduction of CAA and described its recent roles and activities. CAA was founded in 1969 to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans and to advance multiracial democracy. Today, CAA is a progressive voice in and on behalf of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. It is also a co-founding partner of Stop AAPI Hate - the national coalition to address anti-AAPI racism in the U.S. Their 6-slide presentation is located here: https://bit.ly/3QBqQPQ APIA Vote During the August 7 monthly meeting, Christine Chen , Executive Director, APIAVote, gave an introduction of APIAVote and a report on "The Growing AAPI Electorate and What is at Stake." APIAVote’s work revolves around collaborating with national, regional, and local partners in order to equip advocates with the training, tools, resources, and best practices they need to do their best work as “trusted messengers” in their communities. Together, APIAVote’s Alliance for Civic Empowerment (ACE) envisions a world that is inclusive, fair, and collaborative, and where Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities are self-determined, empowered, and engaged. ACE is missing partners in some states in the Mid-West, South, and Northeast. Christine's presentation included the trend and historic AAPI turnout in 2020, a presidential election year, with 64% registered and 60% turnout. Christine also gave an outline of activities and training in 2023 and 2024. Her 18-slide presentation is located here: https://bit.ly/3DZBKY4 Future of 44-year-old Science Agreement Caught in Middle of U.S.-China Tensions According to Axios , the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the South China Morning Post , one of the most foundational agreements between the United States and China, the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA), will expire on August 27, 2023.Originally signed in 1979, STA has been renewed about every five years with the last time being in 2018. The agreement laid out the terms for government-to-government cooperation in science, opening the way for academic and corporate interactions. It opened the door for scientists to collaborate in physics, chemistry, health and other areas. Cooperation between the countries helped China to transition from ozone-depleting CFCs and enabled the sharing of influenza data used to devise yearly vaccines.The STA signing gave "a form of permission for lab-to-lab, university-to-university, scientist-to-scientist cooperation," says John Holdren , former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) during the Obama administration. "It legitimized the whole notion that collaboration was respectable."More than four decades into the agreement that included a pandemic and several administrations of fiery rhetoric, the broader nature of that cooperation is being scrutinized over concerns about Beijing-backed intellectual property theft and the Chinese military benefitting from knowledge about U.S. scientific advances.Making a case for renewal, Deborah Seligsohn of CSIS, a think tank in Washington, said that as the first deal signed between Washington and Beijing after the normalization of ties, the agreement was of “enormous historic significance”.Seligsohn said the agreement had resulted in “many specific science and technology outcomes” that had greatly benefited the US and the rest of the world, from cooperation on the study of birth defects and influenza to fighting air pollution and HIV/Aids prevention.Over the years scientists on both sides had also worked together on almost 100 protocols and annexes under the agreement, “specifically, a number of changes to intellectual property protections”, she said. Seligsohn said non-renewal could complicate recent attempts to find areas of cooperation, including the “the types of people-to-people connections and educational exchanges” that Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed to promote during his visit to Beijing in June.“There is a real risk that any such improvements, including access to key health information and the ability to train the United States’ next generation of China experts, will be put at risk if the agreement lapses,” she said. Richard Suttmeier , a US-China science and tech cooperation expert at the University of Oregon, said letting the agreement lapse would not be “productive for finding the right terms for the larger relationship with China”.Suttmeier said it would probably be a mistake to let the deal lapse and the two countries needed to come up with an agreement that reflected the “realities of the third decade of the 21st century”. Suttmeier acknowledged that China had been the biggest beneficiary of the agreement – “largely because the US had been so far ahead of China in science and technology; there was less to learn from China than China could learn from the US”. “Nevertheless, the US benefited in a variety of ways,” he said. “Now, however, with China emerging as a scientific superpower, the flow of knowledge is going in both directions, so, in principle, the benefits to the US could be greater.” 2023/08/12 South China Morning Post : Clock ticks down for China-US science deal amid tech theft fears 2023/08/05 Axios : Future of 44-year-old science agreement caught in middle of U.S.-China tensions 2023/08/04 CSIS: The Case for Renewing the U.S.-China S&T Cooperation Agreement Maui Inferno - The Communities Need Help According to multiple media reports, Maui's wildfires have killed at least 96 people, a toll expected to rise. The fast-moving inferno, which started on August 8, 2023, spread from the brush outside of town and ravaged the historic city of Lahaina that was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was one of three major wildfires on Maui.According to AP News on August 12, 2023, in the hours before a wildfire engulfed the town of Lahaina, Maui County officials failed to activate sirens that would have warned the entire population of the approaching flames and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts that reached a much smaller audience.Governor Josh Green said the inferno that reduced much of Lahaina to smoldering ruins was the worst natural disaster in the state's history, making thousands of people homeless and leveling at least 2,700 buildings and “an estimated value of $5.6 billion has gone away.” Crews with cadaver dogs have covered just 3% of the search area,A potent mix of high winds from Hurricane Dora, low humidity levels and a high pressure system over the North Pacific created deadly fire conditions in Hawaii. The fate of some of Lahaina's cultural treasures remains unclear. The historic 60-foot-tall banyan tree marking the spot where Hawaiian King Kamehameha III's 19th-century palace stood was still standing, though some of its boughs appeared charred.The fire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in West Maui is now the deadliest US blaze in over 100 years, according to US Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell . Thomas Leonard , a 74-year-old retired mailman from Lahaina, didn’t know about the fire until he smelled smoke. Power and cellphone service had both gone out earlier, leaving the town with no real-time information about the danger. He tried to leave in his Jeep, but had to abandon the vehicle and run to the shore when cars nearby began exploding. He hid behind a seawall for hours, the wind blowing hot ash and cinders over him. Firefighters eventually arrived and escorted Leonard and other survivors through the flames to safety.President Joe Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration to deliver additional federal resources and support for the emergency response. The action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui and provides aid on top of the actions already underway by federal agencies to help state and local search-and-recovery efforts. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is partnering with Native Hawaiian and community organizations and businesses to match up to $1,500,000 in donations for ʻohana (Hawaiian term meaning "family") impacted by the devastating wildfires on Maui. 2023/08/13 Maui Now: Here’s what critical aid FEMA, federal partners are providing for Maui fire response, recovery 2023/08/12 The Hill: Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez pledge $100 million to help Maui wildfire recovery 2023/08/26 March on Washington On August 26, 2023, a 2023 March on Washington will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders in 1963, to continue the fight for democracy, social justice and civil rights. Join the King family at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the past, acknowledge the present and march toward a future of progress and equality.Advancing Justice | AAJC is co-chairing this momentous event along with ADL, Human Rights Commission, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Legal Defense Fund, NAACP, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League and UNIDOS.Advancing Justice | AAJC is working on a common gathering place for the AANHPI community place while at the same time making sure that we are well integrated into the March.Advocate Qian Huang 黄倩 reported that the National Action Network (NAN) is looking for hospitality volunteers on Friday, August 25, at 6:30 pm with a walk-through of all the volunteers. The set up work (stage, chairs, booth, flyer, t-shirts...) will be done by NAN. On August 8, 2023, ADL East hosted a webinar titled "The March on Washington: Together Towards Justice." It featured Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway and NAACP New Jersey State Conference President Richard T. Smith . The discussion focused on the historic 1963 March on Washington, the civil rights movement today, the importance of allyship, as well as how to register for this year's March on August 26. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1MlImhhgbk (57:56) Back View PDF August 15, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter