Search this site

Newsletter - #398 Maryland Speaker and Delegate at 6/1 Meeting; Leaders Comment; NYT Immigrant Squeeze;+ #398 Maryland Speaker and Delegate at 6/1 Meeting; Leaders Comment; NYT Immigrant Squeeze;+ In This Issue #398 · Racist Video Targets Maryland State Delegate · Maryland Speaker Condemns Racism and Defends Diversity at APA Justice Meeting · Invited Leaders Comment on Maryland Incident · NYT : Trump Squeezes Immigrants by Cutting Them Off From Jobs, Health Care and Housing · News and Activities for the Communities Racist Video Targets Maryland State Delegate Maryland state Delegate Chao Wu , a Chinese American, was targeted in a racist and xenophobic video released by Republican Delegates Mark Fisher and Brian Chisholm . The lawmakers accused Delegate Wu of being a Chinese spy, mocked his accent, and employed harmful anti-Asian stereotypes. In a 13-minute video podcast criticizing an artificial intelligence bill proposed by Delegate Wu, Delegates Fisher and Chisholm questioned his political loyalties based strictly on his birthplace, resorted to harmful tropes, and mocked how he speaks. The controversy erupted in May 2026, coinciding with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The incident was widely denounced as xenophobic and deeply offensive. Top state officials, including House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk , the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the Maryland Legislative Asian American Caucus, and the Montgomery County Council, publicly condemned the attacks and demanded apologies. Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel publicly distanced the House Republican Caucus from the video and defended Delegate Wu. Watch the WBAL-TV report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd7ZXlGo7wA (2:45). Maryland Speaker Condemns Racism and Defends Diversity at APA Justice Meeting Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Maryland State Delegate Chao Wu addressed the APA Justice monthly meeting on June 1, 2026, discussing the racist video that targeted Delegate Wu, the response of Maryland House leadership, and the broader importance of diversity, inclusion, and civil rights. Speaker Peña-Melnyk explained her leadership decision to send a formal letter reprimanding Delegates Mark Fisher and Brian Chisholm , stating that their conduct was offensive, unacceptable, and beneath the dignity of the Maryland General Assembly. She emphasized that reducing a colleague to harmful stereotypes, questioning his loyalty because of where he was born, and mocking his accent were disrespectful and unbecoming of anyone entrusted with public service. “It echoes a long and painful history of discrimination that has no place in Maryland or in the House of Delegates,” she said The Speaker reminded Delegates Chisholm and Fisher that the Maryland General Assembly is a body made stronger by the diversity of those who serve here and the communities it represents. “Every member deserves to be treated with respect, and every Marylander deserves to see themselves reflected in a government that values them. We can have disagreements about policy without demeaning one another’s humanity. That is the standard this House must uphold.” On the issue of immigration, the Speaker reinforced that, “The bottom line is that immigrants matter. We have rights, and we contribute immensely to our state. When immigrants arrive here, we bring with us the richness of our culture, our history, our ideas, our creativity. How could we not benefit as a result? Maryland is one of the most ethnically, racially, and religiously diverse states in the nation. And to me, this is our superpower – the secret sauce behind Maryland’s success. Here we recognize that these things are strengths, not weaknesses. Our diversity makes us more dynamic and more resilient.” ***** Maryland State Delegate Chao Wu ( www.chaowu.org ) thanked the organizers for the invitation and expressed particular appreciation for the strong support he received from Maryland House leadership, especially Speaker Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, following the release of a racist video targeting him. Delegate Wu said that when he first learned about the video, he felt angry, saddened, and disappointed, especially because the individuals involved serve on the same legislative committee as he does. However, those feelings were balanced by a sense of encouragement and empowerment from the broad coalition of support he received from legislative leaders, the AAPI Caucus, the Latino Caucus, the Black Caucus, the Jewish community, and many other organizations and individuals. He emphasized that the incident was larger than a personal attack on himself. In his view, it reflected broader challenges facing a diverse state like Maryland, where immigrants and people of many backgrounds contribute to society, but they are not recognized and respected. Delegate Wu noted that he had never viewed his accent as a problem and said that when people have difficulty understanding him, he simply repeats himself or speaks more slowly. Addressing criticism of legislation he sponsored related to artificial intelligence, Delegate Wu defended the bill as a reasonable transparency measure requiring developers of large language models to disclose information about their training data. He noted that similar legislations are being debated in other states, and that respected organizations had also supported the proposal. Invited Leaders Comment on Maryland Incident During the APA Justice monthly meeting on June 1, 2026, Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi , who also chairs the Maryland Legislative Asian American & Pacific Islander Caucus, praised the swift and forceful response to the racist video targeting Maryland legislators, crediting much of its impact to the leadership of Speaker Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk . She highlighted the Speaker's immediate and unequivocal condemnation, along with coordinated statements from the Maryland Asian Pacific American Caucus and other organizations, which helped frame the incident as unacceptable and worthy of broad public attention. Delegate Qi observed that the incident occurred during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, underscoring a longstanding challenge faced by Asian Americans: persistent questions about their loyalty, belonging, and identity as Americans. She argued that despite the nation's history and progress, Asian Americans continue to confront stereotypes that cast them as outsiders or suspect citizens. She emphasized the importance of representation in leadership, noting that Speaker Pena-Melnyk's experience as an immigrant enabled her to articulate why immigrant backgrounds are assets rather than liabilities in public service. Delegate Qi also commended Asian American organizations nationwide for mobilizing quickly and visibly, demonstrating both political strength and a willingness to defend their place in American society. A major theme of her remarks was solidarity across communities. Delegate Qi pointed to support from the Black, Latino, Women's, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and other caucuses in Maryland, arguing that such alliances are essential. She stressed that Asian Americans should likewise stand with other groups when they face discrimination or attacks, because protecting civil rights requires collective action. Delegate Qi characterized the attacks as part of a broader pattern of divisive politics that seeks to exploit fears about diversity and immigration. She argued that such rhetoric attempts to deny the humanity and legitimacy of fellow Americans based on their backgrounds. She also connected the controversy to earlier legislative efforts by the same delegates involved in the video. Delegate Qi recalled that they had previously introduced proposals similar to the "alien land laws" enacted in some states, which would have restricted land ownership by Chinese nationals. She described those measures as a modern-day version of exclusionary policies that single out people based on national origin and warned that such approaches create a dangerous precedent that could eventually be applied to other groups. Delegate Qi concluded by urging continued vigilance in defending the rights of all Americans, emphasizing that opposition to discrimination and exclusion requires sustained advocacy, coalition-building, and community leadership. ***** Cindy Tsai , Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the Committee of 100, thanked the organizers and the Maryland leaders who brought attention to the racist video, particularly Speaker Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk , Delegate Chao Wu , and Delegate Lily Qi , for elevating the issue to the national level and engaging the community in discussion. Drawing on her work with the Committee of 100, Cindy Tsai emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legitimate concerns about the actions of a foreign government and unfairly attributing those actions to an entire ethnic community. She noted that advocacy efforts in recent years have helped encourage more careful and responsible public discourse on these issues. After watching the video, Cindy Tsai said she was troubled by its content and rejected the notion that disclaimers such as “not all Chinese people are bad” can excuse or negate language that attacks individuals based on their accent, background, or ethnicity. In her view, condemning stereotypes while simultaneously engaging in discriminatory rhetoric does not make such speech acceptable. Cindy Tsai indicated that society must do better in engaging in responsible and respectful public discourse, particularly when discussing issues involving ethnicity, nationality, and political concerns. She praised the broad coalition of organizations and communities that responded to the incident, highlighting the importance of solidarity across different groups. She credited Speaker Pena-Melnyk’s public statement with helping mobilize support and described the response as a moment in which the Asian American and Pacific Islander community stood together to affirm that Asian Americans belong in the United States and deserve equal respect. Cindy Tsai concluded by expressing pride in the community’s response and urging continued visibility, advocacy, and coalition-building to confront discrimination and defend the rights and inclusion of Asian Americans. ***** Haipei Shue , President of United Chinese Americans, began by thanking Speaker Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk for her immediate and unequivocal condemnation of the racist incident. He emphasized that strong leadership makes a significant difference in how communities respond to discrimination and exclusion. Drawing on his experience working with legislatures across multiple states, Haipei Shue contrasted Maryland's political environment with that of many states where immigrant and Asian American communities have far less representation and support. He noted that Maryland benefits from both diverse leadership and the presence of Asian American elected officials in the legislature, which helps ensure that community concerns are heard and addressed. Haipei Shue observed that in states lacking such leadership and representation, harmful policies can advance more easily and sometimes become law. In some cases, he said, advocates struggle to find policymakers willing to engage with concerns about constitutionality, civil rights, or the impact of legislation on immigrant communities. He recalled instances where objections based on constitutional concerns were dismissed, leaving litigation as the only recourse. Against that backdrop, Haipei Shue described Maryland as providing a sense of reassurance and protection for immigrant communities. He credited the state's leaders for creating an environment in which concerns can be raised, discussed, and addressed through the democratic process rather than ignored. He concluded by expressing gratitude to Maryland's elected leaders and emphasizing that their support, responsiveness, and commitment to diversity provide an important safeguard for immigrant and Asian American communities. NYT : Trump Squeezes Immigrants by Cutting Them Off From Jobs, Health Care and Housing On May 30, 2026, The New York Times reported a sweeping, methodically planned White House strategy to make the United States economically and socially inhospitable to immigrants — both undocumented and many with legal status — pressuring them to leave voluntarily rather than depending solely on high-profile deportation raids. The effort is overseen by Stephen Miller , one of the president's most influential advisers, who has directed federal agencies across the government to use every regulatory tool at their disposal to cut immigrants off from jobs, healthcare, housing, financial services, and family benefits. On employment, the Trump administration has revoked airport security clearances for workers holding Temporary Protected Status — a legal humanitarian designation — abruptly ending the jobs of people like Raquel Molina , a Salvadoran immigrant who had cleaned planes at Boston's Logan Airport for nearly three decades. The administration has also proposed barring asylum seekers from receiving work permits, a change that could affect more than two million people who currently hold or have renewed those permits. In addition, many immigrants have been banned from obtaining commercial driver's licenses, cutting them off from careers in trucking and freight. On financial services, Trump signed an executive order urging banks to scrutinize customers' immigration status. Federal agents also launched an investigation — called Operation Pickpocket — into alleged financial fraud by immigrants. The probe ultimately found that most immigrants had opened bank accounts lawfully using valid identification, yet the broader pressure campaign has had a chilling effect, discouraging immigrants from engaging with financial institutions at all. On healthcare, the administration moved to require immigration documentation at the roughly 1,600 federally funded community health clinics that have historically served undocumented patients. Though courts paused that requirement after a multistate lawsuit, fear alone caused patient numbers to drop sharply. In Santa Barbara, California, county officials briefly stopped treating thousands of undocumented patients out of concern that the federal government would retaliate by clawing back unrelated grants. Nurses described clinics becoming "ghost towns." On housing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced plans to bar mixed-status families — those with both documented and undocumented members — from public housing. Under prior rules, only one household member needed to hold legal status. The new policy could displace an estimated 20,000 families, many of which include U.S.-citizen children. On family and child benefits, the administration's tax legislation blocked the federal child tax credit from applying to U.S.-citizen children whose parents are undocumented, significantly cutting refunds for millions of mixed-status families. Officials are also planning to add a five-year waiting period for child care subsidies for legal immigrant children, effectively ensuring most age out of eligibility before they can receive help, and to end undocumented families' access to Head Start preschool programs. The administration frames all of these measures as protecting American citizens and taxpayers. Independent research, however, suggests immigrants use public benefits at lower rates than native-born Americans and fill critical labor needs. So far, more than 116,000 people without permanent legal status have voluntarily left the country, with many more believed to have departed without notifying the government. Former Homeland Security official Daniel Delgado , who served under both parties, called the strategy "immensely effective" — a whole-of-government effort touching virtually every dimension of immigrant life in America. Read the New York Times report: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/30/us/politics/trump-immigrants-health-housing.html . On May 22, 2026, Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued a statement condemning the Trump administration’s new memo that will force immigrants seeking permanent residency, or a green card, to return to their home countries to apply—a drastic change from longstanding policy. Read Chair Meng’s statement: https://bit.ly/43Ei60F . Read the policy change memo: https://bit.ly/4uJPAXy News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/06/10 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Calvin Tsao 2026/06/17 Voting Barriers for AA & NH/PI Women 2026/06/27-28 From Crisis to Coalition: Lessons from the Front Lines in Minneapolis/St. Paul 2026/06/28-07/01 UCA: 2026 Chinese American Convention 2026/07/04 Unveiling of Mabel Ping-Hua Lee Mural 2026/07/06 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. APAICS: Voting Barriers for AA & NH/PI Women WHAT : APAICS' Women's Collective Office Hour: Voting Barriers for AA & NH/PI Women WHEN : June 17, 2026, 4:00-5:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Moderator : Annie Nguyen , APAICS Speakers: · Jessica Jones Capparell , League of Women Voters · Christine Chen , APIAVote · Fajer Saeed Ebrahim , National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) DESCRIPTION: Join the conversation and hear the panelists highlight resources and discuss voting barriers—from voter outreach and language access, to the impacts of legislation such as the SAVE America Act. As elections across the country ramp up, conversations like these matter more than ever. REGISTRATION : https://apaics.fillout.com/t/uyPxkMvMEBus # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF June 5, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #390 Eric Zheng, Susan Thornton, Susan Shirk at 04/06 Meeting; Birthright Citizenship; More #390 Eric Zheng, Susan Thornton, Susan Shirk at 04/06 Meeting; Birthright Citizenship; More In This Issue #390 · Remarks by Eric Zheng and Video · Remarks by Susan Thornton and Video · Remarks by Susan Shirk and Video · More on Birthright Citizenship · News and Activities for the Communities Remarks by Eric Zheng and Video During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 6, 2026, Eric Zheng , President of The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai 上海美国商会), shared his on-the-ground perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing American companies in China, set against a backdrop of evolving U.S.-China relations. Prior to his current role with AmCham Shanghai, Eric had a successful career with AIG including serving as President & CEO of AIG China. Eric has been active in several non-profit and charity organizations. He is a member of Committee of 100 and currently serves as Chair of Committee of 100 Greater China Region. Eric began by noting that 2026 is a consequential year for bilateral ties, with anticipated high-level visits between the United States and China. Within this context, he highlighted the role of AmCham Shanghai as a longstanding institution supporting commercial engagement and mutual understanding between the two countries. Eric briefly traced the organization’s history, noting that AmCham Shanghai was originally founded in 1915, reflecting an early American business presence in China. It ceased operations in 1950 following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and was reestablished in 1987 after China reopened to the global economy. Today, it represents approximately 1,000 multinational companies, primarily U.S.-headquartered firms, making it one of the largest American chambers of commerce in the Asia-Pacific region. Turning to the economic relationship, Eric emphasized the scale and depth of U.S.-China commercial ties. He cited roughly $421 billion in Chinese exports to the U.S. and $151 billion in U.S. exports to China, along with significant two-way investment flows. However, he underscored that this interdependence is increasingly challenged by policy volatility, particularly fluctuating tariff regimes. At one point, tariffs reached as high as 145% on Chinese goods, and although they have since declined, they remain elevated. As Eric observed, “when you run a company, you need some predictability… it’s really hard to plan for the long term” amid shifting policies. He identified three primary challenges facing American companies in China: · Geopolitical tensions , which he described as the “number one challenge,” creating uncertainty in both policy and business environments; · Rising domestic competition , with Chinese firms now highly innovative and competitive—“no longer copycats”—and in many areas outperforming multinational companies; · Economic slowdown , as China’s growth moderates and business expectations soften. Eric noted that American firms now see themselves leading mainly in product quality and development, while falling behind in areas such as speed to market, licensing, digital capabilities, and adoption of emerging technologies. Reflecting these pressures, business confidence has declined sharply, with only about 41% of companies expressing optimism about their five-year outlook in China—down significantly from historical levels near 80%. Despite these headwinds, Eric emphasized that China remains a critical market. He pointed to continued GDP growth of around 5%, a $19.6 trillion economy, and a rapidly expanding middle class projected to grow from 400 million to 800 million by 2035. He illustrated this scale by noting that China’s annual economic growth is “almost a trillion U.S. dollars,” effectively “recreating a Switzerland every year.” He explained that American companies remain engaged for two main reasons: to serve China’s large domestic market (“in China for China”) and to support global supply chains (“in China for global”). Eric concluded on a firm and pragmatic note, emphasizing that continued U.S. business engagement in China is not optional but strategically necessary. Despite geopolitical tensions and market challenges, he argued that disengagement would come at a significant cost to U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and global influence. Operating in China, he noted, is essential not only for accessing a critical market but also for learning from increasingly sophisticated competitors and staying at the forefront of global industry trends. In his view, the stakes extend beyond individual companies to broader national interests. A sustained U.S. commercial presence in China helps preserve economic linkages, supports mutual understanding, and ensures that American firms remain relevant in one of the world’s most important markets. As he underscored, maintaining this presence is ultimately “in the best interest of the United States”—not just as a matter of business, but as a matter of long-term strategic positioning in a competitive global landscape. A summary for the April 6 APA Justice meeting is being prepared. Watch a video of Eric’s remarks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a03kPRXnU0 (15:14). For more information about AmCham Shanghai, visit https://www.amcham-shanghai.org/ Remarks by Susan Thornton and Video During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 6, 2026, Susan Thornton , Vice Chair of U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA), remarked on USHCA’s work and its subnational and citizen diplomacy including education and other people-to-people exchanges with China. Susan is a retired senior U.S. diplomat with almost three decades of experience with the U.S. State Department in Eurasia and East Asia. She is currently a Senior Fellow and Visiting Lecturer in Law at the Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center. She is also the director of the Forum on Asia-Pacific Security at the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Susan highlighted her work with USHCA, which seeks to expand U.S.-China engagement beyond the coasts by focusing on the American heartland. The organization, chaired by former Missouri Governor Bob Holden , promotes connectivity in trade, education, and cultural exchange across “the 20-something states in the middle of the country” that often have less exposure to China-related opportunities and policy discussions. She described a range of initiatives, including agricultural cooperation, health system exchanges, and local government engagement. In agriculture, the group connects U.S. growers, researchers, and industry associations with Chinese counterparts to explore “the future of food systems,” and organizes events such as the annual U.S.-China Agricultural Roundtable in Henan Province. Educational exchanges are another priority, with programs that send American students—particularly from historically Black colleges and universities—to China, providing opportunities that “they would probably otherwise not have.” USHCA also promotes Chinese language learning and cultural education, reflecting concerns about a declining pipeline of U.S. China expertise. Susan emphasized the strategic importance of broadening national understanding of China, stating that “Americans will need to know more about China in the future, not less,” and that such knowledge “should not be overly concentrated on the two coasts.” She also highlighted local-level exchanges, including forums that bring together U.S. and Chinese municipal leaders to share experiences on issues like climate change, economic development, and public health. At the same time, she noted that this work has become increasingly difficult. Visa restrictions, travel uncertainties, and rising geopolitical tensions are complicating exchanges on both sides. She observed that “exchanges between the U.S. and China are becoming more fraught,” with students and scholars facing growing obstacles. Susan also pointed to a lack of clarity in U.S. policy, noting that agencies often operate without clear guidance, leading to actions that can appear “arbitrary” or “politicized.” She warned that China-related issues are increasingly “ripe for fear-mongering and weaponization” in the current political climate, including through state-level legislation. Despite these challenges, Susan stressed that the risks should not outweigh the benefits of engagement. She underscored that her organization takes a careful, independent approach, including not accepting funding from China, and remains committed to its mission. Concluding on a forward-looking note, she emphasized that engagement with China is not optional for the United States—particularly for the heartland—and expressed hope that upcoming high-level meetings could help reinforce the importance of sustained exchanges and mutual understanding. Watch a video of Susan’s remarks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9LqzT_PcfY (8:29). For more information about the U.S. Heartland China Association, visit https://usheartlandchina.org/ Remarks by Susan Shirk and Video During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 6, 2026, Susan Shirk , Research Professor; Director Emerita, 21st Century China Center, University of California (UC), San Diego, shared her insights into the current state of US-China relations, especially the upcoming Trump-Xi summit. As former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs and lifetime experiences, she is one of the most influential experts working on U.S.-China relations and Chinese politics. She is also Director Emerita of the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC). Susan offered a candid and notably pessimistic assessment of the upcoming U.S.–China leader engagement between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping . While she acknowledged that leader-level diplomacy can create openings—what Joseph Nye has called the “funnel of choice”—she stressed that success depends on intensive groundwork that is currently lacking. Drawing on her experience in the State Department, she noted that past progress came only after extensive staff-level negotiations: “Professionals… put in hours of diplomatic efforts… before the leaders meet,” allowing both sides to define priorities, understand each other, and prepare deliverables. These preparations, she emphasized, are essential to making summits productive rather than symbolic. Susan had initially hoped the spring meeting could launch a sustained diplomatic process, but now sees more limited prospects. At best, she expects continuity rather than breakthroughs—likely preserving the existing “Busan truce” on tariffs, export controls, and rare earths. There may be incremental progress on trade and investment, such as movement on Phase 1 commitments or narrowly scoped Chinese investment in the U.S. However, she sees little chance of progress on harder issues. Susan warned that failure to address national security and people-to-people exchanges—including academic, journalist, and student flows—would be “tragic” and potentially dangerous. Taiwan is a particular concern, noting the absence of a clear U.S. strategy, raising the risk of improvised decisions during leader talks that could undermine regional stability. Her strongest criticism focused on the lack of preparation, which she described bluntly as “really diplomatic malpractice.” She pointed to weakened U.S. interagency capacity, limited sub-cabinet engagement, and a hollowed-out policy process: “Almost nothing at the sub-cabinet level… the National Security Council Asia staff is thinned out to almost no one.” At the same time, decision-making has become highly centralized. “The U.S. system has become almost as centralized… as China’s,” Susan said, leaving officials uncertain about objectives and reluctant to act proactively. In summary, Susan believes the absence of serious diplomatic preparation severely limits the potential of upcoming leader meetings. At best, they may stabilize tensions; at worst, they risk unstructured, leader-driven outcomes that could increase strategic instability. Watch a video of Susan’s remarks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAoe5F8EmfI (11:21). More on Birthright Citizenship According to the New York Times , while the Supreme Court hearing on birthright citizenship on April 1, 2026, anchored in United States v. Wong Kim Ark , it has also renewed attention to a broader body of lesser-known cases involving Asian immigrants that helped define U.S. immigration and constitutional law. While United States v. Wong Kim Ark affirmed that children born in the United States are citizens regardless of their parents’ nationality, the justices also referenced cases such as Yick Wo v. Hopkins, Fong Yue Ting v. United States, and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind . Together, these cases reflect a period when U.S. immigration law was explicitly designed to exclude Asians. Beginning with the Chinese Exclusion Act, federal policy severely restricted Asian immigration and barred naturalization. In response, Chinese and other Asian communities organized extensive legal challenges—filing over 10,000 lawsuits—often supported by groups like the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. These efforts were not only defensive but strategic, helping to establish enduring legal principles. As one historian explained: “High-quality U.S. citizen lawyers were hired to litigate cases large and small.” Some cases expanded rights. In Yick Wo, the Court ruled that a neutral law applied discriminatorily violated the Constitution, extending equal protection to noncitizens. Others reinforced federal power or racial exclusion. In Fong Yue Ting, the Court upheld broad deportation authority. In Thind and earlier in Ozawa v. United States, the Court denied citizenship based on shifting and often contradictory definitions of “whiteness,” even stripping citizenship retroactively. Although Congress later dismantled racial barriers—especially with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965—these earlier rulings remain foundational. Wong Kim Ark, in particular, continues to underpin modern interpretations of birthright citizenship. Today, Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, largely due to post-1965 immigration. Yet awareness of this legal history remains limited. Advocates warn that weakening birthright citizenship could have disproportionate consequences, even for lawful residents. The report also highlights a broader challenge: many Asian Americans are unfamiliar with the history of exclusion laws and civil rights struggles that shaped their status today. As one lawmaker observed after educating constituents about this past: “They had no idea.” The fight over birthright citizenship is not just about one case, but about a long legacy of Asian American legal challenges that helped define constitutional rights in the United States—making today’s debate both historically grounded and deeply consequential. Read the New York Times report: https://nyti.ms/4cdMPpn News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/04/14 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Anla Cheng 2026/05/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/05/12-14 Celebrating 250 - Building America’s Future TogetherVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. APA Justice January Monthly Meeting Summary Posted Summary for the January 2026 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at https://bit.ly/4sqZPxV . 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) · Deborah Frankel , Counsel, Bloch & White LLP · Kyle Bigley , Associate, Bloch & White LLP · Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 , former NYPD Officer · Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Hua Wang 王华 , Chair, United Chinese Americans · Haipei Shue 薛海培 , President, United Chinese Americans · Sharon Wong , National Chair, OCA National Center · Thu Nguyen , Executive Director, OCA National Center # # # 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 April 13, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #313 Amb. Gary Locke; 3/4 Webinar; FL SB 846 Injunction; NIH Turmoil/Fed Data Integrity; + #313 Amb. Gary Locke; 3/4 Webinar; FL SB 846 Injunction; NIH Turmoil/Fed Data Integrity; + In This Issue #313 · Remarks by Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Gary Locke · NFHA Updates; 03/04 Webinar on Alien Land Laws Opens · Temporary Injunction Against Florida Discriminatory Law SB846 · NIH in Turmoil; Federal Data Integrity Threatened · News and Activities for the Communities Remarks by Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Gary Locke Gary Locke 骆家辉 is Chair of the Committee of 100, former U/S. Ambassador to China, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and former Governor of the state of Washington. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, Ambassador/Secretary/Governor Locke expresses deep concern over the increasing challenges faced by the Asian American community, particularly Chinese Americans, under the current political climate. The worsening U.S.-China relationship has fueled harmful rhetoric, reminiscent of the first Trump administration, with terms like "Wuhan virus" and "Kung flu" leading to a surge in anti-Asian violence. While the U.S. may have legitimate policy disputes with China, Gary emphasizes that such conflicts should not extend to Chinese Americans, who have made significant contributions to the nation for centuries. From building the transcontinental railroad to serving in the military, Chinese Americans have long played an integral role in shaping the country.Despite these contributions, Chinese Americans continue to be treated as perpetual foreigners and unfairly associated with the Chinese government. The Trump administration’s “China Initiative,” which targeted Chinese American scientists under the guise of national security concerns, reinforced harmful stereotypes and subjected many to wrongful prosecution. Although the Biden administration sought to focus on restricting high-tech exports to China for security reasons, Trump’s recent policies suggest a return to broad anti-China rhetoric that unfairly affects Chinese Americans. This includes policies such as banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, suspending foreign aid, and halting humanitarian relief efforts.Economic policies under Trump are also raising concerns, particularly the reintroduction of tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. While Trump claims these tariffs will hold foreign governments accountable, in reality, they function as a tax on American businesses and consumers. Companies like Costco, Target, and Macy’s are forced to absorb these costs, which are then passed on to everyday Americans. Gary highlights that nearly 60% of all shoes sold in the U.S. are imported from China, meaning the financial burden of tariffs disproportionately affects consumers and small businesses. The uncertainty surrounding these economic policies only adds to the challenges faced by Asian American communities. In addition to economic pressures, there is a troubling resurgence of discriminatory policies at the state level. Many states are now passing laws restricting land ownership by Chinese nationals, a clear throwback to the alien land laws of the early 20th century, which were designed to prevent Asian immigrants from owning property. Coupled with new restrictions on immigration, these policies evoke the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, reinforcing systemic barriers against Chinese Americans. Gary warns that such actions represent a dangerous regression in civil rights, undermining decades of progress toward equality and inclusion.Given these mounting challenges, Gary calls for stronger, more explicit support from government leaders. Elected officials, from governors to members of Congress, must send a clear message that policy disagreements with China do not justify discrimination against Chinese Americans. The community should not have to bear the consequences of geopolitical conflicts between the U.S. and China. Gary stresses that public figures must actively reject xenophobic narratives and affirm the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans across all sectors of society.To combat these growing threats, Gary urges increased vigilance, organization, and collaboration among advocacy groups. Despite past achievements, the fight for equality is far from over, and Asian Americans cannot afford complacency. Gary commends APA Justice for its efforts in documenting and addressing these injustices, emphasizing the need for a unified, strategic approach to advocacy. Without coordination and collective action, the Asian American community risks being marginalized and targeted once again. By working together, organizations can strengthen their influence and ensure that the rights and dignity of Asian Americans are protected. A summary of the February 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. For past monthly meeting summaries, visit https://bit.ly/4hyOV4i NFHA Updates; 03/04 Webinar on Alien Land Laws Opens During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, Scott Chang , Senior Counsel of National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), provided an update on the lawsuit National Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. v. Secretary of Commerce (1:24-cv-21749) , which challenges Florida’s SB 264, a law restricting property ownership by individuals from China and six other countries. Filed in May 2024, the lawsuit alleges that SB 264 violates the Fair Housing Act by discriminating on the basis of national origin. Unlike Shen v. Simpson, which focuses on constitutional arguments, this lawsuit emphasizes how SB 264 disproportionately affects individuals from targeted countries and was enacted with discriminatory intent, as evidenced by Governor DeSantis’s statements.NFHA filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida. It was joined by the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), two Florida-based fair housing organizations, and an Asian American-owned real estate company. The plaintiffs are represented by civil rights law firms and advocacy groups, including the Asian American Justice Center. Florida officials initially sought to transfer the case to the Northern District, where Shen v. Simpson is being heard, but the judge denied the request. However, the case has been stayed pending the Eleventh Circuit’s decision in Shen v. Simpson.Scott highlighted the broader implications of SB 264, emphasizing that such restrictive land ownership laws reflect a troubling trend of targeting immigrant communities, particularly those of Asian descent. The lawsuit aims to set a legal precedent to prevent similar discriminatory policies from undermining fair housing protections across the United States.Civil rights groups are closely monitoring similar legislative efforts in other states, assessing potential legal challenges. Scott reiterated the importance of holding lawmakers accountable for policies that perpetuate discrimination and reaffirmed the commitment of advocacy organizations to ensuring housing equity and protecting the rights of immigrant communities.On March 4, 2025, Scott will continue the discussion as a speaker at a webinar co-hosted by the Committee of 100 and APA Justice: WHAT: Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community WHEN: March 4, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOST: Committee of 100 and APA Justice Opening Remarks: Cindy Tsai, Interim President, Committee of 100 Moderator: John D. Trasviña, Former Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Panelists: · Hope Atuel , CEO/Executive Director, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) · Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) Closing Remarks: Jeremy Wu, Founder and Co-Organizer, APA Justice DESCRIPTION: With new laws limiting property ownership based on nationality, real estate professionals and advocates are stepping up to challenge these discriminatory policies. This webinar will provide critical insights into how these restrictions are reshaping the housing landscape and what we can do to fight back. What you will learn: · Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act – Understand the legal protections in place to combat discrimination. · How These Laws Affect Asian Homebuyers & Real Estate Professionals – Hear real-world impacts from industry experts. · Community & Legal Advocacy in Action – Learn how grassroots efforts and legal challenges are pushing back and how you can get involved. Stay ahead of these evolving legal challenges by exploring Committee of 100’s interactive map , which tracks ongoing land ownership exclusion laws, and APA Justice’s Alien Land Bills webpage , where you will find the latest updates on lawsuits and policy developments. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3EOqGke Temporary Injunction Against Florida Discriminatory Law SB846 On February 11, 2025, the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) 华美维权同盟 announced that a federal magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has issued a recommendation stating that SB 846 likely violates the U.S. Constitution and should be temporarily blocked. Florida SB 846 is a state law that restricts public universities and colleges from employing Chinese students, scholars, and researchers, citing national security concerns. SB846 fosters discrimination against Asian American communities, undermines academic freedom, and hampers scientific progress. This is a significant step forward in the lawsuit Yin v. Diaz (1:24-cv-21129) filed by CALDA, the ACLU, and Perkins Coie on behalf of Chinese students and a professor. The district judge will make the final decision in the coming weeks, and in most cases, such recommendations are upheld. The enforcement of SB 846 has already harmed Chinese students, some of whom lost research and teaching positions, had their projects canceled, or were forced to leave their programs. Asian Pacific American (APA) organizations led by the Asian American Scholar Forum, United Chinese Americans (UCA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, and APA Justice have been actively opposing Florida's SB 846 by making public statements and advocacy, supporting the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB846, organizing protests and rallies, and providing resources and explainers to inform the public and mobilizing community action and support. Local organizations such as the Florida Chinese Faculty Association, Graduate Assistants United, The United Faculty of Florida, and University of Florida's Student Senate are among many local groups that have been active and engaged. These concerted efforts strive to combat SB 846, protect the rights of Asian American communities, and promote equitable academic and professional environments.Read the CALDA announcement in Chinese: https://bit.ly/40UZ0l9 . Read the recommendation Order: https://bit.ly/42UDArg. Attorney Clay Zhu 朱可亮律师 , Co-Founder of CALDA, will give an update at the APA Justice monthly meeting on March 3, 2025. NIH in Turmoil; Federal Data Integrity Threatened As of February 16, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 74. Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak , the number 2 official as the Principal Deputy Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), abruptly resigned and retired on February 11, 2025. Dr. Michael Lauer , deputy director of the National Institutes of Health’s extramural research, announced his departure the next day,On February 10, 2025, twenty-two (22) state attorneys general filed a lawsuit, Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10338) , against the Trump administration plan to limit how it pays universities and research institutes for “indirect costs” to 15%. According to NBC News , “ This agency action will result in layoffs, suspension of clinical trials, disruption of ongoing research programs, and laboratory closures,” the lawsuit says. “NIH’s extraordinary attempt to disrupt all existing and future grants not only poses an immediate threat to the nation’s research infrastructure, but will also have a long-lasting impact on its research capabilities and its ability to provide life-saving breakthroughs in scientific research.” On February 14, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley , a U.S. district judge, granted the attorneys generals' request for a temporary restraining order, ordering the agencies not to take any steps to implement, apply or enforce the new policy. Judge Kelley set an in-person hearing for February 21.Two additional lawsuits have been filed at the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts against the NIH plan - Association of American Universities v. Department of Health & Human Services (1:25-cv-10346) and Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10340) On January 30, 2025, U.S. Census Bureau Director Dr. Robert Santos announced his resignation mid-way through his five-year term. He was sworn in as the bureau’s 26th director, and its first Hispanic leader, in 2022. His last day was February 14, 2025. According to NPR on February 12, 2025, the Census Bureau removed access to key data following President Trump's executive order targeting gender identity, raising concerns over political interference and data censorship. The order, issued on January 20, led to a temporary shutdown of the bureau’s website and the removal of webpages related to research on gender identity and sexual orientation. Federal agencies, including the Census Bureau, were directed to eliminate materials promoting “gender ideology,” a term often used by opponents of transgender rights. This abrupt action disrupted public access to critical demographic data, hindered internal operations, and left employees unable to access essential platforms. Despite public outcry, the bureau has yet to provide an official explanation, fueling concerns about the integrity and independence of federal data collection.In response, over 230 organizations, led by the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (COPAFS), the American Statistical Association, and the Population Association of America, issued a letter urging Congress to "demand the complete restoration of any federal data that have been removed" and work with the administration to "prevent any future purge or removal of data from federal agency websites and portals." Read the COPAFS letter on Protecting Public Access to Federal Data: https://bit.ly/41h0BTJ Advocates warn that suppressing data on gender identity effectively erases LGBTQ+ populations and undermines civil rights protections, including efforts to combat hate crimes. Experts argue that decades of research into measuring gender identity could be lost, reversing progress made in ensuring accurate representation in federal statistics. Lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Mark Takano , Jamie Raskin , and Gerry Connolly , have called for an immediate halt to the executive order’s implementation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing transgender individuals in government data. Researchers and librarians have begun independent efforts to preserve the missing data, but concerns remain that the government’s actions set a dangerous precedent for political interference in public information. Experts also warn that the outright deletion of government records could have legal ramifications, as the destruction of certain federal data may constitute a criminal offense. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/02/18 Protecting Our Organizations: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance Virtual Training2025/02/23 World Premier of "Quixotic Professor Qiu" with Xiaoxing Xi2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/03/04 Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Lunar New Year Celebrations in San Francisco San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade drew massive crowds on February 15, 2025, reinforcing its status as a premier celebration in the Bay Area Asian community, according to AsAmNews , KTVU-2 , San Francisco Standard , and multiple media reports. Acclaimed Chinese American actress and longtime San Francisco resident Joan Chen served as grand marshal, kicking off the festivities at sunset by lighting firecrackers at Union Square. The parade featured nearly 100 floats and performance groups, including an enormous dragon carried by approximately 110 people, not including side support.Newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie participated as honorary grand marshal, and the parade stretched roughly one mile. "Welcome to the best Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia," declared San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu . "The oldest, most historic, and most amazing Chinatown in the United States is right here in San Francisco!" # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF February 17, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #85 UTK's Catch-22; New Studies on EEA Released; SFCAUSE; Anti-Asian Hate/Racial Profiling #85 UTK's Catch-22; New Studies on EEA Released; SFCAUSE; Anti-Asian Hate/Racial Profiling Back View PDF September 23, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #376 Message from Rep. Judy Chu; Gary Locke Honored; Chinese Americans; Science Reports; + #376 Message from Rep. Judy Chu; Gary Locke Honored; Chinese Americans; Science Reports; + In This Issue #376 · New Year Message from Rep. Judy Chu · Gary Locke Honored for His Public Service · U.S.–China Rhetoric Shapes the Lives of Chinese Americans · Science: Tables Turned and Brain Drain · News and Activities for the Communities New Year Message from Rep. Judy Chu In a Lunar New Year message to APA Justice during the monthly meeting on February 2, 2026, Congresswoman Judy Chu 赵美心 —Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)—welcomed the Year of the Horse as a time to renew energy, focus, and commitment to the issues impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Reflecting on her 2015 call to organize against the growing racial profiling of Chinese scientists and researchers, Rep. Chu credited that moment with helping catalyze the formation of the APA Justice Task Force. She expressed deep appreciation for APA Justice leaders, including Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 , Steven Pei 白先慎 , and Vincent Wong 王文奎 , whose sustained advocacy over the past decade has been critical in confronting discrimination, defending civil rights, and educating the community. Rep. Chu highlighted major civil rights battles of the past year, including efforts to block discriminatory state and federal laws restricting land ownership by Chinese and other immigrant communities under the guise of national security. She underscored her leadership in reintroducing the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act with Rep. Al Green , removing discriminatory language from the defense spending bill, and preventing attempts to revive the xenophobic “China Initiative,” which disproportionately targeted Chinese and Chinese American scientists. She warned that national security must never be used as a pretext for racial profiling, particularly as renewed legislative and political efforts threaten hard-won progress. Looking ahead to 2026, Rep. Chu issued a stark warning about escalating threats under the Trump administration, citing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion; the dismantling of the White House Initiative on AANHPI communities; assaults on language access; reckless public health decisions affecting hepatitis B prevention; and the terrorizing impact of aggressive ICE enforcement on immigrant families. She reaffirmed her commitment to accountability, transparency, and humane immigration reform, including her Visible Act and Reuniting Families Act . Closing on a note of resolve, Rep. Chu emphasized that organizations like APA Justice are indispensable partners in the fight ahead. “Together,” she affirmed, “we will keep fighting back and keep moving forward this Year of the Horse.” Amanda Yuen , Legislative Aide to Rep. Judy Chu whose portfolio includes issues affecting the AANHPI community, introduced the video. Watch the video of Rep. Chu’s new year message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcOcQG4mTH8 (12:04). G ary Locke Honored for His Public Service Former Washington Governor Gary Locke 骆家辉 was awarded the Elliott L. Richardson Prize by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) on January 28, 2026, recognizing a career defined by public service, integrity, and historic firsts. Locke is the first Chinese American elected governor in the United States and the first Chinese American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He received the biennial award alongside former Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. NAPA President and CEO James-Christian Blockwood praised both honorees, stating they “exemplify a model of leadership rooted in commitment, excellence and service that will inspire future generations of public servants.” Locke told AsAmNews that the honor came as a surprise. “It’s not something that I sought,” he said. “I’m very honored to have been selected and to be in the company of Janet Yellen… and also in the company of so many other very distinguished Americans who have received this award.” The prize honors the legacy of Elliott L. Richardson , the only individual to serve in four U.S. Cabinet positions, and is awarded to leaders who embody his principles of ethical public administration. Locke’s path to public office began not with political ambition but with community advocacy. Raised in Seattle’s Chinatown, he started his career as an attorney intending to help immigrant families with wills and legal documents. His work preserving Chinatown and expanding Asian American employment opportunities eventually led others to encourage him to run for office. “The more I thought about it, I said, why not me?” Locke recalled. “If we really care about the issues affecting our community… we need to be at the table helping set the policies and making the decisions.” He often cites his success within his family’s immigrant story. Locke has spoken passionately of his grandfather, who immigrated from China and worked as a houseboy in exchange for English lessons. “It took our family 100 years to move one mile and into the Governor’s Mansion,” he once commented. Reflecting more broadly, Locke said, “Our family’s story is really the story of so many other Asian Americans and really all Americans… wave after wave of people from all around the world… has made America great.” Looking back, Locke identifies several defining moments: being sworn in as governor, being singled out by President Clinton during a State of the Union address, and later serving under President Obama as Commerce Secretary and U.S. Ambassador to China. Yet his favorite memories remain the town halls across Washington State. “People would just come up on a microphone and just talk about their concerns,” he said. “Meeting people from all walks of life” was the most rewarding part of governing. Now, Locke serves as the chairman of Locke Global Strategies and on the executive board of the Committee 100. Committee 100 is an organization comprised of prominent Chinese citizens and Chinese Americans that aims to bridge the gap between the U.S and China and to promote the full participation of all Chinese Americans in American society. In keeping with the prize’s spirit, Locke is donating his award funds to the College Success Foundation, which provides college scholarships to foster youth. “I am really humbled by this award,” Locke said. “And I just hope that I’ve made people proud.” Gary Locke has made all of us proud. Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/4brvBGd . Watch the video posted by the National Academy of Public Administration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJuTVuVJdC0 (1:46:35). U.S.–China Rhetoric Shapes the Lives of Chinese Americans A ccording to The Hill on January 29, 2026, a new survey conducted by the Committee of 100 in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago finds that a majority of Americans (54 percent) believe President Trump’s rhetoric about China negatively affects how people of Chinese descent are treated in the United States. The findings highlight a strong public awareness that U.S.–China relations—and especially the language used by political leaders and the media—have real consequences for Chinese Americans’ daily lives, including their sense of belonging, safety, and mental health. Cindy Tsai , executive vice president and general counsel of the Committee of 100, emphasized this connection, noting the direct impact that rhetoric can have on whether Chinese Americans feel secure and accepted in their own country. The survey also demonstrates that precision in language matters: respondents reacted more positively toward Chinese Americans when news coverage attributed wrongdoing to the “Chinese government” rather than to “China” broadly, reinforcing the importance of distinguishing governments from people. Despite high levels of unfavorable views of China overall, majorities of Democrats and Republicans support closer U.S.–China cooperation on shared challenges, and only a small minority favor banning Chinese students and researchers from the United States. Together, these findings suggest broad bipartisan recognition that rhetoric and policy choices not only shape foreign relations but also profoundly influence how Americans perceive—and treat—fellow citizens and residents of Chinese descent. Read The Hill report: https://bit.ly/4qKP3Tb Science: Tables Turned and Brain Drain According to a Science opinion on January 29, 2026, for much of the past century, U.S. scientific leadership has been driven by major national research initiatives, often spurred by geopolitical competition. That dominance began to erode about two decades ago as China surged ahead in engineering and materials science, and more recently in medicine and biopharmaceuticals. Guided by long-term planning—especially its 14th Five-Year Plan—China has streamlined clinical trials, reduced costs, accelerated drug approvals, and dramatically expanded its drug development pipeline. As a result, China has reached parity with the U.S. in drug development, with one-third of new drugs licensed by major U.S. pharmaceutical companies now originating there. Despite these shifts, the U.S. response has been muted, reflecting policy drift rather than a coordinated national strategy. Industry leaders warn that this complacency risks ceding the future of life sciences. They argue the U.S. is prioritizing domestic manufacturing while neglecting the fundamental research that generates long-term value and innovation—effectively “outsourcing innovation.” Beyond economics, the essay urges the U.S. to rethink its zero-sum approach to China, recognizing science as a global public good. America’s historical strengths—sustained public funding and openness to global talent—are weakening, even as cooperation becomes more essential. As the author concludes, just as today’s devices combine American science and Chinese manufacturing, future life-saving medicines may reverse that equation unless the U.S. reengages strategically, collaboratively, and ambitiously. Read the Science opinion: https://bit.ly/4aoq8yZ According to a Science report on January 26, 2026, there was a significant loss of STEM Ph.D. employees in the U.S. federal government during Donald Trump 's presidency. In 2025, over 10,000 doctoral-trained experts in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and health fields left their positions, accounting for 14% of the total STEM Ph.D. workforce in federal agencies. This exodus was part of a broader reduction in the federal workforce, with departures outnumbering new hires by a ratio of 11 to 1 across 14 research agencies analyzed. The National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy, and U.S. Forest Service were among the hardest hit, losing a significant percentage of their highly trained workforce. The reasons for these departures varied, with most leaving due to retirements, quitting, or buyout offers. While reductions in force (RIFs) accounted for some exits, other factors such as fear of being fired or disagreements with Trump administration policies also played a role. At NSF, nearly half of the departing STEM Ph.D.s were rotators—academics temporarily working at the agency—whose positions were largely eliminated. The loss of these experts resulted in a substantial reduction in federal work experience, with 106,636 years of experience lost in 2025 alone. The report underscores the impact of these losses on the affected agencies, which rely heavily on the expertise of STEM Ph.D.s for research and operations. It also provides detailed data analysis and visualizations to illustrate the trends. Read the Science report on the great government brain drain: https://bit.ly/3ZJPbGu News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/02/12 New York Regional Convening and Listening Session 2026/02/17 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative "Personal Marketing and Mentorship" 2026/03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 02/12 New York Regional Convening and Listening Session WHAT : New York Regional Convening and Listening Session WHEN : February 12, 2026, 3:30 - 6:00 pm ET WHERE : New York University, Kimmel Center, Rosenthal Pavilion, 60 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012 HOST : National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission DESCRIPTION : The National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission is continuing its listening tour across the country and will be in NYC next! We invite anyone interested in learning more about the work of the Commission—including community leaders, academic professionals, and youth—to join us and share your input on what a future National Asian Pacific American Museum could look like. Learn more at www.nationalapamuseum.org . REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3ZhTQ2n 3. Celebrating 250: Building America’s Future Together WHAT : Celebrating 250 - Building America’s Future Together WHEN : May 12-14, 2026 · May 12-13: Legislative Leadership Summit: May 12-13 · May 13: 32nd Annual Awards Gala: May 13 · May 14: Military Leadership Appreciation Luncheon WHERE : TBD HOST : Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) DESCRIPTION : Join the APAICS community this May for our Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) Heritage Month events! This year's theme, "Celebrating 250: Building America's Future Together," is dedicated to honoring the deep-rooted legacy of AA & NH/PIs in our country and looking ahead to the future we're forging together. Learn More : https://bit.ly/4t6IgET # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF February 4, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #35 Sign On To Letter To President-Elect To End DOJ's "China Initiative" #35 Sign On To Letter To President-Elect To End DOJ's "China Initiative" Back View PDF December 16, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #219 Anti-China Language; OK Governor Fact-Checked; Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act; More​ #219 Anti-China Language; OK Governor Fact-Checked; Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act; More In This Issue #219 · Survey Says Politicians' Anti-China Language Prompted Anti-Asian Violence · Investigative Report Contradicts Oklahoma Governor's Rhetoric On China Buying Up Land · 80th Anniversary of Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act · News and Activities for the Communities Survey Says Politicians' Anti-China Language Prompted Anti-Asian Violence According to NBC News , a new poll revealed that most potential 2024 voters in battleground states believe that politicians’ use of anti-China rhetoric was responsible for the previous spike in violence toward Asian Americans. The results of the survey, conducted by the National AAPI Power Fund, is proof that voters “see through the scapegoating,” EunSook Lee , director of the organization, said. The poll, which was conducted in September, surveyed 900 likely 2024 general election voters across eight battleground states including Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania, in addition to California. It showed that 61% of likely voters believe politicians’ anti-China rhetoric, casting the country as an economic and national security threat, contributed to anti-Asian violence. The study also included surveys from Lake Research Partners that showed participants want to “hear solutions and not place blame,” Joshua Ulibari , partner at the research firm, said in a news release. “It’s important that candidates and organizations know that anti-China rhetoric doesn’t foster any short-term or long-term gains,” Ulibari added. “Candidates can and have won without pointing fingers at China or skirting responsibility for inflation and job creation.”“We know that anti-China rhetoric doesn’t just affect Chinese people. It affects Asian Americans because the public can’t distinguish between someone who’s Chinese and someone who’s not,” Stephanie Chan, director of data and research at the nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate, said. “We’ve seen how the political rhetoric then translates into even what people mimic and say when they are committing a hate act. So we are definitely bracing for that.”Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3SBn8GT According to AsAmNews , China bashing loomed large at the third Republican Presidential debate Nov. 8 in Miami, Florida, setting off fears of a fresh wave of anti-Asian American hate crimes. “We have significant concerns about the 2024 election in the current political landscape, and believe hate crimes and incidents will continue to be an issue,” Manjusha Kulkarni , co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, told Ethnic Media Services . The web portal, which allows victims to report hate attacks or incidents in one of several Asian languages, has logged over 11,500 reports since its inception in March, 2020.Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/49z8R3C Investigative Report Contradicts Oklahoma Governor's Rhetoric On China Buying Up Land According to Investigate Midwest , Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt told a Fox News reporter his state’s land was under threat from the Chinese “Communist Party.” Thousands of acres were being bought by China-based companies and individuals to build marijuana farms, if not for more nefarious purposes, the Republican governor said. Stitt was correct that Oklahoma has seen more land purchases by foreign companies or individuals than most other states. In fact, between 2015 and 2021, the amount of foreign-owned land in Oklahoma increased by more than 300%. Only Nebraska had a bigger jump. Across the country, lawmakers in statehouses and in Congress have been raising the alarm over the growth in foreign-owned land, often claiming the Chinese government is behind the purchases in an effort to control food supplies or spy on critical U.S. infrastructure. Some of the strongest rhetoric has been in Oklahoma, where the state’s rapidly growing medical marijuana industry has provided officials a political opportunity to seize on anti-Chinese sentiments that have intensified in recent years, especially among many Republican voters.But in Oklahoma, the growth in foreign-owned land pointed to by Stitt has little to do with marijuana farms or Chinese companies, according to records from the United States Department of Agriculture.Instead, it’s almost entirely from companies in Canada and Europe that bought or leased land to build wind and solar farms.The only Oklahoma land owned by a Chinese company in USDA’s records is a combined 2,571 acres held by Smithfield Foods, a large pork producer that moved into the state several years ago. Chinese companies did not account for a single acre of growth in 2020.Across the country, dozens of other states have also recently considered new laws to stop the growth in foreign-owned land, with some efforts explicitly targeting property owners with ties to China. In Congress, some have raised concerns about international espionage and highlighted the growing power of international agriculture corporations. Others have warned the rush to ban foreign ownership could harm immigrant farmers and ranchers. Read the Investigate Midwest report: https://bit.ly/3MCXRZc 80th Anniversary of Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law on May 6, 1882, to prohibit the immigration of Chinese laborers for ten years. It marked the first time the United States prohibited immigration based on ethnicity and national origin. The Chinese Exclusion Act was extended in 1892 for another ten years and then made permanent in 1902, each time with increasingly severe restrictions on immigration and naturalization. In 1943, at a time when the United States and China were allies during World War II, the ban on Chinese immigration and naturalization was finally repealed. However, immigration quotas remained, leaving a yearly limit of 105 Chinese immigrants. The Immigration Act of 1965 raised the quota to 170,000 immigrants from outside the Western Hemisphere, with a maximum of 20,000 from any one country. The Immigration Act of 1990 established a "flexible" worldwide cap on family-based, employment-based, and diversity immigrant visas.The Library of Congress has a large collection of historical documents on the Chinese Exclusion Act here: https://bit.ly/3QQZJQy The 1882 Project, a nonpartisan, grassroots effort focused on educating lawmakers and the public on the Chinese Exclusion Laws and the impact such legislation had on the U.S. history, worked successfully with the 112th Congress. In 2011-2012, Congress condemned the Chinese Exclusion Act and affirmed a commitment to preserve civil rights and constitutional protections for all people: the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 201 , sponsored by Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts, in 2011; and the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 683 , authored by Congresswoman Judy Chu 赵美心 of California, in 2012.Five national organizations spearheaded the 1882 Project: the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, the Committee of 100, the Japanese American Citizens League, the National Council of Chinese Americans, and OCA. Read more about the 1882 Project: https://bit.ly/3j7StPa . The 1882 Project was later turned into a non-profit foundation to promote public awareness of the history and continuing significance of the Chinese Exclusion Laws.This year is the 80th anniversary of the Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act and also the 125th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on Wong Kim Ark 黄金德. Wong Kim Ark was born in San Francisco to parents who were both Chinese citizens. At age 21, he took a trip to China to visit his parents. When he returned to the United States, he was denied entry on the grounds that he was not a U.S. citizen. In a 6-to-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Wong Kim Ark and affirmed the birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. The 1882 Foundation will host a commemoration and lecture at the Library of Congress in Washington DC on December 13, 2023. Visit the APA Justice Community Calendar for more information as it becomes available. Contact for the event is Ted Gong , Executive Director of the 1882 Foundation at ted.gong88@gmail.com Marty Gold served as pro bono counsel to the 1882 Project. He served as Floor Advisor and Counsel to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and was also counsel to Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker Jr . Marty Gold wrote a 616-page book titled "Forbidden Citizens: Chinese Exclusion and the U.S. Congress: A Legislative History" that traces the timeline and background of the exclusion laws. In collaboration with Marty Gold, Jeremy Wu 胡善庆, Co-Organizer of APA Justice, created a timeline visualization of the legislative history of the Chinese Exclusion Act in English here: https://bit.ly/4694kCa and in Chinese here: https://bit.ly/32VYbdm News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2023/11/15 1990 Institute Media Narratives - Evaluating U.S.-China Headlines2023/11/16 C100 Forum Debate: Has the Chinese Economy Slowed Down Permanently, Temporarily, or It Depends?2023/11/18 Inaugural Jimmy Carter Conversation on U.S.-China Relations 2023/11/18-19 National API Elected Officials Summit2023/11/19 Rep. Gene Wu 's Weekly Town Hall meeting 2023/11/26 Rep. Gene Wu 's Weekly Town Hall meeting 2023/12/05 Rep. Gene Wu 's Weekly Town Hall meeting Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. APA Justice Supports GWU Comments on NIH Draft Scientific Integrity Policy APA Justice joined a coalition of 11 organizations in sending a 10-page comment to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on its draft scientific integrity policy. The effort is led by the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health at George Washington University (GWU). The coalition urges that the NIH scientific integrity policy contain: 1. Protections and accountability for grantees; 2. Commitment to equity for grantees and the scientific workforce; 3. More explicit procedures for investigating allegations; 4. Specifics that delineate scientists’ ability to communicate with the media and public about their areas of expertise, without leaving scientists vulnerable to bad-faith attacks; 5. Clarification of the scope and duration of scientific clearance procedures; 6. Penalties sufficient to deter wrongdoing and hold accountable all scientific integrity violators, including political appointees; 7. Specific protections from retaliation for those engaged in scientific activities that may put them at risk for reprisal; 8. Public availability of advisory committee members’ conflict-of-interest waivers; 9. A mechanism for addressing allegations that involve multiple agencies and/or high-level officials; and 10. Specifics regarding issues to be addressed by the Scientific Integrity Officer as opposed to other offices. On a related note, the U.S. Senate voted by 62 to 36 to confirm Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to serve as the Director of the National Institutes of Health on November 7, 2023. She took office officially on November 9. Back View PDF November 13, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #378 2/26 Webinar; 2/24 Court Hearing; AAJC; Section 702; Alien Land Laws; FY26 R&D Funding #378 2/26 Webinar; 2/24 Court Hearing; AAJC; Section 702; Alien Land Laws; FY26 R&D Funding In This Issue #378 · 02/26 Webinar: Global Competition for Talent & International Students · 02/24 Hearing: Estate of Dr. Jane Wu v. Northwestern · Joanna YangQing Derman: Update from Advancing Justice | AAJC · Section 702 of FISA Expiring · Alien-ating Asians in 21st-Century Land Laws · Advocacy Works: FY26 Federal R&D Funding · News and Activities for the Communities Happy Year of the Horse! Wishing you strength, courage, and joy in every stride this year! (credit: JadeTime) 02/26 Webinar: Global Competition for Talent & International Students WHAT : Global Competition for Talent & International Students WHEN : February 26, 2026, 8:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOSTS : APA Justice, Committee of 100, US-China Education Trust Moderator : Margaret K. Lewis 陸梅吉 , Professor of Law, Seton Hall University School of Law Speakers: · Fanta Aw , Executive Director and CEO of Association of International Educators (NAFSA) · Steven Chu 朱棣文 , Professor of Stanford University and former U.S. Secretary of Energy DESCRIPTION : As geopolitical competition intensifies between the United States and China, the flow of talent and students across borders has become a critical flashpoint. International students – particularly those from China – have enriched American universities, driven innovation, and strengthened people-to-people ties. Yet today, visa restrictions, security concerns, and shifting immigration policies are reshaping the landscape. At the same time, China and other nations are competing aggressively to attract global talent, transforming higher education into an arena of strategic competition. Chinese American students and scholars increasingly find themselves caught in the middle – facing heightened scrutiny, profiling, and questions about their loyalty. This webinar will examine how the U.S.-China relationship is affecting international student mobility, university partnerships, and the global competition for talent. What are the implications of competition for American universities, research ecosystems, and soft power? How are students and scholars navigating new restrictions and uncertainties? How can policies balance openness and U.S. competitiveness? REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/1-15email 02/24 Hearing: Estate of Dr. Jane Wu v. Northwestern Liz Rao , daughter of Dr. Jane Wu 吴瑛 , spoke at the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 2, 2026. Her remarks are off the record. The Cook County Circuit Court has scheduled an open hearing of the case of Estate of Dr. Jane Wu v Northwestern University on February 24, 2026, starting at 10:00 am CT. Location is Court Room 1906, Richard J Daley Center, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. For those who wish to attend and show support in honor of Dr. Jane Wu, please contact Valentina Dallona (she/her), Political Director, Justice Is Global, at vdallona@justiceisglobal.org . On February 12, 2026, The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), in partnership with the Federation of Asian Professor Associations (FAPA), announced that more than 1,000 faculty members joined a letter to Northwestern University demanding accountability in the case of Dr. Jane Ying Wu. Read the joint letter: https://buff.ly/GJBbu1r Joanna YangQing Derman: Update from Advancing Justice | AAJC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 2, 2026, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, reported that AAJC briefed congressional offices on the status of discriminatory land laws, specifically focusing on ongoing litigation in Texas and Florida. AAJC maintains that property restrictions based on nationality or presumed foreign affiliations (targeting individuals from countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia) raise profound civil rights concerns. Joanna emphasized that any federal legislation in this area must be narrowly targeted to avoid discriminatory impacts on the AAPI community. Joanna flagged the upcoming April 2026 expiration of Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). She notes that Congress should not reauthorize Section 702 without sweeping reforms to ensure that it cannot be used as a domestic spying tool. As negotiations are currently underway, now is a critical window to advocate for: · Robust privacy protections and strengthened oversight. · Measures to prevent disproportionate impacts on civil liberties, particularly for AAPI individuals with international familial or professional ties. AAJC and the Surveillance Reform Coalition are actively engaging with members of Congress to balance national security with individual rights. Joanna warned that the community should expect "rapid-fire" requests in the coming months, including sign-on letters and call campaigns as legislative action accelerates. Section 702 of FISA Expiring Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire on April 20, 2026, giving Congress roughly two months to decide whether to renew, reform, or allow the surveillance authority to lapse. Section 702 permits the government to target non-U.S. persons abroad for intelligence purposes, but it can incidentally collect Americans’ communications. The government may also conduct warrantless “backdoor” searches of that data for information about Americans—an authority that has long generated bipartisan privacy concerns. During a classified Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, reported by CNN on February 9, 2026, lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration after FBI and NSA officials declined to clarify whether the Trump administration supports reauthorization. Although successive administrations have defended Section 702 as a vital national security tool, past FBI misuse and court findings of rights violations have intensified scrutiny. Civil liberties advocates continue to press for reforms, including a warrant requirement for searches of Americans’ communications—a proposal that nearly passed in 2024 and is expected to resurface before the deadline. Read the CNN report: https://cnn.it/3OHrzQz . Read The Intercept report: https://bit.ly/3ZBfBuk Alien-ating Asians in 21st-Century Land Laws According to a Just Security report co-authored by Donna Doan Anderson , Assistant Professor University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Joanna YangQing Derman , Director of Advancing Justice | AAJC, .the U.S. is experiencing a renewed wave of land-based nationalism that frames foreign ownership of farmland — particularly by Chinese individuals or entities — as a national security threat. Federal initiatives have promoted the narrative that foreign farmland ownership endangers American safety and prosperity. Several states, including Florida and Texas, have enacted laws restricting property ownership based on domicile or national origin, with Chinese citizens specifically targeted in some cases. These laws face ongoing legal challenges, though courts have often dismissed cases on standing grounds. Since 2021, dozens of states have introduced similar legislation. The article places these modern laws in historical context, arguing they echo 19th- and early 20th-century “alien land laws” that barred Asians from owning property under racialized citizenship rules. It contends that current policies similarly rely on stereotypes portraying Asians — especially Chinese people — as perpetual “aliens” or foreign “agents.” Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that Chinese-linked entities own only a very small fraction of U.S. farmland — about 0.03 percent of total farmland and less than 1 percent of foreign-held farmland — far less than countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, or the United Kingdom. Critics argue that the focus on China is disproportionate and politically motivated. The article further contends that federal efforts to frame farmland ownership as a national security issue, including attempts to insert restrictions into the National Defense Authorization Act, conflate legitimate cybersecurity concerns with civilian land ownership. It suggests that broad land bans do little to address genuine security threats and may conflict with existing federal investment review authorities. The piece also argues that these laws risk reinforcing anti-Asian stereotypes, increasing discrimination, and subjecting Asian Americans — regardless of citizenship or immigration status — to suspicion and additional scrutiny. It concludes that contemporary “alien” land laws revive historical patterns of exclusion and that advocates should prepare to challenge policies that link Asian identity with national threat narratives. Read the Just Security report: https://bit.ly/4kAOxVz Advocacy Works: FY26 Federal R&D Funding In a Science editorial on February 5, 2026, the past year for U.S. science was portrayed as deeply contradictory. On one hand, the Trump administration’s actions led to funding cuts, the dismantling of workforce programs, threats to indirect cost reimbursements, and tighter immigration for international students—moves that damaged institutions and demoralized students and early-career scientists. On the other hand, outcomes were better than feared: Congress restored science funding, courts rejected efforts to alter indirect cost rules, and NIH and NSF successfully disbursed all appropriated 2025 funds before they expired. These opposing realities, the editorial argues, must be understood together to make sense of the current moment. On February 4, 2026, The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), parent organization to the Science Magazine, reported that President Trump has signed into law the remaining federal appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026, securing funding for U.S. research and development after a year of significant uncertainty. Although the administration initially proposed steep reductions, those cuts were ultimately rejected, reflecting strong bipartisan support for science and technology in Congress. As a result, the final funding levels are far more favorable than expected. The National Institutes of Health received a slight increase, the National Institute of Standards and Technology saw a substantial 26.5% boost, and most other major science agencies experienced flat funding or only modest reductions. These outcomes are presented as a clear contrast to the drastic cuts outlined in the President’s original budget request and as evidence of Congress’s continued commitment to the scientific enterprise. The report emphasizes that this outcome did not occur by chance. Advocacy by scientists, universities, professional associations, and organizations such as AAAS played a decisive role in conveying the national consequences of gutting federal R&D. Decades of sustained investment have built the U.S. scientific enterprise, and the letter warns that reversing those gains would have taken generations to undo. Finally, the report cautions that the work is not finished. Close oversight is needed to ensure that the Office of Management and Budget implements the appropriations as enacted and does not circumvent congressional intent. Looking ahead to the FY2027 appropriations cycle, the message urges continued engagement and advocacy, arguing that flat funding is insufficient and that sustained growth in R&D investment is essential to preserving U.S. global competitiveness. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/02/17 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative "Personal Marketing and Mentorship" 2026/02/19 AAUC Town Hall: Fighting the Fear 2026/02/23 Sign On Deadline - Amicus Brief Opposing the Birthright Citizenship EO 14160 2026/02/24 Hearing: Estate of Dr. Jane Wu v. Northwestern 2026/02/26 Global Competition for Talent & International Students 2026/03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. AAUC Town Hall: Fighting the Fear WHAT: AAUC Town Hall: Fighting the Fear WHEN: February 19, 2026, 1:00 pm ET WHERE: Online Town Hall HOST: Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) DESCRIPTION: At this town hall meeting, we'll hear inspiring stories of how Minnesotan's have stood up to ICE's campaign of fear and intimidation. We'll demystify the the playbook that's used to justify their unchecked power and civil-rights violations. Only then can we mobilize our communities to resist the unlawful actions that have spread across the country. We'll hear from community leaders in Minnesota. We also want to hear from you. If you’d like to speak for up to three minutes, please indicate this on the registration form. This town hall is a chance to build momentum together ahead of the midterm elections. Democracy is under assault, but we still have to the power exercise our Constitutional rights and make a difference. REGISTRATION : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3UM6pB0yRMO6kWg-IfmpDA#/registration 3. 2026/02/23 Sign On Deadline - Amicus Brief Opposing the Birthright Citizenship EO 14160 Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) — together with the Korematsu Center (UCI Law), the Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice (Seattle U Law), and O’Melveny & Myers — is filing an amicus brief warning that the Executive Order 14160 could enable retroactive denaturalization, putting millions of U.S. citizens at risk. Citing United States v. Thind and the history of stripping citizenship from Asian Americans, the brief shows how these threats are not theoretical. Citizenship determines the right to work, vote, travel, and fully belong. Asian Americans have long been at the center of this fight. AALDEF invites you to sign on and affirm that attacks on birthright citizenship — rooted in the legacy of exclusion — have no place in our democracy. Contact Marlena Truong , Voting Rights Advocate, AALDEF: mtruong@aaldef.org . Deadline for sign on is February 23, 2026. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF February 17, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #128 FBI Town Halls; ODNI Report; 6/6 Monthly Meeting; Webinar and Op-Ed; Memorial for Norm #128 FBI Town Halls; ODNI Report; 6/6 Monthly Meeting; Webinar and Op-Ed; Memorial for Norm Back View PDF June 2, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

October 22, 2019 The American Physcial Society announced on October 22, 2019 that Temple University Physics professor Xiaoxing Xi is the recipient of the 2020 Andrei Sakharov Prize . The Prize is awarded every two years by the American Physical Society and recognizes "oustanding leadership of scientists in upholding human rights." Citation: "For articulate and steadfast advocacy in support of the US scientific community and open scientific exchange, and especially his efforts to clarify the nature of international scientific collaboration in cases involving allegations of scientific espionage." The struggle of Chinese American scientists against racial profiling by the U.S. government, as symbolized by Professor Xiaoxing Xi, is now recognized to be a human rights issue. Previous Next Professor Xiaoxing Xi Receives Andrei Sakharov Prize

Wuyuan Lu 陆五元 Professor, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Former Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Table of Contents Overview 2012 Institute of Human Virology Annual Report Links and References Overview According to Science on March 23, 2023, for decades, Chinese-born U.S. faculty members like Wuyuan Lu were celebrated for fostering collaborations with colleagues in China. These partnerships were viewed as enriching the scientific community, and universities proudly cited the benefits of their ties to the rising global power. But in late 2018, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when institutions began receiving emails from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), asking them to investigate whether their faculty had violated NIH policies by allegedly failing to disclose affiliations with Chinese institutions. This marked the beginning of a covert, wide-reaching investigation that would result in 103 scientists—many of them tenured faculty—losing their jobs within four years. [By June 2024, the number has increased to 112.] Dr. Lu, a tenured professor at the University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology (IHV), was one of those caught in the crosshairs. In December 2018, he received an urgent email from a senior university research administrator, Dennis Paffrath, who cited concerns raised by the NIH about Dr. Lu's alleged failure to disclose outside research support and affiliations with Chinese universities. The NIH letter pointed to Dr. Lu’s connections with Xi’an Jiaotong University and Fudan University, alleging that his NIH-funded research overlapped with work being conducted in China. Confident that this was a misunderstanding, Dr. Lu responded swiftly. He explained that his collaborations in China were purely academic and that NIH funds were never used for work conducted overseas. He highlighted the intellectual contributions of Chinese students to his NIH-funded research at IHV, stating that the university had not only approved these partnerships but had publicly celebrated them. However, Dr. Lu's reassurances were met with silence for 15 months. When NIH finally responded, it demanded more documentation, asking for detailed descriptions of his research and even English and Chinese copies of contracts he had signed with Chinese institutions. Despite his efforts to comply, NIH remained unsatisfied. Lu felt the pressure mounting. Frustrated by the process and what he perceived as an unjustified witch hunt, Dr. Lu reached his breaking point. In August 2020, after years of uncertainty, he resigned from his tenured position at the University of Maryland. He relocated to China, where he now teaches at Fudan’s medical school in Shanghai. Looking back, Dr. Lu describes the NIH as acting like a “bully.” He felt that the investigation was a form of racial profiling, a symptom of the larger campaign to counter Chinese espionage, despite little evidence of wrongdoing. While the university never explicitly blamed him, Dr. Lu saw them as simply the middleman, caught between NIH's demands and their faculty. The once-celebrated scientist now viewed NIH’s actions as part of a larger trend of targeting Chinese-born academics, reflecting a dramatic shift in the U.S. scientific landscape, where collaboration with China had gone from a prized asset to a perceived liability. 2012 Institute of Human Virology Annual Report The 2012 University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology annual report highlighted Dr. Wuyuan Lu’s structural biology research associated with China. According to the report, “Dr. Wuyuan Lu has recently been tapped by Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU)—a prestigious academic institution in China—to help build a center for translational medicine in the ancient city of Xi’an as an extension of his ongoing biomedical research at IHV. The research center is affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Frontier Institute of Science and Technology of XJTU, and forms a strategic alliance with the University’s First Affiliated Hospital—the largest hospital in northwest China. The core mission of the center is to support biomedical research aimed at translating basic science discoveries into improved human health in the areas of cancer and infectious disease. “Dr. Lu regularly travels to Xi’an for strategic planning consultation that entails the building of the infrastructure of the center, recruitment of its principal investigators, development of curricula for graduate education, and establishment of a multidisciplinary research program. Discussions are also underway about how to launch a platform in Xi’an to foster close collaborations in basic and clinical research on HIV between the Institute of Human Virology and XJTU. Dr. Lu hopes that his stint in Xi’an will ultimately lead to frequent exchanges of basic scientists, clinicians and graduate students, sponsorship of joint research projects by the U.S. and China, and a greater role for the IHV in leading the global fight against HIV/AIDS. “The major goals of IHV’s research in the Laboratory of Chemical Protein Engineering (Lu laboratory) include deciphering the molecular basis of how proteins function, elucidating the structure and function relationships for and mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides, and developing novel antitumor and antiviral peptides for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease. “Structural biology has grown rapidly at IHV, including international expansion of Lu’s program…” Links and References University of Maryland, Baltimore County: Wuyuan Lu 2023/03/23 Science: Pall of Suspicion 2012 University of Maryland: Institute of Human Virology annual report Previous Item Next Item