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

Newsletter - #342 Citizenship Order Blocked; Monthly Meeting Recap; Perkins Coie on Government Scrutiny+ #342 Citizenship Order Blocked; Monthly Meeting Recap; Perkins Coie on Government Scrutiny+ In This Issue #342 · Legal Challenges Continue to Block Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship · Summary of 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting (in progress) · Facing Government Scrutiny? Read This from Perkins Coie · News and Activities for the Communities Legal Challenges Continue to Block Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship According to AP , CNN , Just Security , and multiple media reports, President Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14160, which seeks to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil with non‑citizen parents, remains blocked by federal court rulings despite a recent Supreme Court decision that limited the reach of nationwide injunctions.On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court held that individual district judges may no longer issue universal nationwide injunctions. However, it clarified that class-action injunctions remain valid, preserving a legal pathway for nationwide relief under certain circumstances.One such ruling came from U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire, who certified a class of affected children and issued a nationwide injunction that remains in effect pending appeal. Although the Supreme Court’s decision would have allowed the order to take effect on July 27 in states not covered by separate injunctions, Judge LaPlante’s ruling ensures continued nationwide protection.“The judge’s order protects every single child whose citizenship was called into question by this illegal executive order,” Cody Wofsy , the ACLU attorney representing children who would be affected by Trump’s restrictions, said. “The government has not appealed and has not sought emergency relief so this injunction is now in effect everywhere in the country.”Elsewhere, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin of Massachusetts is weighing whether to maintain a previously issued nationwide injunction or to narrow or stay it in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. During a recent hearing, Judge Sorokin appeared skeptical of the government’s arguments. Using an analogy about a noisy neighbor and a hastily proposed wall to block sound, he questioned how the government intended to comply with the law: “What you are telling me is we will do it but, in response to my question, you have no answer how you will do it,” he said. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman of Maryland stated in an opinion on July 18 that she would grant class action status on behalf of all children affected by the executive order and grant a preliminary injunction blocking it. But she did not immediately rule, noting a previous decision of hers to block the order was on appeal to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court and that court would have to return the case to her. Judge Boardman said an immediate ruling from her would “promote judicial efficiency and economy because it would enable the Fourth Circuit to consider the merits of a class-wide preliminary injunction sooner rather than later.” At the core of these lawsuits is the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 in response to the Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans. In United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), the Supreme Court affirmed that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen immigrant parents are citizens by birth, unless their parents are foreign diplomats or enemy occupiers. This precedent remains a foundational element of birthright citizenship law—and the focal point of the current legal battles. Summary of 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting (in progress) The APA Justice monthly meeting on July 7, 2025, featured timely and urgent presentations from several distinguished speakers addressing the challenges facing higher education, civil rights, and immigrant communities amid escalating political pressures. Below is a summary of the remarks from four of the speakers: 1. Lynn Pasquerella, President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) President Lynn Pasquerella expressed deep concern about the future of American higher education and democracy. She pointed out that this is a moment of enormous significance that brings a renewed sense of urgency to our nation’s historic mission of educating for democracy. It is also a time of growing moral distress, in which campus leaders feel coerced into making decisions they believe are unethical decisions and they feel they have no choice but to make. They are continually forced to confront the question: How much individual injustice should be tolerated for the sake of long-term reform? As a result, for many, that moral distress has morphed into a kind of moral injury—arising from the continuous erosion of their moral compass and the ongoing challenges to their deeply held values characterized by deepening ideological divides. Development of Existential Threat to Higher Education 2023 brought attacks on DEI, a Supreme Court decision banning race-based admissions, and legislation introduced in 42 states to implement educational gag orders—limiting speech around race, gender, and other so-called “divisive concepts.” At the end of that year, the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and Penn were called before the Congressional Committee on Education and the Workforce to answer for and atone for alleged antisemitism on their campuses—accusations attributed to their institutions’ emphasis on DEI. At the December 5 hearings on Capitol Hill, Representative Virginia Foxx’s opening statement was not only against those university presidents, but against higher education as a whole. Those hearings foreshadowed the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term, marked by unprecedented government overreach and political intrusion into nearly every aspect of college and university operations. This included the withdrawal of billions of dollars in federal research funding, caps on indirect costs for grants awarded by NIH and the Department of Energy, and the elimination of spending on research topics like race, transgender health, women’s issues, climate change, misinformation, and COVID-19. Within his first two and a half weeks in office, four executive orders were signed directly targeting transgender individuals. And within another two weeks, a Dear Colleague letter from the Department of Education directed colleges and universities to eliminate all DEI initiatives in hiring, curriculum, and co-curricular activities. A separate executive order mandated that higher education accrediting bodies remove all DEI-related standards, claiming that "radical left" accreditors had allowed campuses to be overrun by “Marxist maniacs and lunatics.” Targeting of Chinese and International Students We saw hundreds of international students detained and thousands more have their visas terminated. Limits were removed on ICE agents’ activities on college campuses. In states like Florida, campus security officers were given authority to perform immigration enforcement functions. Despite First Amendment protections, the President threatened the arrest and deportation of international students and faculty who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. Funding for study abroad and international scholarships was suspended. Harvard was warned that its ability to admit international students would be revoked unless it provided detailed records on all such students. Although Harvard complied, a month later Secretary Kristi Noem declared that international students would no longer be eligible for admission to Harvard, and existing international students were told they must transfer immediately or face visa termination. Travel bans were implemented for citizens of 12 countries, and heightened visa restrictions were placed on those from seven others. On June 9, the government announced that all student visa applicants—regardless of country of origin—must unlock their social media accounts for review. One consequence of this has been that colleges and universities with high international student populations now face credit risk. Moody’s has warned of downgrades to credit ratings—particularly for the 11% of American institutions where international students make up more than 20% of the student body. The reemerging climate of fear and intimidation for Chinese students—echoes of the 77 cases brought by the Department of Justice under the "China Initiative." Although most cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence, the chilling effect on Chinese and Asian American researchers remains. During the program’s enforcement, departures of Asian researchers from the U.S. increased by 75%. Although the initiative ended in 2022, recent attempts to revive it have reaffirmed a deep sense of uncertainty among Asian and Asian American students. Efforts led by Marco Rubio and others, which many see as the weaponization of a population that has contributed significantly to the nation's economic development and academic excellence by bringing in global talent and diverse perspectives. During the last academic year, 200,398 Chinese students were studying in the U.S.—122,778 of them graduate students in STEM fields. These are the very students now being targeted. What has unfolded constitutes an existential threat to American colleges and universities—institutions founded on the principles of the free exchange of ideas, the unfettered pursuit of truth, and independence from unwarranted governmental and political interference. Call to Action In April 2025, AAC&U, alongside the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, released a statement entitled A Call for Constructive Engagement , outlining what is at stake for America’s prosperity should the critical partnership between government and higher education continue to unravel. For the first time, sitting presidents of colleges and universities came together in large numbers to respond to attacks from the Trump administration. The statement made clear that while presidents and leaders of scholarly societies are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, they will stand together against efforts to restrict or undermine the freedoms fundamental to American higher education. The process leading to the statement revealed the pressures campus leaders are experiencing. AAC&U held two virtual meetings where 193 campus leaders came together. Many spoke of needing board approval to speak out, others described pressure from state governors, and many feared media backlash. Yet nearly all cited growing demands from faculty and students to defend their institutions’ core principles and push back against efforts to control curriculum or restrict freedom of expression. We know from the recent removal of the President of the University of Virginia that concern over government overreach is real. That incident reaffirmed a conviction that emerged: If everyone exercises a little moral courage, no one person has to be the hero. This is a moment for all of us to come together across sectors and lead with moral courage. When one university is threatened, it is the responsibility of all institutions to respond. As philosopher John Dewey reminds us—democracy is not just a system of government, but a way of life. It depends on an educated and engaged citizenry, capable of making independent judgments, challenging authority, and participating meaningfully in public discourse. 2. Tony Chan 陳繁昌, Former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology After having spent 20 years teaching at UCLA, Tony spent the following 15 years abroad—including six years as the President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Tony talked about his article, The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order , which was recently published in Not Alone by Elsevier. Recent Developments Since the article was written in early 2025 Much has changed since March—Harvard’s authority to admit international students and its tax-exempt status are under threat, visa policies have shifted, and there have been dramatic funding cuts to the NIH and NSF. The NSF’s Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, where Tony once served, faces a proposed 75% cut. This level of disruption affects all research universities and makes long-term planning nearly impossible. We have also seen a wave of university president resignations. The landscape is shifting rapidly, and academia is scrambling to respond. It is no longer just about campus governance—it is about our role in society and in global competitiveness. Tony framed his article around East-West academic competition—particularly between the U.S. and China, though India now plays a growing role. Talent Flow and Research Collaboration Recently, Tony co-founded a virtual platform called " Dialogue on Asian Universities ” (DAU). On June 23, DAU had its 11th dialogue, titled Tectonic Shift in the Global Talent Chain: The Forces of Technology and Geopolitics , where Tony moderated a conversation between the presidents of two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)—Delhi and Mumbai—and a leading AI researcher from Tsinghua University, formerly a senior VP at Microsoft in Redmond. Ten years ago, 90% of IIT graduates came to the U.S. Today, that trend has reversed: 90% stay in India, where opportunities are booming. The same is true in China, which is actively attracting returnees at the peak of their careers. Chinese students once saw the U.S. as the obvious destination. Now, many are reconsidering—questioning whether it’s worth investing years here under such uncertainty. There is a push from the U.S.—visa hurdles, political hostility—and a growing pull from home countries. Tony gave two striking examples: 1. DeepSeek, a competitive AI model to ChatGPT, was built in China by graduates who never studied abroad. That is a wake-up call. 2. Meta has been hiring talent away from OpenAI—many of these AI researchers are young, Chinese-born, and U.S.-trained. So while the government tries to limit student visas, industry thrives on the very people being pushed out. There is a major contradiction. When it comes to research collaboration, the trend has also reversed. Fifteen years ago, U.S. faculty were eager to collaborate globally—especially with China. Now, fears over dual-use technologies and national security have shut many doors. This is understandable to a degree, but we have managed dual-use issues before—through clearances and containment. What we have now is a blanket policy that hinders not just collaboration with China, but progress on global challenges like climate, energy, and health. Joint ventures are collapsing. Multiple American-Chinese university partnerships—at Berkeley, Michigan, and Georgia Tech—have closed under political pressure. Others are likely considering exit strategies. Recommendations Universities represent something deeper: values, leadership, and change in society. What is happening now has broader implications—for all of society. Here is the irony: the Chinese system is often criticized for authoritarianism, lack of free speech, and human rights issues. Yet, in recent years, Tony has seen a disturbing erosion of these very things in the U.S. He offered four recommendations: 1. Academia must remember its core mission —to serve society and humanity for the long term. Bending to short-term political pressure may be expedient but risks undermining academic integrity, reputation, and the ability to attract talent. 2. Universities must adapt to shifting geopolitical and economic realities . Ignoring national security concerns is not an option. But universities should propose pragmatic frameworks that enable collaboration within necessary constraints. 3. Reaffirm academic freedom . Without that, there is no point in having American-style universities. 4. Leadership requires courage . It is easier to do nothing. But if you are in a leadership position, that is not an option. If you cannot lead, you should step aside. The bigger question is: how did we let it get this far without the public engaging? When we speak, people assume it is self-interest. We need third-party voices to make the case for why academia matters—beyond campus walls. 3. Clay Zhu 朱可亮, Founder and President, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) Clay provided updates on two major lawsuits challenging government actions targeting Chinese students and property buyers. In early April, CALDA learned about the mass termination of student status for thousands of international students, most of whom are from China. In response, CALDA filed a case, Chen v. Noem (4:25-cv-03292) , in the Northern District of California. On May 22, the judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction . As a result, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) statuses of most affected students have been restored. However, CALDA also discovered that, simultaneously, DHS and ICE had terminated the students' SEVIS statuses, and the State Department had revoked their student visas. CALDA does not yet have an exact count of how many students are affected but plans to amend the complaint to add the State Department as an additional defendant, in an effort to restore the revoked visas. Due to the recent Supreme Court decision in CASA Inc. v. Trump (8:25-cv-00201) , CALDA may also need to further amend the complaint to pursue the case as a class action. Meanwhile, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 (SB17) into law on June 20, 2025. The bill restricts certain foreign purchases of real property in Texas. CALDA filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and a motion for class certification the day before Independence Day. This is one of the first cases filed under the recent Supreme Court ruling in CASA v. Trump, which prompted CALDA to file these lawsuits on a class-action basis. CALDA is currently awaiting a judge assignment and hearing date. Since the law takes effect on September 1, there is less than two months to obtain a court decision—followed potentially by an appeal. Clay, expressing both gratitude for American opportunities and frustration at current policies, emphasized that CALDA’s legal efforts aim to protect constitutional rights and ensure due process for affected Chinese individuals. 4. Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, jderman@advancingjustice-aajc.org Without going into the details of Texas Senate Bill SB17, Joanna highlighted several other top-line actions from AAJC. On July 2, AAJC transmitted a bipartisan letter from AAPI leaders to members of Congress, urging broader protection for the safety of the AAPI community. It was signed by senior former government and elected officials, as well as community and public service leaders. (Please contact Joanna if you would like a copy of the letter.)AAJC, along with the Asian American Scholars Forum (AASF), Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and Stop AAPI Hate, also led a coalition letter representing 64 organizations addressed to Secretary Marco Rubio . His newly proposed visa policy—issued without meaningful clarity—harms the safety and well-being of students, undermines American values, and jeopardizes the nation’s academic, technological, and economic leadership. The letter called for a halt to the implementation of the May 28 policy announcement to “aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese international students,” including those in “critical fields.”There have also been several Supreme Court decisions in recent weeks. AAJC, along with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and OCA, condemned the recent Supreme Court ruling in CASA v. Trump, which significantly limits the ability of lower courts to issue "universal injunctions." Executive Order 14160, which seeks to end birthright citizenship for individuals born in the United States whose parents had certain immigration statuses, may now go into effect on a case-by-case basis. AAJC remains confident that related litigation will result in the Executive Order being ruled unconstitutional. AAJC has also issued press statements on other Supreme Court decisions, which can be found on the AAJC website. Facing Government Scrutiny? Read This from Perkins Coie On June 26, 2025, Perkins Coie LLP, a large international law firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington, hosted Compliance Collective webinars aimed at helping nonprofit and university leaders stay ahead of the curve when it comes to government investigations and inquiries. With oversight from executive agencies and legislative bodies on the rise, organizations in the nonprofit and higher education sectors are increasingly likely to encounter subpoenas, information requests, and other official actions. These sessions offered practical advice and up-to-date strategies to ensure leaders are well-prepared to respond effectively and protect their institutions.The webinars focused on two principal avenues of risk: (1) revocation of tax-exempt status by the IRS, and (2) law enforcement and regulatory inquiries, including subpoenas, congressional investigations, and government raids. These risks are increasingly intertwined, with legislative and executive actions targeting activities perceived as contrary to public policy or law. Perkins Coie has shared two documents summarizing the insights from the webinars: · Essential Strategies for Navigating Government Inquiries o Legal Frameworks and Areas of Exposure o Practical Guidance for Risk Assessment and Response o Developing Robust Policies and Procedures · Search Warrants: Dos and Don’ts Perkins Coie concludes that in an increasingly uncertain regulatory environment, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions must proactively identify and assess their unique risks, establish clear protocols for government interactions, and ensure ongoing board and management engagement. Tailored compliance strategies, informed by legal counsel and aligned with organizational mission and risk tolerance, are essential to navigating the evolving landscape of government scrutiny. Perkins Coie welcomes interested parties to contact any of the following presenters or Perkins Coie representative for more in-depth guidance or legal support. · Jamie Schafer, Partner, JSchafer@perkinscoie.com · Jean-Jacques Cabou, Firmwide Co-Chair, White Collar & Investigations Practice, Partner, JCabou@perkinscoie.com · Angela Jones, Deputy General Counsel, Partner, AJones@perkinscoie.com · Richard Sevcik, Firmwide Chair, Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice, Partner, RSevcik@perkinscoie.com News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/29 C100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Linda Chao Yang2025/07/29 From Heartland to Mainland: 2025 Future Ag Leaders Delegation2025/07/31-08/10 Asian American International Film Festival2025/08/02-07 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings2025/08/04 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 1990 Institute Youth Symposium WHAT: 1990 Institute Youth Symposium — Roots and Wings: Celebrating Asian American Youth with the Power of Community WHEN: September 6, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm PT WHERE: College of San Mateo, 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401 HOST: 1990 Institute DESCRIPTION: This inaugural Youth Symposium is more than a one-day event. It is our first large-scale, cross-generational outreach initiative and marks a major milestone for the 1990 Institute as we navigate this fast-changing and challenging time, and position ourselves as a leader in addressing the most pressing and relevant issues impacting our community. It builds upon 1990’s legacy educational programming and supports our core mission. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4m79Q0D # # # 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 July 21, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #189: Registrations Open! Xiaoxing Xi; Hoover: A Fresh Start From What? Alien Land Bills; More #189: Registrations Open! Xiaoxing Xi; Hoover: A Fresh Start From What? Alien Land Bills; More In This Issue #189 Register Now: June 26 Webinar on Stop Warrantless Surveillance Register Now: July 6 President's Advisory Commission on AAPI Public Meeting Eight Years After False Accusation, Xiaoxing Xi Can Sue FBI Hoover Institution Webinar: A Fresh Start from What? Latest on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills News and Activities for the Communities Register Now: June 26 Webinar on Stop Warrantless Surveillance The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), APA Justice, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the Committee of 100 will co-host a webinar on "Stop Warrantless Surveillance: The Danger of Reauthorizing Section 702 of FISA". WHEN: June 26, 2023, 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT WHAT: The U.S. Constitution protects its people against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the U.S. government engages in mass, warrantless surveillance of phone calls, text messages, emails, and other electronic communications between Americans and foreigners. Information collected under this law without a warrant can be used to prosecute and imprison people, even for crimes that have nothing to do with national security. Asian Americans, especially Chinese Americans and the immigrant and scientific communities, have been targeted for warrantless surveillance that led to wrongful and unjust prosecutions. They include Temple University Professor Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 and possibly New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 . The current authorization of Section 702 will expire on December 31, 2023. What should the Asian American and immigrant communities know about Section 702? If it is not sunset, what reforms will be needed? What are the next steps for the communities? WHO: Keynote speaker. Rep. Pramila Jayapal , the first South Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; a member of the House Judiciary Committee; Ranking Member of House Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security and Enforcement Panelist. Gang Chen 陈刚 . Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering, MIT; Member, National Academy of Sciences; prosecuted under "China Initiative" with case dismissed; "We Are All Gang Chen" Panelist. Elizabeth Goitein. Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice Panelist. Ashley Gorski . Senior Staff Attorney, National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union Panelist. Brian A. Sun 孙自华 . Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright; Board Member, Committee of 100 Moderator. Lillian Sing 郭丽莲 . Judge (retired), California Superior Court; first Asian American woman judge in Northern California REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/42AbNIF 1. Cato Institute Policy Forum on Section 702 of FISA According to a Cato Institute online policy forum on June 6, 2023, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) will expire on New Year’s Eve 2023 absent congressional action to renew it. This controversial surveillance power was enacted in 2008 following over two years of debate in Congress after its secret, illegal predecessor— the National Security Agency’s Stellar Wind mass electronic surveillance program—was exposed by the New York Times in December 2005. Since that time, Section 702 has been renewed twice—once under President Obama and again under President Trump . And it has been renewed despite repeated, serious violations of the law by the FBI via so‐called “back door” searches—literally millions of Section 702 database queries by FBI personnel for information on U.S. persons not necessarily wanted for a crime. 2. Washington Post Report on Section 702 of FISA According to the Washington Post on June 13, 2023, Congress will not renew powerful, expiring surveillance authorities without substantial changes to shield Americans from warrantless eavesdropping, senators in both parties warned Biden administration officials in a Senate Judiciary Committee on June 13, 2023. “I will only support the reauthorization of Section 702 if there are significant, significant reforms,” said Senate Judiciary Chairman Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.). “And that means first and foremost, addressing the warrantless surveillance of Americans in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Moreover, the reforms must also include safeguards to prevent future abuses and ensure effective oversight by Congress and the courts.” The top Republican on the committee, Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), said that in the United States broadly, “there’s a warrant requirement to investigate an American citizen for wrongdoing. And we don’t want this to be used to get around that requirement. So bottom line is, let’s reauthorize this program and build in some safeguards.” “Why should we ever trust the FBI and DOJ again to police themselves under FISA when they’ve shown us repeatedly over more than a decade that they cannot be trusted to do so?” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said. Register Now: July 6 President's Advisory Commission on AANHPI Public Meeting The President's Advisory Commission on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) will hold its next meeting, the sixth of a series, on July 6, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting serves to continue the development of recommendations to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the AANHPI communities. It is open to the public and will be live streamed. The Commission seeks written comments that may be emailed to AANHPICommission@hhs.gov at any time. Individuals may also submit a request to provide oral public comments.For details, directions, and registration, visit: https://bit.ly/3NqpQMB Dr . Robert Underwood , a Commissioner, Former Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and President Emeritus of the University of Guam, described the role and purpose of the Commission and his experiences with racial profiling as CAPAC Chair and President of University of Guam at the April APA Justice monthly meeting. Robert reminded us that the Commission is the vehicle through which all of us can participate and make our input known to the President. The Commission has committees to address various topics, but social justice issues such as racial profiling, discriminatory alien land laws, warrantless surveillance, and open science are not on the radar screen of the Commission. APA Justice encourages organizations and individuals to write to the Commission and speak at the public hearing on July 6. Robert also urges all of us to feel free to communicate with him directly at anacletus2010@gmail.com .The current Commission will expire later this year. An executive order will be needed to continue the work of the Commission, which unlike other similar commissions, does not have a permanent staff.Read Robert's remarks: https://bit.ly/3qogBU1 . Watch his remarks at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnIrq1hfl4A (video 11:48 to 25:21) Eight Years After False Accusation, Xiaoxing Xi Can Sue FBI According to the Washington Post on June 6, 2023, Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 earned his PhD in Beijing, but he built his career in the United States. He arrived in the country in 1989 and worked at several colleges in New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania before arriving at Temple University. By 2015, the physics professor was a respected expert in a cutting-edge field and, as interim head of the physics department, was on the cusp of a big promotion.So he was stunned to find a team of FBI agents at his Philadelphia home on an early morning in May that year. They arrested him in his pajamas at gunpoint as his family looked on in alarm. “I opened my door,” Xi recalled in an interview. “I realized all my life, everything I have done, is gone.” The Justice Department alleged Xi, a physicist and a naturalized U.S. citizen, had delivered confidential technology to China “to assist Chinese entities in becoming world leaders” in the field — an accusation that essentially cast him as a “technological spy.” He was interrogated and strip-searched. But the case ended in farce four months later after experts asserted that the government had misunderstood the science behind Xi’s work.Xi’s case was dismissed in September of that year, but he said the accusations cost him a senior position in Temple University’s physics department and cast a pall over his research and his family’s life.In 2017, Xi sued the U.S. government and leaders of the FBI, Justice Department and National Security Agency for what he alleged to be a willfully negligent prosecution clouded by bias over his Chinese ethnicity. But it languished for years and was later dismissed in federal court. Xi appealed the ruling in 2021.His lawsuit can now proceed, an appeals court ruled late last month, allowing Xi to continue his longtime quest to tell of his experience in court and join several other researchers of Chinese descent who have faced similar accusations.Xi’s lawsuit also alleged that investigators used powerful surveillance techniques to tap the professor’s phone and email communications without a proper warrant under Section 702 of FISA . As Xi’s appeal was pending, several other scientists of Chinese descent across the United States navigated parallel challenges. MIT Professor Gang Chen 陈刚 had similar charges against him dropped in January 2022 — and later that year made a major discovery in semiconductor research. Sherry Chen 陈霞芬 , a former hydrologist at the National Weather Service, won over $1.5 million from the government in November after challenging a 2014 Commerce Department investigation that accused her of espionage.On May 24, 2023, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Xi’s case had been wrongly dismissed. The case will return to district court around August.“Now we’ll put the government under oath to explain what they did,” Xi said.Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/42r0sdP Professor Xi was interviewed by Sharyl Attkisson in Full Measure on June 4, 2023. Read the transcript and watch the video at https://bit.ly/3P6hCdJ (video 5:13). Hoover Institution Webinar: A Fresh Start from What? According to the Stanford Daily on June 8, 2023, the Hoover Institution hosted a discussion on the importance of promoting a sense of belonging for Chinese-Americans. The panel, titled “A Fresh Start: Safeguarding People, Rights, and Research Amid US-China Competition” brought attention to the worries Chinese academics have over being profiled for espionage or fraud-related charges regarding possible affiliations with China’s government. Larry Diamond , a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, moderated the panel with Gisela Perez Kusukawa , founding executive director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, Ambassador Gary Locke , former U.S. Ambassador to China (2011-2014), and Glenn Tiffert , research fellow at the Hoover Institution. Locke, who is also the chair of the non-profit Committee of 100 (C100), opened the event by acknowledging the rivalry between the two nations across various industries. He highlighted the “need to understand that our dispute and contention with Beijing is with the government of China and not the people of China, and certainly not Chinese Americans.” Locke said [they] believe the contributions of Chinese Americans often go unnoticed, a further reflection of the invisibilizing of Asian Americans.Kusukawa added that the treatment of Chinese-American academics is part of a broader historical pattern of anti-Asian rhetoric in America, resulting in the scapegoating of Asian Americans when the U.S. experiences tensions with an Asian country. “Since 1985, it has been U.S. policy that basic and applied research in science and engineering is basically unrestricted by the government,” Locke said. Much of the racial profiling Locke referred to can be seen in the "China Initiative" that was launched by the Department of Justice, according to Kusakawa. The initiative was intended to “protect US laboratories and businesses from espionage,” but many academics and civil liberties groups claimed that the program was biased against researchers of Chinese descent. Chinese-American scholars and scientists were falsely implicated during the Trump-era initiative, reporting disastrous effects on their personal livelihoods because of the profiling. The initiative was terminated in February of last year after outcry was raised over how the initiative’s rhetoric further encouraged Sinophobic sentiment. If we are to recognize the existing anti-Asian bias in America, “we need to start thinking [about] what are the due processes in place to protect Asian-Americans” Kusakawa said.Kusakawa acknowledged the difficulties a university or faculty member faces when critiquing or challenging policies that reflect a power imbalance between federal agencies and those in academia. She encouraged making the process of filing a complaint or reporting racial bias a less intimidating experience and focusing on creating a better environment for foreign scholars. “If we change how we approach research, are we genuinely going to become more competitive?” Kusakawa said. “We don’t think that Asian-Americans and Chinese-Americans and immigrants should continue to be collateral damage as we try to fix our policies in our country in addressing U.S. China relationships.” The webinar neglected to mention a Hoover Institution report that was issued alongside the launch of the "China Initiative" in November 2018. After appeals and protests by many Asian Americans organizations and individuals including C100 members, one noticeable change was made to replace the word "Chinese" by "China's" in the original title of the report "Chinese Influence and American Interests." Chapter 3 of the 2018 report (pages 39-50) covered "The Chinese American Community." On C100, the 2018 report (page 226) said "The Chinese embassy also targets prominent Chinese Americans through the Committee of 100, an organization of the most elite Chinese Americans in the United States. Committee members report significant pressure from the Chinese consulate on committee members to toe the Party line. Some prominent committee members are openly sympathetic to the goals of the Chinese Communist Party. One of them is ..." The following question was raised online during the June 6 webinar but not addressed by the moderator and speakers: "Does the Hoover Institution have any regret in publishing its report titled China's Influence and American Interest, which coincide[d] with the launch of the "China Initiative" in 2018, promoting the report heavily with Congress and media, and causing irreparable damage to many Chinese Americans and Asian Americans and eroding the civil rights and civil liberties for the communities? Otherwise, what are we restarting from?"On June 14, 2023, Larry Diamond replied: "We are not going to apologize for producing the report. It was a necessary and valid call to action in countering PRC malign influence activities in the United States and other democracies. We called for a balanced approach of 'constructive vigilance.' "We believe that as a democracy, we can and must defend both the integrity of our institutions and the rights and dignity of an important segment of American society. "We have always agreed that it is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated charges against people of Chinese ethnicity or fan generalized suspicions about a vital part of the American national mosaic. You may recall that the 2018 report you reference declared: 'we must guard against having this report used unfairly to cast aspersions on Chinese, whether Chinese American immigrants who have become (or are becoming) United States citizens, Chinese students, Chinese businesspeople, or other kinds of Chinese visitors, whose contributions to America’s progress over the past century have been enormous.' (p. 219) "We are not government officials and are not responsible for excesses or lack of balance and care in US government conduct. Likewise, we are not responsible for excesses or lack of balance and care in the wider public discussion and are disheartened by it. Our June 6th event with the Committee of 100 and the Asian American Scholar Forum aimed to model a more responsible approach. "Dialogue with the AAPI community is integral to the work that we do, and we remain committed to it."When fuel is put on fire, it cannot be just the responsibility of those who started the fire. There was one dissenter among the group of "China policy specialists" in the 2018 Hoover report. University of California San Diego Professor Susan Shirk wrote (page 217) at that time:"Although I have no problem with the factual research that has gone into specific chapters of the report, I respectfully dissent from what I see as the report’s overall inflated assessment of the current threat of Chinese influence seeking on the United States. The report discusses a very broad range of Chinese activities, only some of which constitute coercive, covert, or corrupt interference in American society and none of which actually undermines our democratic political institutions. Not distinguishing the legitimate from the illegitimate activities detracts from the credibility of the report. The cumulative effect of this expansive inventory that blurs together legitimate with illegitimate activities is to overstate the threat that China today poses to the American way of life. Especially during this moment in American political history, overstating the threat of subversion from China risks causing overreactions reminiscent of the Cold War with the Soviet Union, including an anti-Chinese version of the Red Scare that would put all ethnic Chinese under a cloud of suspicion. Right now, I believe the harm we could cause our society by our own overreactions actually is greater than that caused by Chinese influence seeking. That is why I feel I must dissent from the overall threat assessment of the report." Latest on Discriminatory Alien Land Bills 1. APA Justice Updates Its Tracking of State Alien Land Bills and Laws APA Justice updated its tracking map and table on June 8, 2023: https://bit.ly/43oJ0YI .According to LegiScan, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Oklahoma Senate Bill 212 into state law on June 6, 2023. This was also reported by KFOR-News4 on June 7, 2023. The bill will stop non-U.S. citizens including legal residents from buying land in Oklahoma. It becomes effective on November 1, 2023. 2. Louisiana House Bill 537 and Tulane University Statement According to LegiScan, the Louisiana House passed House Bill 537 by a vote of 73-26 on June 6, 2023. The bill was sent to Governor John Bel Edwards for approval on June 7.Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts and Provost Robin Forman issued the following statement:"We are deeply concerned by the potential impacts on the Tulane community of several bills under consideration in the Louisiana Legislature targeting land ownership by non-US citizens. We continue to share our concerns with legislators. These bills have made many of our faculty and students uncertain and anxious about their futures in our state, and we share those concerns. Universities thrive on their ability to foster a welcoming and safe community where we can recruit and retain the best and the brightest faculty, staff, and students from around the world to learn, research, and work together to solve our most pressing challenges. "Our international community plays a crucial role in the research and innovation ecosystem of our city and state. These international scholars and students have contributed greatly to the extraordinary success Tulane has experienced in research and in helping to increase economic growth in our region. It is essential that we recognize and appreciate their contributions to our state, our universities, and our neighborhoods."On June 7, 2023, NOLA.com also reported on " Bill targeting foreign land ownership approved by Legislature after tweaks ." 3. Florida’s Ban on Chinese Landownership Is a Racist Throwback According to an opinion by Shan Wu published by the Daily Beast on June 6, 2023, the reality of the Florida land law—and other laws like it in states including Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Alabama—are throwbacks to the racist “Alien Land Laws” from the 19th and early 20th century that barred Asians from owning land.Lesser-known than the redlining and racist zoning laws that kept Blacks and other minorities from buying homes in predominantly white neighborhoods, these laws sought to stop Chinese and Japanese people from purchasing and even leasing land primarily in the American West. For example, the 1859 Oregon constitution barred any “Chinaman” from buying property, and the 1879 California constitution was amended to specifically target Asians by only allowing aliens to buy land if they were of “the white race or African descent.” Like today’s politicians, the leaders of that era stoked racist fears in order to eliminate perceived economic competition from Asians by outright banning them from immigration—the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act—and through Alien Land laws. The Chinese Exclusion Act was not repealed until 1943 against the backdrop of the United States allying with China in World War II. It was not until 1948 that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an Alien Land law as unconstitutional in Oyama v. California . Even after that decision, however, many states did not repeal the laws until decades later. Florida finally got around to repealing its Alien Land law in 2021, only to have [Governor Ron ] DeSantis replace it with a new one.The federal government already scrutinizes foreign transactions, including real estate purchases, that may jeopardize national security through the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The interagency coordination includes the Department of Defense as well as the intelligence community. The federal government—not Florida—is tasked with our national security, the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution likely preempts Florida’s ability to play in this arena. The Florida law also would appear to violate the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process clauses of the Constitution. And there is also the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits making housing unavailable on the basis of among other things: national origin.Then there’s the economic and financial detriment DeSantis would be causing to his own state if the law is successfully implemented. The history of scapegoating Asian competition in America is intrinsically intertwined with racist violence. In the 19th century such fears led to lynchings of Chinese workers like the 1885 massacres of Chinese miners at Rock Springs, Wyoming, and the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin , who was beaten to death with a baseball bat in Detroit by white men who saw him as the embodiment of Japanese auto-industry competition—never mind that Chin happened to be Chinese not Japanese.May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, during which the contributions of Asians in America were celebrated. Now is a great time to ask ourselves what does the future hold, when so many of our political leaders long for a return to a racially violent past.Read the Daily Beast opinion: https://bit.ly/43OO60g News and Activities for the Communities 1. US Supreme Court Backs Alabama Black Voters, Bolsters Civil Rights Law According to Reuters on June 8, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court handed a major victory to Black voters who challenged a Republican-drawn electoral map in Alabama, finding the state violated a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and paving the way for a second congressional district with a Black majority or close to it.Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) issued the following statement : “Today’s decision is a victory for the communities of color and advocates that challenged discriminatory political maps in Alabama, but it’s also a victory for the American people because the Voting Rights Act remains alive despite recent Supreme Court assaults on it. It’s a relief that this far-right Supreme Court—contrary to many recent decisions—respected the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and its own precedent to come to the correct conclusion today. Our democracy is at its best when all of us can be represented in Congress, and today’s decision ensures that Black voters’ power in Alabama and across the South is not diluted and erased. CAPAC will continue to work with our Tri-Caucus partners to protect and strengthen the voting rights of all communities of color.” 2. Congressional Research Service Director Resigns According to Roll Call and Bloomberg Government , Congressional Research Service Director Mary B. Mazanec is stepping down effective June 30 amid persistent complaints about leadership within Congress’ public policy research institute. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced Mazanec’s planned departure internally, and the House Administration Committee confirmed her resignation. The news comes after reports of high turnover, low morale and lagging diversity within the legislative support agency. On May 3, 2023, the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers sent the results of the Congressional Research Service 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey to Hayden. 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 June 15, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #124 Bipartisan Innovation Act; Professor Mingqing Xiao; APS Webinar: Supreme Court Ruling #124 Bipartisan Innovation Act; Professor Mingqing Xiao; APS Webinar: Supreme Court Ruling Back View PDF April 12, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #364 ICE Arrests and Deaths; Friends of NAPAM Veterans Day/Honors; APAICS Opportunities; + #364 ICE Arrests and Deaths; Friends of NAPAM Veterans Day/Honors; APAICS Opportunities; + In This Issue #364 · ICE Arrests and Deaths Surge Under Trump · 2025 Friends of NAPAM Veterans Day Event and Honors · 2026 APAICS Congressional Fellowships and Internships Open · Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research · News and Activities for the Communities ICE Arrests and Deaths Surge Under Trump According to the Washington Post on July 3, 2025, the Trump administration is sharply increasing arrests of undocumented immigrants, with total arrests from January 20 to June 11 more than doubling compared with 2024 and nearing 1,000 per day. Despite claims that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targets the “worst of the worst,” most people arrested or deported have no criminal conviction, and the share with criminal records has dropped from 46% in January to 30% in June. More than 60% of removals since January 20 involved people without convictions. Arrests rose especially in Texas, Florida, and California. Venezuelan arrests have surged after Trump canceled protections, though Mexicans still make up the largest group. While the administration is far below its stated goal of 3,000 arrests per day or 1 million deportations this year, a massive new DHS funding boost could accelerate operations.According to AsAmNews on November 14, 2025, ICE detention deaths have surged dramatically under the Trump administration, reaching crisis levels in 2025. In just ten months, 21 people have died in ICE custody—nearly matching the total number of deaths (26) during Biden’s entire four-year presidency. This is the deadliest year since 2004, and advocates warn the toll is still rising. Nearly one in four of those who died were Asian immigrants, reflecting both increased arrests and worsening detention conditions.A July report from the UCLA Asian American Studies Center found that arrests of Asian immigrants nearly tripled in early 2025, from under 700 in 2024 to nearly 2,000 between February and May. Most were from China (about a third), India (about a quarter), and Vietnam (about a sixth). This enforcement surge coincides with a series of deaths marked by inadequate medical care, overcrowding, lack of language access, and unresolved questions surrounding the circumstances of each fatality.Among the Vietnamese detainees who died, 55-year-old Nhon Ngoc Nguyen passed away on April 16 after months of transfers between detention and hospitals. An autopsy cited acute pneumonia and dementia, and his family believes ICE may have been negligent. On July 19, another Vietnamese detainee, Tien Xuan Phan , died after seizures and loss of consciousness while detained in a Texas facility that has been chronically overcrowded, at times holding nearly 400 more people than its contracted capacity.Three Chinese nationals also died this year. On September 29, Huabing Xie died after an apparent seizure just two weeks after entering ICE custody. On October 25, 63-year-old Kai Yin Wong died in San Antonio from complications following heart surgery. On August 5, 32-year-old Chaofeng Ge was found hanging in a shower with his arms and legs bound behind him in a Pennsylvania facility. According to the South China Morning Post on November 14, 2025, the brother of Chaofeng Ge has filed a federal lawsuit demanding answers about Ge’s death in ICE custody. The complaint alleges Ge was isolated due to the facility’s lack of Chinese-speaking staff, received no mental-health support, and that U.S. authorities failed to respond to a FOIA request for records about his detention and death. ICE ruled the death a suicide, but the family disputes how suicide would have been possible under the circumstances.On November 13, 2025, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced that seven people detained by ICE sued the Trump administration over inhumane conditions at California’s largest immigration detention center, the privately owned California City Detention Facility located in Kern County.The plaintiffs, who seek to represent a class of all people held at California City, describe in their complaint : · Punishing conditions including dirty housing units, inadequate food and water, very cold temperatures, and restrictions on family visits · Enforced isolation caused by frequent lockdowns, no access to programming, and excessive solitary confinement · Terrifyingly inadequate medical care that deprives people of critical treatment for cancer, life-threatening heart conditions, diabetes and other serious medical needs · Neglect of people with disabilities including failing to provide sign language interpreters, wheelchairs, and other necessities people need to live safely · Encroachment on freedom of religion , including confiscation of prayer mats, head coverings and even holy texts · Denial of access to counsel , with weeks-long delays for legal calls and long waits for in-person visits 2025 Friends of NAPAM Veterans Day Event and Honors On November 10, 2025, Friends of National Asian Pacific American Museum (NAPAM) hosted an Annual Veterans Day Inaugural Event to honor 200 years of Asian American Pacific Islanders Military History at the Army Navy Club in Washington DC.Dr. Ravi Chaudhary , Former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force and Advisory Board Member of Friends of NAPAM, led the 2-hour program that included Fife and Drum display, live and taped remarks, a fireside chat, South Asian Tabla, and a short documentary telling the story of Asian American Pacific Islanders in the U.S. military since the War of 1812. Congressional Gold Medal Part of the Friends of NAPAM program described the award of the Congressional Gold Medal to three groups of Asian American veterans: · The 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service (October 8, 2010). Public Law 111–254 (text) . “The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication to country these men faced while fighting a two-fronted battle of discrimination at home and fascism abroad.” · Filipino World War II Veterans (December 14, 2016). Public Law 114–265 (text) . “The loyal and valiant Filipino Veterans of World War II fought, suffered, and, in many instances, died in the same manner and under the same commander as other members of the United States Armed Forces during World War II.” · Chinese American Veterans of World War II (December 20, 2018). Public Law 115–337 (text) . “The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication that the Chinese-American Veterans of World War II displayed.” The Congressional Gold Medal is the oldest and highest civilian award in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is bestowed by vote of the U.S. Congress, signed into law by the president. The Gold Medal expresses the highest national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement.The congressional practice of issuing gold medals to occasionally honor recipients began with members of the military during the American Revolution. The practice soon extended to individuals in all walks of life and in the late 20th century also to groups. The congressional medal honors those, individually or as a group, "who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement."As of November 29, 2023, 184 people, events, or institutions have been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. George Washington was the first recipient in March 1776.Two-thirds of the members in both chambers of Congress, a super-majority sponsorship rule, must co-sponsor a bill before it can advance to the floor for a vote in the US Senate and House of Representatives. Once the bill is passed, a ceremonial signing by the President can take place. The US Mint, which manufactures American coins, produces a unique design for each Congressional Medal. The US Mint commissions artists to prepare designs for the obverse (front) and reverse side of the medal. Once a design is selected, the US Mint works with the honoree to review every detail of the medal design to ensure its historical accuracy.The US Mint presents the final designs to two commissions—the US Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee—for their review and recommendation. The final selection is then sent to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval. Each medal is uniquely designed and cast in gold. Thus, there are significantly fewer gold medals than presidential medals. Bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal are made available for purchase at the U.S. Mint. Once the medal is minted, Congress can hold a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the honoree at the US Capitol. Recognition of Asian American Gold Medal Recipients The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for Japanese American World War II veterans was held on November 2, 2011 h ttps://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/congressional-gold-medal-for-japanese-american-veterans/264325 (50:06). The Smithsonian Institute also dedicates a web page on the Congressional Gold Medal for Japanese American Nisei veterans in general, recognizing their exceptional contributions, particularly the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, alongside the Military Intelligence Service, which are celebrated for their pivotal roles in European and Pacific theaters.The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) was the primary driving force behind securing the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans, leading the national campaign to raise awareness, lobbying Congress for the necessary legislation, and continuing their mission to document their stories and educate future generations through the "Duty to Country" educational program. The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for Filipino American WWII veterans was held on October 25, 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEpncxUSMUA (1:08:37). Three FilVetREP representatives sang the national anthem at the Friends of NAPAM event.The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for the Chinese American World War II Veterans was held virtually on December 21, 2020, due to the pandemic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iETfRFJHtm4 (57:35). On October 25, 2021, an in-person ceremony was held in Boston's Faneuil Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I37qokeVCzU (1:43:55). The National Museum of the U.S. Army produced a History Talk video "From Bombardier to Congressional Gold Medal: A Chinese American WWII Pilot’s Story" on May 24, 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqYBOseaz84 (42:54) 2026 APAICS Congressional Fellowships and Internships Open Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) offers Internship and Fellowship programs designed to build a strong pipeline of AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) public service leaders. Applications for the 2026-2027 Congressional Fellowships are open with a deadline of December 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. The Fellowship gives qualified applicants the opportunity to work for a year in a Congressional office or committee to expand their public policy portfolio and build meaningful connections with leaders in Washington DC. The 2026-2027 program dates are: September 8, 2026 to August 27, 2027.Learn more and apply for the APAICS Fellowship here: https://apaics.fillout.com/fellowshipapp Applications for the 2026 Congressional Internships are currently open. This paid, 8 or 10 week program will allow interns the chance to experience the legislative process firsthand by supporting a congressional office or committee. Summer 2026 Dates: June 2 - July 24, 2026Application Deadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET Fall 2026 Dates: September 9 - November 20, 2026App. Deadline: March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ETLearn more and apply here: https://www.apaics.org/congressional-internship Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research The Chen Institute and Science launched the "Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research" in August 2024. This initiative aims to drive advancements in artificial intelligence that can expand scientific research. Young scientists from around the world are invited to submit AI-driven projects that demonstrate significant potential to improve research and lives.The competition will award a Grand Prize of $30,000, with the winner's essay published in Science and an accompanying five-year AAAS membership. Additionally, up to two runners-up will receive $10,000 each, with their essays published on Science Online and the same membership benefits, promoting sustained engagement with scientific progress. Visit and apply at https://bit.ly/3WTQq4K . The deadline is December 13, 2025. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/11/25 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Elaine Chao 2025/12/01 Cook County Circuit Court Hearing - Estate of Jane Wu v Northwestern University2025/12/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/12/08 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Alice Young2026/01/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2026/01/13 Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Conversations with Leroy Chiao WHAT : Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes: Leroy Chiao WHEN : January 13, 2026, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm ET WHERE : Online event HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator: Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative, Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair, and Board Member Speaker : Leroy Chiao , Ph.D.; Former NASA Astronaut and Co-Founder and CEO of OneOrbit DESCRIPTION : Dr. Leroy Chiao is a Chinese American NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander and the CEO of OneOrbit. He has worked extensively in both government and commercial space programs, and has held leadership positions in commercial ventures and NASA. Dr. Chiao has extensive experience as a NASA Astronaut and prior to that, as a Research Engineer. Dr. Chiao is a fellow of the Explorers Club, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and Committee of 100. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4pahs3M # # # 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 November 18, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #121 4/4 Meeting; End Injustice for Sherry; After the "China Initiative;" American History #121 4/4 Meeting; End Injustice for Sherry; After the "China Initiative;" American History Back View PDF March 28, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Xin Zhao, a prize-winning Ph.D. from the College of William & Mary in Virginia, was forced to flee the U.S. after a federal investigation that included a failed sting, airport stops and an unfounded child-porn search. July 18, 2019 On July 18, 2019, Bloomberg reported on the story of Xin Zhao, a prize-winning Ph.D. from the College of William & Mary in Virginia, whose startup fled the U.S. after a federal investigation that included a failed sting, airport stops and an unfounded child-porn search. “My dream was defeated,” says Zhao, whose crew-cut and boyish face belie the brash candor with which he tells his story. “I came here for freedom and security. Now fear is pushing us back to China.” Inventors with Chinese last names account for one out of every 10 new patents in the U.S. today, up from less than 2% in 1975. While China lost more than 50,000 inventors to emigration from 2002 to 2011, the U.S. welcomed a net gain of more than 190,000, as measured by patent registrations, according to data compiled by the World Intellectual Property Organization, an arm of the United Nations. Xin Zhao, a prize-winning Ph.D. from the College of William & Mary in Virginia, was forced to flee the U.S. after a federal investigation that included a failed sting, airport stops and an unfounded child-porn search. Previous Next U.S. Targeting of Chinese Scientists Fueling a Brain Drain

Newsletter - #150 Arrowood; OSTP/AASF Webinars; BIS/NASEM Reports; US Ranking/Scores Drop; Big Data #150 Arrowood; OSTP/AASF Webinars; BIS/NASEM Reports; US Ranking/Scores Drop; Big Data Back View PDF October 13, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

A group of Chinese citizens who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida filed a lawsuit to combat Florida’s discriminatory property law, SB 264. May 22, 2023 Legal Docket : SHEN v. SIMPSON (4:23-cv-00208) On May 22, 2023, a group of Chinese citizens who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida, as well as a real estate brokerage firm in Florida that primarily serves clients of Chinese descent, filed a lawsuit to combat Florida’s discriminatory property law, SB 264. Signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the legislation unfairly restricts most Chinese citizens — and most citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Iran, Russia, and North Korea — from purchasing homes in the state. Unless the courts act, the law became effect on July 1, 2023. The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Florida, DeHeng Law Offices PC 德恒律师事务所, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP , in coordination with the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance 华美维权同盟 (CALDA). The lawsuit argues that SB 264 will codify and expand housing discrimination against people of Asian descent in violation of the Constitution and the Fair Housing Act. It will also cast an undue burden of suspicion on anyone seeking to buy property whose name sounds remotely Asian, Russian, Iranian, Cuban, Venezuelan, or Syrian. Gov. DeSantis has argued that this law is necessary to protect Florida from the Chinese Communist Party and its activities. But this misguided rationale unfairly equates Chinese people with the actions of their government, and there is no evidence of national security harm resulting from real estate ownership by Chinese people in Florida. Florida’s dangerous new law recalls similar efforts over the past century to weaponize false claims of “national security” against Asian immigrants and other marginalized communities. In the early 1900s, politicians across the country used similar justifications to pass “ alien land laws ” prohibiting Chinese and Japanese immigrants from becoming landowners. These racist policies not only hurt immigrants financially, but also severely exacerbated violence and discrimination against Asian communities living in the United States. Over time, these laws were struck down by the courts or were repealed by state legislatures because they violated the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees. A group of Chinese citizens who live, work, study, and raise families in Florida filed a lawsuit to combat Florida’s discriminatory property law, SB 264. Previous Next Lawsuit Against Florida Senate Bill 264

Newsletter - #48 03/01 Meeting Summary; CSU Webinar; What You Can Do Today #48 03/01 Meeting Summary; CSU Webinar; What You Can Do Today Back View PDF March 11, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter