Newsletter - #274 Alien Land Laws; 08/05 Meeting Summary; US-China Agreement; Hate Incidents in NYC; + #274 Alien Land Laws; 08/05 Meeting Summary; US-China Agreement; Hate Incidents in NYC; + In This Issue #274 · Present and Historical Impacts of Alien Land laws · Summary of August 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted · FT : China-US Tensions Erode Co-operation on Science and Tech · Two Unsettling Anti-Asian Hate Incidents in NYC · News and Activities for the Communities Present and Historical Impacts of Alien Land laws According to NBC News on August 19, 2024, Wen Raiti , a long-time Republican and small business owner in Jacksonville, Florida, switched her party affiliation to Democrat after Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 264, which bans Chinese citizens from purchasing property in Florida. For Raiti, the law was the “last straw” after all the hostile rhetoric and scapegoating that Republicans have directed at Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s in our Constitution to treat everyone with equality and justice so that everyone can live here without fear,” she said. “The Republican Party has abandoned these principles.” “This bill alone helped activate a lot of people in the Chinese American community who historically are not engaged with the government, especially the state government,” said state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando), who has been an outspoken critic of SB 264.The alien land law, which has angered the Chinese American community, has led to increased political engagement and voter mobilization among Chinese Americans, particularly in the lead-up to Florida's August 20 primary. The bill has been seen as discriminatory, drawing comparisons to historical anti-Asian land laws, and has pushed some conservatives to defect from the GOP.The Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA) has been actively working to educate and mobilize voters, with many in the community now more involved in the electoral process. “After the law passed, we realized that Asian Americans really have no voice,” said Echo King , president of FAAJA, a nonprofit organization that was established last year to fight anti-Asian discrimination. “We’re contributing to this country, so why are we being targeted?” Legal experts compared SB 264 to century-old alien land laws that barred Asian Americans from owning land; Florida was one of the last states to repeal its law, in 2018. Chinese American conservatives have also been subjected to rampant anti-communism, or Red Scare tactics. In June, Bowen Kou , a Republican candidate in a state Senate race, sued Senate Republicans over attack ads that claimed he accepted contributions from Chinese donors linked to the Communist Party. In April, a federal appeals court heard a challenge to the law after four Chinese immigrants in Florida, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups, sued the state last summer. Advocates say they are hoping for an injunction ruling. The Justice Department supported the Chinese plaintiffs in a filing last June.Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3yO5EzH On August 12, 2024, UCLA Professor Paul Ong and two co-authors at the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge published a paper titled "Lessons from California's Historical Alien Land Law: Racial Xenophobia and Homeownership." According to the paper, Florida enacted a controversial law known as SB 264 to prohibit foreigners from purchasing real estate, ostensibly for national security reasons. However, this legislation disproportionately targets individuals from Asian countries and risks creating a chilling effect on all Asians. Similar laws passed by other states echo this trend, unfortunately mirroring historical patterns of discrimination. The efforts, however, are not the first efforts targeting Asians. California and other states enacted alien land laws during the first half of the twentieth century. Rooted in deep-seated anti-Asian sentiments and hostilities, particularly directed at Japanese Americans, these laws combined a toxic blend of racism and xenophobia, further marginalizing Asians socially, politically, and economically. While instigated by the anti-Japanese movement, California’s law broadly applied to all aliens ineligible for citizenship -- a category exclusively encompassing Asians.A direct consequence of California’s law was an extremely low homeownership rate among Asians, far below that of other major racial and ethnic groups from 1910 to 1940. Ownership increased as some Asians found ways to circumvent the unfair law and as the number of U.S.-born Asians grew; nonetheless the rate remained significantly lower than that of non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Even after controlling for income, nativity and other factors, Asians were still several times less likely to own homes compared to NHW in 1940.While overt anti-Asian sentiment may be less intense today, Asian Americans continue to face discriminatory treatment, as evidenced by the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This animus often stems from the perception of Asians as perpetual foreigners, exacerbated by rising global tensions with Asian nations. While the current wave of alien land laws may not explicitly target Asians, they have the potential to harm Asian Americans by restricting property ownership rights and fueling anti-Asian rhetoric.Read the report: https://bit.ly/3AsgDzc Summary of August 2024 Monthly Meeting Posted The August 2024 APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 . We thank the following speakers for their reports and updates: · Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Casey Lee , Policy Director for CAPAC, provided an update on recent activities, thanking Professor Franklin Tao and his wife for participating in a press conference celebrating their recent victory. CAPAC remains committed to supporting Professor Franklin Tao’s reinstatement at the University of Kansas. Casey also highlighted CAPAC’s efforts to remove the China Initiative language from the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, which passed out of committee in July but was not considered by the full House before recess. CAPAC will collaborate with lawmakers and advocacy groups to ensure the provision is excluded from the final bill. · Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC. Joanna voiced strong support for Casey's remarks and highlighted Advancing Justice | AAJC's efforts to oppose the reinstatement of the China Initiative, particularly focusing on language in the House's Commerce and Justice Appropriations report. Fortunately, the Senate version lacks this language, offering hope for a positive outcome in conference discussions. AAJC is closely collaborating with CAPAC and other allies to monitor developments. They are also tracking the Department of Treasury’s proposed rulemaking related to CFIUS and may submit comments to ensure protections against national origin discrimination. Additionally, AAJC is coordinating with coalition partners to align their advocacy efforts and recently held a press briefing celebrating Professor Tao’s legal victory. Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF). Gisela reported that AASF has been actively working with allies on policy impacts while fostering community engagement. The inaugural Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony, held in partnership with Stanford University's Asian American Activity Center, was a resounding success, drawing over 1,300 attendees. The event featured prominent figures in AI, life sciences, and leadership, including Nobel and Turing Award laureates, with participation from industry leaders and academic figures like Stanford University President John Levin. The symposium highlighted the contributions of Asian Americans, aligning with AASF's broader civil rights efforts. AASF's high school competition, which encouraged students to create videos about medal recipients, further promoted understanding of Asian American history. AASF remains committed to supporting Dr. Franklin Tao and continues to collaborate with civil rights partners to ensure Asian American perspectives are represented in federal policymaking. Membership is now open to all scholars who support AASF's mission. Anne S. Chao , Co-founder, Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum; Program Manager, Houston Asian American Archive (HAAA), Rice University. Anne S. Chao co-founded HAAA, recognizing the lack of records documenting Asian American lives in one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Over the past 15 years, HAAA has grown to include around 500 interviews, various awards, performances, and exhibits, capturing the multifaceted lives of Asian Americans in the Greater Houston area. The archive includes interviews with notable figures such as Judge Theresa Chang, astronaut Leroy Chiao, and renowned physicist Paul Chu, among others. Anne shared the story of the Gee family's contributions to Houston, with plans for a book and curriculum on their legacy. On the national level, Anne highlighted the need for an Asian Pacific American Museum on the National Mall, noting the absence of such a museum despite existing museums for African Americans, Latinos, and women. Although Congress passed H.R. 3525 in 2021 to study the feasibility of creating an Asian Pacific American Museum, the commission cannot start work until all eight commissioner positions are filled. To advance this effort, Anne co-founded the Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum, aiming to mobilize support, fundraising, and coordination to fast-track the museum's establishment. The organization is engaging museum experts and academics nationwide to contribute to the museum's development. · Franklin Tao 陶丰 , former Professor of Kansas University, Victim of China Initiative; Hong Peng 彭鸿 , Wife of Professor Tao. Professor Tao shared an emotional account of his five-year ordeal, beginning with his arrest under the China Initiative in 2019, based on false accusations. Despite being acquitted of all charges by the 10th Circuit Court, the experience has devastated his life and career, costing him nearly everything, including his position at Kansas University (KU), which terminated him in breach of an agreement. Tao and his wife, Hong Peng, faced immense financial and emotional strain, borrowing heavily and nearly going bankrupt, while Hong worked multiple jobs to support their family. Their children also suffered, with trauma from FBI surveillance and the overall impact of the situation. In the past few years while he was fighting his case, Professor Tao published 30 papers and retained the capability of working as a faculty member. Hong Peng echoed her husband’s account, detailing the intense hardship they endured, including the toll on their children's mental health. She worked tirelessly to keep the family afloat, all while watching Franklin struggle with depression. The family's suffering was compounded by the immense legal and financial burdens they carried. Despite the challenges, justice was ultimately served with Franklin's acquittal, and they remain hopeful that KU will reinstate him, allowing them to rebuild their lives. Both Franklin and Hong expressed deep gratitude for the support they received from their community, legal team, and various organizations, which played a crucial role in achieving this victory. · Ron Barrett-Gonzalez , Committee A Co-Chair, Kansas Conference of the American Association of University Professors (KCAAUP); and Rob Catlett , Committee A C-Chair, KCAAUP. The AAUP is a state-wide body representing over 400 faculty members from various higher education institutions across Kansas. The Conference, led by volunteer officers, addresses issues such as due process denial, governance, and tenure disputes. Recently, Kansas University (KU) Professor Ron Barrett-Gonzalez and Emporia State University Professor Rob Catlett met with a KU administrator to advocate for the reinstatement of Dr. Franklin Tao. Ron and Rob approached the meeting with a strategy focused on persuading the KU administration to reinstate Dr. Tao quietly but effectively, emphasizing the ethical and legal imperative to correct this wrong. They outlined a plan to reinstate Dr. Tao during a time when national attention would be elsewhere, offering KU an opportunity to rectify the situation without significant public backlash. The administrator seemed receptive, taking detailed notes and promising a response by August 19. If KU does not act, the newly formed KU Faculty Union, supported by 87% of voters, could escalate the issue, potentially turning it into a rallying cause, attracting media attention, and strengthening the union's influence. Ron and Rob remain hopeful, given their past successes with the same administrator, that justice will prevail, and Dr. Tao will be reinstated. Read the August APA Justice monthly meeting summary: https://bit.ly/3AHFSO1 . Read previous monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP FT : China-US Tensions Erode Co-operation on Science and Tech According to the Financial Times on August 19, 2024, rising tensions between the US and China threaten to sever a 45-year-old science and technology pact due for renewal later this month, hindering the superpowers’ collaboration in critical areas. The science and technology agreement between the U.S. and China, originally signed in 1979, has been a significant framework for bilateral cooperation in various fields like energy, agriculture, and disaster management. However, renewing this agreement has become increasingly difficult due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including U.S. concerns over China's access to sensitive technologies and issues related to intellectual property and espionage. Although researchers advocate for continued collaboration in areas like climate change and AI safety, the strained political climate, especially in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election, complicates the prospects of a long-term extension. The potential cancellation of the accord could have a chilling effect on future joint research projects and academic collaborations, underscoring the importance of maintaining ties between researchers to address global challenges.The agreement expired in August 2023. It has been extended temporarily for six months twice. The current extension expires on August 27, 2024.Read the Financial Times report: https://on.ft.com/4dR8Tp4 . Two Unsettling Anti-Asian Hate Incidents in NYC Two unsettling incidents involving racially motivated attacks against Asian Americans occurred in New York City in recent months, highlighting concerns about racism, bigotry, and anti-Asian hate, as well as the work to fight against them still has a long way to go. Shiva Rajgopal , an Indian descent and Kester and Byrnes Professor at Columbia Business School, published a post on his LinkedIn account, sharing the disturbing attack that he suffered on August 19, 2024.“Completely unprovoked, a well toned white male with a red mountain bike slaps me on the face on 112th and Broadway. My glasses go flying. Then he goes on to hurl racial epithets:‘ you think I am afraid of you lot. You f..ing Indians.’ Another white person comes to my rescue. And I just ran like hell,” wrote Rajgopal.Rajgopal was rattled by what he had experienced. He said this was the first time that he had suffered explicit racial abuse in his 32 years in the United States. “No wonder so many of my colleagues are leaving the upper west side of New York City for the suburbs,” Rajgopal concluded.In a separate case, Ben Chang , a Columbia University spokesperson and vice president for communications, was assaulted near campus by a man who struck him with a metal water bottle and yelled xenophobic remarks. Despite attempting to avoid the confrontation, Chang was pursued by the attacker until he managed to alert a public safety officer. Chang, who was born and raised in the U.S., found the experience jarring and emphasized the importance of reporting such attacks to prevent them in the future. These incidents reflect continuing concerns about anti-Asian racial tensions and violence in New York City. Amid the pandemic and its aftermath, a number of high-profile, unsettled, anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents happened in New York City. It is unclear what motivated the attacker to assault Rajgopal. It is worthwhile to note that Indian Americans have risen quickly in the nation’s political arena. Democratic party's presidential nominee, Kamala Harris , has a mother of Indian descent. And Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance ’s wife Usha Vance is also an Indian American. Juan Zhang , editor at US-China Perception Monitor, contributed this report. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/09/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/09/09 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/09/19 1990 Teachers Workshop: Asian American Identity2024/09/19-20 AANHPI Unity Summit2024/1002 C100: Asian American Career Ceiling Initiative2024/10/06 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/10/07 APA Justice Monthly MeetingThe Community Calendar has moved. Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. New Research Prize: Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research The Chen Institute and Science launched the "Chen Institute and Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research" in August 2024. This initiative aims to drive advancements in artificial intelligence that can expand scientific research. Young scientists from around the world are invited to submit AI-driven projects that demonstrate significant potential to improve research and lives. The competition will award a Grand Prize of $30,000, with the winner's essay published in Science and an accompanying five-year AAAS membership. Additionally, up to two runners-up will receive $10,000 each, with their essays published on Science Online and the same membership benefits, promoting sustained engagement with scientific progress.Deadline for application is December 13, 2024. For more information and apply for the prize, visit https://bit.ly/3WRwDCB Back View PDF August 22, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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

Newsletter - #108 Happy New Year! We Are All Gang Chen; OSTP & DOJ; Op-Ed/Anming Hu/Simon Ang; HPD+TYW+ #108 Happy New Year! We Are All Gang Chen; OSTP & DOJ; Op-Ed/Anming Hu/Simon Ang; HPD+TYW+ Back View PDF January 24, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #17 "China Initiative" Webinar Opens; "Black Eye" Of DOJ; Who Is Sirous Asgari; WeChat #17 "China Initiative" Webinar Opens; "Black Eye" Of DOJ; Who Is Sirous Asgari; WeChat Back View PDF September 25, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #25 10/5 Meeting Summary; Know Your Rights; America's Lost Talents By Racial Profiling #25 10/5 Meeting Summary; Know Your Rights; America's Lost Talents By Racial Profiling Back View PDF October 28, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #50 Government Data/Information; House/State Hearings; 04/05 Monthly Meeting; NASEM Summit #50 Government Data/Information; House/State Hearings; 04/05 Monthly Meeting; NASEM Summit Back View PDF March 22, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #338 7/7 Meeting; AAU Wins Ruling; Role of Research Universities; Visa Interview to Restart #338 7/7 Meeting; AAU Wins Ruling; Role of Research Universities; Visa Interview to Restart In This Issue #338 · 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · US Judge Rules for AAU and Universities · Tony Chan: The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order · State Department Restarts Student Visa Interviews with New Rules · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We welcome and are honored by the following confirmed distinguished speakers: · Lynn Pasquerella , President, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) · Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy, Association of American Universities (AAU) · Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Founder and President, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) · Paul Cheung 鄭文耀 , President, Committee of 100 · Tony Chan 陳繁昌 , Former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (2018–2024) and Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009–2018) The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . US Judge Rules for AAU and Universities (Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Intern, contributed to this report)According to AP News , Reuters and other media reports, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Massachusetts issued a final judgment on June 20, 2025, in favor of Plaintiffs Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the American Council on Education, and 13 universities, blocking the National Science Foundation's (NSF) policy change that would have capped indirect costs for research grants at 15%. The judge ruled that the NSF's policy change is "invalid, arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law."The civil lawsuit Association of American Universities v. National Science Foundation (1:25-cv-11231) was filed on May 5, 2025. AAU and a coalition also brought these lawsuits against the Trump administration with recent rulings: · Association of American Universities v. Department of Health & Human Services (1:25-cv-10346) . On April 4, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley entered a final judgment and permanent injunction in favor of the Plaintiffs. The Trump administration has filed an appeal. · Association of American Universities v. Department of Energy (1:25-cv-10912) . On May 15, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction , finding that the DOE’s Rate Cap Policy likely violates the Administrative Procedure Act—by taking agency action that conflicts with existing regulation, is arbitrary and capricious, and is impermissibly retroactive—and poses a risk of irreparable harm to research institutions. AAU is an organization of leading research universities in the U.S. and Canada, founded in 1900 to promote academic excellence and influence national higher education and research policy. Its members conduct a significant share of the nation’s research and are central to advancing innovation, economic development, and scientific leadership. Toby Smith , Senior Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy at AAU, will speak at the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 7, 2025.***** WP Opinion: Trump is Undermining U.S. Science On June 18, 2025, the Washington Post published an opinion authored by Neal Lane , physicist and former director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Michael Riordan , physicist and author, warning that the Trump administration’s reckless and erratic actions toward U.S. science are placing the nation at serious risk. The authors urge Congress to immediately reassert its statutory authority over National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, direction, and management in order to support and uphold the future of U.S. science, technology, economic well-being, and national security.Established in 1950, the NSF originally focused on basic research in the physical sciences, only experiencing a burst of political support and funding after the launch of the Soviet Union’s Sputnik I satellite in 1957. Throughout its tenure, the agency has contributed to the development of the internet and World Wide Web , by funding Mosaic and Stanford University’s Digital Library Initiative, in which Larry Page and Sergey Brin developed the Google search engine. NSF has also stimulated great advances in laser and quantum technologies, as well as microbiology.However, the NSF fired 168 employees in February, roughly 10% of its workforce, in compliance with Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing federal personnel to "boost efficiency." The NSF has been terminating grants at a record pace, particularly in areas such as climate science and educational diversity. In 2025, the NSF has awarded only $1 billion in new grants, just half the usual pace compared to previous years. The future seems even more bleak — Trump’s 2026 fiscal year budget calls for slashing $5 billion from the current $9 billion NSF budget. Neal Lane and Michael Riordan emphasize that wholesale firings, budget-slashing, and arbitrary elimination of grants particularly harm young, emerging scientists as they often depend on NSF fellowships and grants to launch their scientific careers. This discouragement directly harms the future of U.S. science. Tony Chan: The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order Tony Chan 陳繁昌 is a distinguished computational mathematician who served as the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from 2009–2018, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2024 .Educated at the California Institute of Technology (B.S., M.S.) and Stanford (Ph.D.), Dr. Chan held leadership roles at Yale and UCLA before becoming assistant director of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate at the U.S. National Science Foundation. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of IEEE, AAAS, and SIAM. In March 2025, Dr. Chan published an essay titled " The Role of Research Universities in a Changing World Order. " He opined that as global power centers realign, research universities are more than academic institutions—they are key players in shaping global values, talent flows, and geopolitical influence. As tensions rise between East and West across sectors like trade, technology, and security, particularly STEM-focused institutions, now face pressure to engage with broader global rivalries. In particular, 1. Geopolitics and the rise of the East Geopolitical shifts, especially China’s rise, are reshaping the role of research universities. While U.S. and European institutions have long led in innovation and academic freedom, China’s targeted investments in top universities align education with national goals for technological and economic strength. This rivalry now reflects a deeper contest over global norms and influence. As Chinese universities expand international engagement, U.S. institutions grow more insular under political pressure, national security concerns, and revived efforts like the China Initiative—leading to a steady unraveling of U.S.–China academic partnerships. 2. Student and faculty mobility: a double-edged sword The global mobility of students and faculty—once a hallmark of internationalization in higher education—is increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitics, particularly the U.S.–China rivalry. While Chinese and Indian students long sought Western education, rising visa restrictions, scrutiny over security concerns, and a perception of unwelcomeness have curbed that trend. Simultaneously, China is attracting top overseas talent back home and nurturing new generations domestically, as seen in the success of DeepSeek, an AI firm staffed by local graduates. This reverse flow challenges Western universities' ability to attract top talent and underscores the need to balance openness with national security. As global dynamics shift, talent and innovation are increasingly staying in—or returning to—China, reshaping the future of academia and global leadership in science and technology. 3. Research competition versus collaboration Tensions between competition and collaboration in research are growing, as nations race for dominance in fields like AI and biotech while needing global cooperation on issues like climate change and pandemics. Research universities are caught in the middle—fueling national innovation but reliant on international exchange. Western governments are increasingly restricting collaboration over national security concerns, often invoking vague “dual use” rules, which may backfire and hinder progress. Chinese universities remain eager to engage globally, but geopolitical pressures make partnerships difficult. Without creative ways to balance openness and security, research may fracture along national lines, slowing global progress. 4. The way forward: Navigating a complex landscape In a shifting world order, research universities face the challenge of balancing national interests with global collaboration while staying true to their mission of advancing knowledge and educating future leaders. To succeed, they must uphold core values, including long-term societal service, pragmatic engagement with national security concerns, a strong defense of academic freedom, and active leadership in shaping global discourse. Navigating this complex landscape requires resilience, vision, and courage, especially as universities play a vital role in bridging political divides and fostering shared understanding across borders. Dr. Chan will explore these issues at the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 7, 2025. State Department Restarts Student Visa Interviews with New Rules (author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Intern)According to the Washington Post and multiple media reports, the State Department has begun student visa interviews after a three-week hiatus, implementing a strict social media vetting process set to take effect in the coming week.The thorough vetting process requires applicants’ social media accounts to be public in order to be scrutinized for perceived hostility towards the U.S. or risk extreme penalties in the application process. State Department staff members have been instructed to “identify applicants who bear hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles; who advocate for, aid or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security; or who perpetrate unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.” The vetting process applies to all foreign nationals who apply for F, M, and J visas, regardless of the institution of study. Affecting not only new candidates but also those whose applications are currently in progress, the new vetting process also includes applicants who have already been interviewed but have not been finally approved.In justification of the policy, the State Department pointed to two executive orders from President Donald Trump , one designed to block hostile foreign actors from entering the country and the other to address antisemitism. The Department reiterated it remains concerned with protecting American institutions of higher education from those who would “steal technical information, exploit U.S. research and development, and spread false information for political or other reasons.”Several critics of the policy have expressed concern over its vague nature, suggesting a broader interpretation could result in the government denying visas from those who deserve them. Several government-affiliated individuals raised concerns about the increased burden on consulates, noting that officials do not have the time to complete the thorough vetting process for every applicant. The agency issued 446,000 student visas in 2023.While education advocates have expressed relief that the three-week hiatus is over, concerns remain that the policy will discourage international students from seeking overseas educational opportunities in the U.S.***** In a separate development, on June 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs of Massachusetts issued an order temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from hosting international students, according to AP News and other outlets. The ruling marks a legal victory for Harvard as it continues to challenge multiple federal sanctions in an ongoing dispute with the White House. While the order preserves Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students while the case proceeds, it does not resolve all legal questions. Judge Burroughs noted that the federal government retains the authority to evaluate Harvard’s eligibility to host international students through standard legal procedures. “We expect the judge to issue a more enduring decision in the coming days,” Harvard said in an email to international students. “Our Schools will continue to make contingency plans to ensure that our international students and scholars can pursue their academic work to the fullest extent possible, should there be any changes to visa eligibility or enrollment status.” News and Activities for the Communities APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/06/16-24 Discover China 2025: Summer Youth Exchange to the Greater Bay Area2025/06/25 Bridging Relationships with Policymakers2025/06/28-30 2025 ICSA China Conference2025/06/29 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/07/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Andrea Chen Appointed Executive Director of the Vincent Chin Institute The Vincent Chin Institute (VCI) has announced the appointment of Andrea Chen as its first Executive Director. VCI was founded in 2023 to continue the mission and work of the past 40 years of movement and building solidarity against anti-Asian violence and all forms of hate.Andrea Chen brings over 20 years of experience driving systemic change through racial justice and economic inclusion initiatives. She served for more than 15 years as CEO and Co-founder of Propeller, a nationally recognized social innovation incubator based in New Orleans, Louisiana. In her role as Executive Director, Andrea Chen will lead three core program areas: Community Organizing, Narrative Change, and Education.A commemoration of the death of Vincent Chin took place the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles on June 23, 2025, the 43rd anniversary of his death. Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit in an anti-Asian hate crime, sparking a national movement for Asian American civil rights. Speakers at the commemoration include Aki Maehara , professor of Asian American history at East Los Angeles College, who was the victim of an apparent hate crime earlier this year and a speaker at the June 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting. 3. Physics Today Interviews Dr. Xiaoxing Xi In a report by Physics Today on June 20, 2025, physicist Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 recounts how the Cultural Revolution deeply affected his childhood, with his father imprisoned as a “counterrevolutionary” and his education interrupted. After Mao Zedong ’s death, China reopened its universities, and Dr. Xi seized the opportunity to study at Peking University—an experience that set him on the path to becoming a scientist and eventually immigrating to the U.S.These early experiences left Dr. Xi with a strong awareness of political injustice, which shaped his reaction to his own wrongful arrest in the U.S. in 2015. Some have described the United States is going through its own Cultural Revolution today.Read the Physics Today report: https://bit.ly/3HV6EGp # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF June 24, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #354 10/6 Meeting; NAKASEC Updates; Kin Hui/CACA; Acting Dir. Census Bureau; Gary Locke; + #354 10/6 Meeting; NAKASEC Updates; Kin Hui/CACA; Acting Dir. Census Bureau; Gary Locke; + In This Issue #354 · 2025/10/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · NAKASEC: Know Your Rights and Case Updates · Kin Hui Elected National President of C.A.C.A. · New Acting Director at Census Bureau · The Honorable Gary Locke 骆家辉 · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/10/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored by and welcome the following distinguished speakers: · Mike German , Retired Fellow, Liberty & National Security, Brennan Center for Justice · Margaret Lewis , Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law · Pat Eddington , Senior Fellow, Homeland Security and Civil Liberties, Cato Institute Mike German has announced his retirement. A former special agent with the FBI, his work focuses on law enforcement and intelligence oversight and reform. Before joining the Brennan Center in 2014, German served as the policy counsel for national security and privacy for the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington legislative office. Mike’s latest book, Policing White Supremacy: The Enemy Within (The New Press, 2025), issues a wake-up call about law enforcement’s dangerously lax approach to far-right violence. The book shows how systemic racism persists within police forces, and it urges more strategic and focused approaches to address the problems. He will reflect on his exemplary career of courage and integrity, as well as his thoughts on civil liberty, national security, and current state of the country, including possible comments on the C100-USCET-APA Justice webinar series. Maggie Lewis's research focuses on China and Taiwan with an emphasis on criminal justice and human rights as well as on legal issues in the U.S.-China relationship. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the National Committee on United States-China Relations Board of Directors, for which she is also a Public Intellectual Program fellow. She has been a Fulbright Senior Scholar at National Taiwan University, a visiting professor at Academia Sinica, a consultant to the Ford Foundation, and a delegate to the U.S.-Japan Foundation’s U.S.-Japan Leadership Program. She is also a nonresident affiliated scholar of New York University (NYU) School of Law’s U.S.-Asia Law Institute. Maggie just spent part of 2025 on sabbatical as a Visiting Academic Researcher with the Melbourne Law School's Asian Law Center. She returns to update us on her activities and share her perspectives on the C100-USCET-APA Justice webinar series and how organizations and communities might work together. Pat Eddington brings a wealth of experience to the Cato Institute after serving nearly a decade as a military imagery analyst at the CIA during a critical period of global change and later as a senior policy adviser on Capitol Hill, where he worked extensively on intelligence oversight, surveillance, and drone policy. He is a prolific writer and commentator, committed to advancing government transparency, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring accountability in national security policy. Pat returns to update us on his latest activities and current affairs of our nation, including possible comments on the C100-USCET-APA Justice webinar series.The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . NAKASEC: Know Your Rights and Case Updates On September 24, 2025, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) conducted Bystander Training on how to safely intervene when encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in public spaces, support targeted individuals, and document enforcement activities, all while protecting personal safety and abiding by the law.Whether it is witnessing a detention, documenting an ICE checkpoint, or supporting someone facing questioning, the webinar informed participants with intervention strategies that promote dignity, safety, and solidarity with our immigrant neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers.NAKASEC has also created a web page with Know Your Rights information in both English and Korean, as well as a 24/7 Hotline: 1-844-500-3222 to provide live confidential assistance in English and Korean. Visit https://nakasec.org/resources/know-your-rights/ for additional information. 1. Update on ICE Raid of Hyundai-LG Plant in Georgia On September 24, 2025, The New York Times reported that in early September, more than 300 South Korean engineers working on Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant in Georgia were swept up in what U.S. officials called the largest-ever Homeland Security raid at a single site. Many had entered on short-term business or tourist visas—a “gray zone” often used because of U.S. labor shortages and visa limits.The engineers—many highly skilled in battery and factory construction—were shackled, held in harsh conditions, and accused of visa violations, despite their work supporting a project expected to create thousands of U.S. jobs. Detainees described mistreatment, including inadequate food, lack of translators, and even racist gestures, prompting a South Korean government investigation.“My main takeaway is that America is not a safe place to work. I don’t think I would go there again to work,” Park Sun-kyu said.“Not even prisoners of war would be treated as badly as hundreds of Korean workers detained by US immigration authorities,” said South Korea’s Labor Minister Kim Younghoon said.According to NAKASEC, most of the Korean workers have now returned home, but many others—from Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela—remain detained. NAKASEC emphasized that this raid, like others, reveals that the Trump administration’s actions are not about legality or safety but about targeting non-white, immigrant communities and spreading fear. The group continues to call for the immediate release of all workers and a permanent end to workplace raids. 2. Update on Tae Heung “Will” Kim Tae Heung “Will” Kim , a 40-year-old Ph.D. student at Texas A&M and green card holder since age five, was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport on July 21, 2025, after returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea. The detention stemmed from a 2011 misdemeanor marijuana charge that had already been sealed.According to The Battalion , the student newspaper of Texas A&M University since 1893, while in ICE custody, Will Kim faced harsh conditions, including being confined to office-like spaces without proper sleeping arrangements, denied daylight, and moved between multiple states. Advocates note that his legal rights were not fully respected, and the prolonged detention far exceeded standard regulatory limits.Kim ’s case has drawn attention from advocacy groups such as NAKASEC, Adoptees for Justice, and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), who argue that his detention exemplifies the broader impacts of aggressive immigration policies on international students and researchers. Kim, a scientist working on Lyme disease prevention, is seen as making significant contributions to public health, and supporters warn that his continued detention hampers important research. His case has prompted petitions and calls for action, emphasizing the psychological, educational, and societal consequences of detaining legal permanent residents like Kim, as well as the chilling effect on international students considering study and research opportunities in the U.S. Kin Hui Elected National President of C.A.C.A. The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A., 美洲同源會) is one of the oldest continuous civil rights organizations in the United States. Founded in 1895 in San Francisco, it has worked for more than a century to uplift Chinese Americans by promoting ethics and values, defending the full rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, fostering patriotism, preserving cultural heritage, and educating future leaders. Today, C.A.C.A. has grown into a national organization with local lodges across many U.S. cities.From September 5–7, 2025, C.A.C.A. held its 58th National Biennial Convention at its National Headquarters in San Francisco under the theme “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Shaping a Just Future.” At the conclusion of the convention, Kin Hui and Rick Eng were elected National President and Executive Vice President, respectively. “Established in 1895, at a time when we were excluded [the Chinese Exclusion Act was not repealed until 1943], the C.A.C.A. was founded by young visionaries to advocate for the rights of Chinese American citizens. Today, it is our time to act boldly and shape a just future,” Kin Hui said in his press statement. One of his calls to action is to defend birthright citizenship. As early as 1940, C.A.C.A. was guiding members and the broader Chinese American community on their rights under the 14th Amendment and defending their American citizenship : https://bit.ly/3VFn61i . Today's climate echoes that past, with renewed threats to birthright citizenship. C.A.C.A. passed a resolution during the National Convention to push back against efforts to undermine the 14th Amendment and protect the rights of Chinese Americans.On September 26, 2025, major media including AP News , CNN , NBC News , New York Times , and Politico reported that the Trump Administration asked the Supreme Court to uphold President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship—the long-standing principle that children born in the U.S. are automatically citizens.President Trump issued the order on his first day in office, but it has been blocked by the courts. Four federal judges have ruled that it clearly violates the 14th Amendment and established precedent. The leading case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), affirmed that a child born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents was a U.S. citizen.If the justices take up the case, the Supreme Court could hear arguments in its new term beginning in early October, with a decision likely by June or July 2026. New Acting Director at Census Bureau According to AP News , NPR , and other media reports, George Cook , a Trump administration appointee, has been selected to serve as Acring Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. He assumes the interim leadership role previously held by career economist Ron Jarmin , who returns to his position as Deputy Director. Cook also serves as the Commerce Department’s Acting Undersecretary for Economic Affairs — the post overseeing the Census Bureau — and as chief of staff to that office. Before joining the administration, Cook worked as an institutional investor and economic analyst. This leadership shift follows the January resignation of Rob Santos , who had been appointed by President Biden in 2022 to a five-year term as Census Bureau Director. Since then, the Trump administration has also disbanded or scaled back advisory committees of statisticians, demographers, and community stakeholders, reducing external oversight and expert input.The timing is significant: President Donald Trump has renewed calls for a new census that would exclude undocumented immigrants from apportionment counts. Such an effort faces steep legal and operational hurdles under existing law (the Census Act) and constitutional protections (14th Amendment). Meanwhile, Census employees cite worsening staffing shortages and budget cuts that could undermine the bureau’s ability to deliver accurate, reliable data.The appointment has drawn sharp criticism. “The appointment of someone serving as the chief of staff — who is necessarily and understandably a political loyalist — as the director of the largest statistical agency, without the necessary qualifications the law requires, is extremely worrisome,” said Terri Ann Lowenthal , a veteran census consultant and former House oversight subcommittee staff director. “The usual process would be to keep the career acting director in place until the administration identifies an individual qualified to be the permanent director.”President Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner following the release of a weaker-than-expected jobs report in August also sparked alarm about political interference with key federal data. The Honorable Gary Locke The Honorable Gary Locke 骆家辉 is a featured speaker in the inaugural webinar titled "Bridging Nations: People-to-People Exchange in U.S. China Relations" on Thursday, October 16, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET. As Governor of Washington, Gary Locke oversaw the creation of 280,000 new private sector jobs. He also had the most diverse cabinet in state history and over half his judicial appointees were women. His management skills and innovations won him acclaim by nationally recognized organizations, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. During his tenure, Washington was ranked one of America’s four best managed states. As Commerce Secretary, he led President Obama’s National Export Initiative to double American exports; assumed a troubled 2010 Census but which under his supervision ended on time and $2 billion under budget; and achieved the most significant reduction in patent application processing in the agency’s history. As U.S. Ambassador to China, he opened markets for made-in-USA goods and services; reduced wait times for visa interviews of Chinese applicants from 100 days to 3; and through the Embassy’s air quality monitoring program, exposed the severity of China’s air pollution. Beyond his public achievements, Gary Locke’s story is deeply personal. The son of Chinese immigrants, he grew up in Seattle’s Yesler Terrace public housing. His father, a World War II veteran and small business owner, and his mother, who spoke little English, instilled in him the values of hard work and education. Gary often recalls doing homework in his family’s restaurant, where he learned early lessons about perseverance and responsibility that shaped his career in public service.Governor Locke is Board Chair of Committee of 100. Register to attend the webinar by scanning the QR code above or clicking this link : https://bit.ly/20251016Webinar News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/10/01 C100: Obstacles and Opportunities in Media and Entertainment2025/10/03 Covering China—Journalism, Scholarship, and the Global Conversation2025/10/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/10/07 Convervations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heros: David Henry Hwang2025/10/16 Bridging Nations: The Power of People-to-People Exchange in U.S.-China Relations2025/10/23 C100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative: Asian American Women in the LawVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. C100 Conversations: David Henry Hwang WHAT : Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heros: David Henry Hwang WHEN : October 7, 2025, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm ET WHERE : Online event HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator: Peter Young , CEO and President of Young & Partners; Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member Speaker : David Henry Hwang , playwright, librettist, and screenwriter DESCRIPTION : David Henry Hwang is an American playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and theater professor at Columbia University in New York City. He has won three Obie Awards for his plays FOB, Golden Child, and Yellow Face. He has one Tony Award (M. Butterfly) and three other nominations (Golden Child, Flower Drum Song, and Yellow Face), as well as a Grammy Award (Ainadamar) and one other nomination (Soft Power). Three of his works (M. Butterfly, Yellow Face, and Soft Power) have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4nLsnAf # # # 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 September 30, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #250 FBI Official Remarks; Florida Hearing/Rally/Ban; Contentious FISA; Commissioner Lee; + #250 FBI Official Remarks; Florida Hearing/Rally/Ban; Contentious FISA; Commissioner Lee; + In This Issue #250 · FBI Senior Official: "FBI Did Not Intend Negative Impact" · Florida: Hearing and Rally in Miami; Hiring Ban Harms Research · Biden Signs Bill Reauthorizing Contentious FISA Surveillance Program · Commissioner Yvonne Lee on USDA Equity Report and Asian American Farmers · News and Activities for the Communities FBI Senior Official: "FBI Did Not Intend Negative Impact" Speaking at the Committee 100 conference on April 19, 2024, a senior FBI official said the Bureau did not intend to create negative impact of prosecuting Chinese Academics with ties to Beijing under the previous China Initiative, according to a report by the South China Morning Post . “We value your ideas and your criticisms,” said Jill Murphy , deputy assistant director of counter-intelligence with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “It makes us better.”Murphy added that she is a supporter of scientific collaboration with China, and that the FBI values its relationship with the Asian American community, but said it must also ensure that American secrets are protected.“Hold us accountable,” she added. “My hope is that we can continue our work together.” Shan-Lu Liu , a virology professor with Ohio State University, said too many academics had been caught up in the law enforcement campaign, undermining US competitiveness, particularly in areas that have nothing to do with national security, such as the search for a cure for cancer.The scientific community has legitimate concerns, said David Zweig , professor emeritus with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.There are currently 100,000 Chinese-born scientists in the United States making an enormous contribution to US science and competitiveness.There’s nothing wrong with trying to entice talent to return and blunt the brain drain, he added. Several economies have talent programs, including Germany, Canada and Taiwan. “I am one of those drains,” said the Canadian, who now lives in the US. One lesson Asian Americans need to draw from this experience, said participants in the conference, is the need to stand up more forcefully politically and ensure the right balance is maintained between security and successful collaboration.China Initiative was launched in November 2018 under the Trump administration. It originally aimed at stemming industrial espionage by Beijing; instead, the program prosecuted scientific researchers and academics with ties to China, often without strong evidence for their charges. Facing strong backlash from the Asian American and scientific communities, the Biden administration disbanded the China Initiative in 2022. Brian Sun , Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and C100 member, served as moderator for the session.Read the South China Morning Post report: https://bit.ly/4d3L0uP At the Committee of 100 gala in the evening of April 19, 2024, a lively discussion unfolded between Nicholas Burns , the current U.S. Ambassador to China, and Gary Locke , former U.S. Ambassador to China and current Chair of the C100. They engaged in an insightful exchange, delving into the current state and recent developments in U.S.-China relations, including an upcoming visit to China by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a pair of pandas from China is coming to the San Francisco Zoo in 2025, and the need for more U.S.-China people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Burns said only about 900 American students are studying at Chinese universities today. This is far too few in a country of such importance to the United States. Rebuilding the student exchanges is under active consideration. Beijing has also taken steps to attract American students to study in China. Xi Jinping , President of China, said China is ready to invite 50,000 American students to exchange and study programs in the next five years during the APEC summit in San Francisco last year. Florida: Hearing and Rally in Miami; Hiring Ban Harms Research 1. Appeals Court Hearing and Community Rally Against Florida's Anti-Chinese Alien Land Law in Miami According to AP, Bloomberg News, Courthouse News, and other media reports, Ashley Gorski , senior staff attorney of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), told a three-judge panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that “Florida is unlawfully restricting housing for Chinese people.” The state law known as SB 264 bars Chinese nationals and citizens from Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and Venezuela that Florida sees as a threat from buying property near military installations and other “critical infrastructure.” She asked the court to block the Florida law, calling it discriminatory and a violation of the federal government’s supremacy in deciding foreign affairs. Three of the individual plaintiffs reside in Florida on time-limited, nonimmigrant visas, and the fourth is seeking political asylum. They are being represented by ACLU, ACLU of Florida, DeHeng Law Offices PC, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and the law firm Quinn Emanuel.The panel of three judges holding the hearing are Judge Charles R. Wilson , a Clinton appointee, and Trump-appointed Judges Robert J. Luck and Barbara Lagoa .Gorski compared SB 264 to long-overturned laws from the early 20th century that barred Chinese from buying property. “It is singling out people from particular countries in a way that is anathema to the equal protection guarantees that now exist,” Gorski told the court. The law specifically restricts people from China who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents from owning any real property in Florida, regardless of location. The sole exception is that people with a valid non-tourist visa or who have been granted asylum are permitted to purchase one residential property, but only if it is less than two acres and not within five miles of a military installation. Any person living in Florida that is “domiciled” in China must register their existing property with the state or face civil penalty and forfeiture consequences for failure to comply. Under the law, Chinese immigrants face up to five years in prison for trying to buy a home — the seller faces up to one year in prison — as well as thousands of dollars in fines.The challenge to Florida SB 264 is the biggest legal test so far for a torrent of state laws restricting land ownership by foreign individuals or entities. SB 264 revives a 100-year-old, discredited legal precedent that unconstitutionally discriminates against Asian immigrants. The 1920s case law has been superseded by subsequent rulings, Ashley Gorski told the Eleventh Circuit panel. SB 264 goes even further than that case, Terrace v. Thompson, in its explicit discrimination.The law has had a “chilling effect” for not only Chinese immigrants but Asian Americans generally in the state, said Bethany Li , legal director at AALDEF. “The law sends the message that Asians aren’t welcome in the state of Florida and some of the interactions that we’re seeing day-to-day are certainly reflective of that,” Li said in an interview.The U.S. government filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs, arguing that the law violates the Fair Housing Act and equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. "These unlawful provisions will cause serious harm to people simply because of their national origin, contravene federal civil rights laws, undermine constitutional rights, and will not advance the state’s purported goal of increasing public safety," the government wrote in its brief.Florida was one of 16 states that enacted legislation restricting land ownership by foreign entities or individuals last year, according to the Congressional Research Service. And lawmakers introduced bills to regulate foreign property ownership in another 20 states, it found. Opponents say Florida’s law is one of the most sweeping adopted so far.Read the AP report: https://bit.ly/4cZ4wZg . Read the Bloomberg Law report: https://bit.ly/44bPCes . Read the Courthouse News report: https://bit.ly/3w3zRte A coalition of Asian American organizations, community members, elected officials, and allies held a rally on April 19, 2024, in opposition to SB 264, a Florida law banning many Chinese immigrants from buying homes in large swaths of the state. The rally was held immediately following oral arguments at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.Activists from all over the country showed up for the rally. “Many people are leaving or considering [leaving]. The people are selling houses, because we don’t know what to do, you see, not welcoming,” Echo King , co-founder and President of the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance (FAAJA), told AsAmNews . “We don’t feel welcome. So you know, people are leaving.”King expressed during the rally that it is dangerous to conflate individuals with their country of birth. Bethany Li, legal director of AALDEF, echoed the sentiment that the law cannot be divorced from the current political climate, where both Republicans and Democrats have voiced anti-China rhetoric. “Unfortunately, from casting China as the enemy, what we see is that the direct impact of that type of anti-China rhetoric is actually on everyday interactions for Asian Americans in the United States. It worsens the types of daily interactions that we have on streets, in schools, and the workplace, trying to get homes,” Li told AsAmNews .Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/4b6WnQD . Read the press release by Stop AAPI Hate: https://bit.ly/4d4n62d 2. Science: Hiring Ban Disrupts Research at Florida Universities A report by Science on April 12 shared insights on the disruption caused by a new Florida law prohibiting the state’s 12 public universities from employing graduate students and postdocs from China and six other “countries of concern” without special permission. The report featured Zhengfei Guan , an agricultural economist at the University of Florida (UF), who failed efforts to recruit a new Chinese postdoc to join his research team last summer. The candidate rejected his offer because of concerns about the new law. The article further stated that the new law disrupts graduate admissions across Florida’s public universities. One UF department removed every student from a country of concern from a list of people the department wanted to hire as graduate assistants. Another UF department, dependent on students from the country on the list, has asked to lower its usual GPA requirement due to a lack of qualified local applicants.While universities can still hire faculty from targeted countries like China, the law is affecting recruitment. In UF's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the top two candidates for a tenure-track position declined offers due to the law's employment restrictions.Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/4aI2ET3 Biden Signs Bill Reauthorizing Contentious FISA Surveillance Program According to AP and multiple media reports, President Joe Biden on April 20, 2024, signed legislation reauthorizing a key U.S. surveillance law known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. The law gives the government expanded powers to monitor foreign terrorists and allows the government to gather communications from foreigners overseas without court warrants. For months, privacy and rights groups have argued that it violates Americans' constitutional right to privacy. The bill was blocked three times in the past five months, before passing the House last week by a 273-147 vote when its duration was shortened from five years to two years. Though the spy program was technically set to expire at midnight, the Biden administration had said it expected its authority to collect intelligence to remain operational for at least another year, which was approved by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.Barely missing its midnight deadline, the Senate approved the bill by a 60-34 vote. Hours before the law was set to expire, U.S. officials were already scrambling after two major U.S. communication providers said they would stop complying with orders through the surveillance program.A group of progressive and conservative lawmakers who were agitating for further changes had refused to accept the version of the bill the House sent over the previous week.The lawmakers had demanded that Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y., allow votes on amendments to the legislation that would address civil liberty loopholes in the bill. In the end, Schumer was able to cut a deal that would allow critics to receive floor votes on their amendments in exchange for speeding up the process for passage. The six amendments ultimately failed to garner the necessary support on the floor to be included in the final passage. One of the major changes detractors had proposed centered around restricting the FBI’s access to information about Americans through the program. Though the surveillance tool only targets non-Americans in other countries, it also collects communications of Americans when they are in contact with those targeted foreigners. Sen. Dick Durbin , the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber, had been pushing a proposal that would require U.S. officials to get a warrant before accessing American communications. “If the government wants to spy on my private communications or the private communications of any American, they should be required to get approval from a judge, just as our Founding Fathers intended in writing the Constitution,” Durbin said.Read the AP report: https://bit.ly/4a2k1gB Commissioner Yvonne Lee on USDA Equity Report and Asian American Farmers During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 8, 2024, Commissioner Yvonne Lee began with warm memories of Dr. Robert Underwood who also spoke at the meeting, fondly recalling his inspiring demeanor and urging all present to embrace accountability and responsibility as public servants.Commissioner Lee has also dedicated her career to public service, having served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and is the only Asian American member of the USDA Equity Commission that produced a final report for the Secretary of Agriculture in February 2024. The final report contains 66 recommendations. Three of them are specific concerns from the AANHPI community perspective. · Language access, which Commissioner Lee was happy to report, has been fully implemented last year. · Issues related to procurement, minority contracting, sub-contracting, and similar opportunities. · Land ownership. Commissioner Lee emphasized the report's significance as an official federal document chronicling AANHPI community involvement in American agriculture. She discussed the decline of Asian American agricultural dominance, citing historical discrimination. “Dating back to the 1880s, Asian American farmers have contributed two-thirds of California’s produce. Asian American growers introduced asparagus, celery, strawberries, sugar, and beans, to the American palate,” Commissioner Lee wrote in 2023. “When we examine how we want to advance social and economic justice for underrepresented communities and families, we must consider local food systems and how they were shaped. Discriminatory laws dissipated much of Asian American businesses and producers’ work in the agriculture industry.” Today Asian American farmers produced less than 2% of the food output nationwide. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was a major contributor to the decline of Asian American participation in farming as it often extended to people of Asian-descendent and specifically prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers. The Act was a gateway to additional discriminatory and exclusionary laws such as the Alien Land Laws which banned Asian Americans from owning land.The USDA Equity report serves as a poignant reminder of past achievements and ongoing challenges.There is a parallel to today’s continued assault to diminish our right to access land and properties and our role as full-fledged Americans because of a perceived background. "We can use this document to reflect and to use it to educate the public and to continue to advocate within and beyond our communities," Commissioner Lee said as she urged collective reflection and advocacy, particularly regarding recommendation number 37 on page 52 of the USDA Equity Report —"Right to Access Agricultural Land"—as a means to combat discrimination and safeguard community interests.The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency committee chaired by the Secretary of Treasury, has the authority to review, approve, or deny any proposed foreign transactions that might raise national concerns, including in the food and agricultural sector. Currently, USDA is not a CFIUS member, however, the U.S. Treasury may designate USDA as a co-lead in a CFIUS investigation on a case-by-case basis. The Equity Commission recommends that USDA serve as a permanent member of the committee and request the necessary Congressional appropriations to carry out this role.Commissioner Lee explained that this gives the public an additional tool to apply our voice and our advocacy to have one more voice to amplify.Read Commissioner Lee’s 2023 blog: https://bit.ly/3xMfb9C . Read the USDA Equity Report: https://bit.ly/4ceyXKE . A summary for the April monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Some Facts about Asian American Farm Workers · The agricultural labor movement was inspired by Filipino leaders and workers who pulled their resources together and brought in Cesar Chavez . Read the NPR report about the forgotten Filipinos Who Led A Farmworker Revolution: https://bit.ly/4d6vsX0 · The Bing Cherry was named after a farm worker known by the name of Ah Bing , not Bing Crosby . Ah Bing was a head foreman for a commercial cherry nursery near the city of Milwaukie, Oregon. He was known to be a Chinese immigrant and worked at the nursery for over 35 years. He returned to China in 1889 to visit his family. While he was visiting, tensions rose in the Pacific Northwest against Chinese workers due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. New restrictions were placed on travel, and borders were sealed, preventing Ah Bing from returning to the United States. He did not leave records or any information behind, leading Bing cherries to be the only memory. Read the Atlas Obscura report: https://bit.ly/4b4bRoJ · Before Disneyland, strawberry fields flourished. In 2022, PBS recounted the Fujishige family’s journey, starting in the 1920s when their Japanese parents faced land ownership restrictions due to racist laws. In 1942, when the U.S. military forced Japanese Americans to evacuate the West Coast, the Fujishige family moved in with relatives in Utah. Despite adversity, the brothers bought a 58-acre berry farm for $3,500 in 1953, after the Supreme Court overturned the Alien Land Law. They grew strawberries, vegetables and herbs. Despite Disney's offer to buy the land for $90 million, they refused. The city attempted to seize the land in 1985, leading to Masao Fujishige 's tragic suicide. Expressing solidarity with other people of color who have struggled to hold on to their land across the United States, Hiroshi Fujishige told the LA Times in 1991 that he didn't want to sell too early because he "didn't want to end up like those Indians who used to own Manhattan Island.". The family finally sold the farm in 1998, paving the way for Disney's California Adventure. Read the PBS report: https://bit.ly/3Qd7Ki7 News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/04/30 Understanding Implicit Bias and How to Combat It2024/05/02 AAGEN 2024 Executive Leadership Workshop2024/05/04 Corky Lee's Asian America: Fifty Years of Photographic Justice Book Tour2024/05/05 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2024/05/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/05/13-14 2024 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit2024/05/14 Serica Initiative: 7th Annual Women's Gala dinnerVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. Back View PDF April 22, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #135 8/1 Monthly Meeting; SCBA Webinar on Dialogue with NIH; 7/11 Meeting Summary; CHIPS+ #135 8/1 Monthly Meeting; SCBA Webinar on Dialogue with NIH; 7/11 Meeting Summary; CHIPS+ Back View PDF July 28, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #169 03/06 Meeting; "China Initiative"; Texas SB 147+; Racist Attacks; AA Leadership; News #169 03/06 Meeting; "China Initiative"; Texas SB 147+; Racist Attacks; AA Leadership; News In This Issue #169 2023/03/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting One Year After the End of the "China Initiative" Updates on Texas Senate Bill 147 and Opposition to Revival of Alien Land Laws Racist and McCarthyist Attacks on Rep. Judy Chu and Dominic Ng Condemned Building a Sustainable Platform and Pipeline for AAPI Leadership in Higher Education Asian American Community News and Activities 2023/03/06 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023. Confirmed speakers include: Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), to provide updates on the latest developments and activities of CAPAC John Yang 杨重远 , President and Executive Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC to provide updates on the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program and related Activities Gisela Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum, to provide updates on AASF activities Peter Toren , Attorney and Member of Sherry Chen Legal Team, to be recognized and share his reflections on the Sherry Chen case Steven Pei 白先慎 , Co-organizer, APA Justice, to provide updates on Texas Senate bills, webinars, and opposition to discriminatory land laws Grace Meng 孟昭文 , Member, U.S. Congress and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, to remark on the latest developments and legislation for the Asian American community Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺 , New York Police Department, and John Carman , Attorney, to share Angwang's story of injustice as another victim of racial profiling under the "China Initiative" The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the co-organizers of APA Justice - Steven Pei 白先慎 , Vincent Wang 王文奎 , and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . Read past monthly meeting summaries here: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP . One Year After the End of the "China Initiative" 1. Baimadajie Angwang 昂旺. One year has passed since the end of the "China Initiative," but the damages inflicted on impacted innocent persons continue. Hear the story of a New York police officer, an Afghanistan veteran, and an Army reservist, who became yet another victim of the "China Initiative." His case was finally dismissed in January 2023. After an ordeal of two and a half years, he has yet to return to the New York Police Department. What does he want the public to know and learn from his experience? Where does he go from here? Angwang will tell his story with his attorney John Carman in the March 6, 2023, APA Justice monthly meeting. Read more about Angwang's story at https://bit.ly/3RIqXId 2. Nature Report. According to the Nature report on February 24, 2023, anti-Asian scrutiny has only intensified since the controversial "China Initiative" ended one year ago. Scientists of Chinese heritage say that they are still being targeted unfairly and fear for their safety.¶ While the "China Initiative" was active, more than 150 people were criminally charged for actions such as failing to disclose funding or partnerships with institutions in China.¶ Nearly 90% of them were of Chinese heritage. Many of the charges brought by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) after the initiative’s launch in 2018 were eventually dropped or dismissed, and some prosecutions ended in acquittal.¶ The climate of fear and anxiety hasn’t gone away — researchers are just being pressured in a new way, says Jenny Lee. ¶ Since the initiative’s official shutdown, the US government has adopted various anti-China policies. And although the DOJ is pursuing fewer criminal charges, it says that it will work increasingly with federal agencies to investigate researchers and issue civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance. Universities are also taking a more active role in assisting investigations and pursuing potential wrongdoing, sources tell Nature .¶ “I’m sorry to say that it has only intensified,” says MIT professor Gang Chen 陈刚 , He and others who have had their lives upended by the initiative have been speaking out about the damage that it has done.¶ According to the San Diego Union-Tribune in December 2022, Xiang-Dong Fu , a molecular biologist at the University of California, San Diego, was forced to quit his position after the university accused him of hiding ties to China.¶ According to Toby Smith , US institutions acknowledge the considerable research contributions from these scientists. Universities are working to ensure that all faculty members are disclosing information properly. But he calls on US funding agencies to provide greater clarity for universities on what counts as an offense and what are appropriate and fair sanctions.¶ The end of the "China Initiative" gave the illusion that researchers of Chinese heritage would be targeted less, Jenny Lee says, but “the chilling effect” is “still very much at play.”¶ Researchers unjustly accused under the "China Initiative" and now rebuilding their lives and careers are emblematic of this situation. Scrutiny of researchers of Chinese heritage had begun years earlier than the launch of the "China Initiative." Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 was accused of passing information to scientists in China about restricted technology in 2015. The DOJ eventually dropped the charges. “I am afraid of doing any research,” he says. “We always live in fear.”¶ Anming Hu 胡安明 , a nanotechnology researcher at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, who was indicted for hiding ties with China in 2020 and put under house arrest for more than a year before being acquitted, is also trying to get his research back on track. He has spent the past year rebuilding his lab, but has had trouble securing any funding.¶ Read the Nature report: https://go.nature.com/3kveefx Updates on Texas Senate Bill 147 and Opposition to Revival of Alien Land Laws 1. Second Webinar: Historical Re-Hash - Alien Land Law and SB147 WHAT: Webinar titled "Historical Re-Hash - Alien Land Laws and SB147" WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2023, starting at 6:30 pm ET/3:30 pm PT WHO: Moderator: Janelle Wong, Professor of American Studies, University of Maryland Panelists: Gene Wu 吳元之, Attorney and Texas State Representative Madeline Hsu, Professor of History and Asian American Studies, University of Texas at Austin Carol Suzuki, Professor of Law, School of Law, University of New Mexico at Albuquerque Opening Remarks: Ted Gong , Executive Director of the 1882 FoundationRegister for this webinar at http://bit.ly/3Id2uGp 2. Joint Statement in Opposition to Texas SB 147. On February 17, 2023, the Asian American Bar Association of Houston (AABA Houston), the Austin Asian American Bar Association (Austin AABA), the Dallas Asian American Bar Association (DAABA), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) issued a joint statement to strongly oppose the provisions of Texas Senate Bill 147 that prohibit individuals from owning land, buying homes, or establishing businesses in Texas based on their family's country of migration.¶ Read the joint statement: https://bit.ly/3EG7YZl 3 . SB 147 Panel: A Reprisal of Alien Land Laws? On March 2, 2023, the American Constitution Society (ACS) will host an event to discuss proposed Texas Senate Bill 147. Panelists will discuss the Federal and State constitutionality of the proposed bill, its mirroring of bigoted Alien Land Laws that banned Asian immigrants from owning property and establishing businesses, and the overall policy implications of this bill on our immigrant communities. The event is co-sponsored with: ACS DFW Lawyer Chapter, NAPABA, DAABA, AABA Houston, SMU APALSA, SMU ACS, SMU FedSoc. WHEN: Thursday, March 2, 2023, 12:30pm CT WHERE: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law | Karcher Auditorium, 3315 Daniel Ave, Dallas, Texas 75205 WHO: Panelists: Rep. Salman Bhojani , Texas State Representative District 92 Rep. Gene Wu 吳元之, Texas State Representative District 137 Leo Yu , Clinical Professor of Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy and ACS Faculty Advisor, SMU Dedman School of Law Moderator: Kristine Cruz , Associate, Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP; Co-Chair, ACS Dallas-Ft. Worth Lawyer Chapter; President-Elect, Dallas Asian American Bar AssociationRegister for the hybrid in-person and Zoom event at: http://bit.ly/3Z28id0 4. Media Reports MSNBC . According to a MSNBC report on February 25, 2023, a bill introduced in December 2022 is picking up steam in the Texas Senate. SB 147 would make it illegal for Chinese citizens to buy any property in the state of Texas, including home purchases. Ling Luo 罗玲 , founder and chair of the Asian Americans Leadership Council, stops by "The Katie Phang Show" to discuss the bill. Watch the MSNBC video: https://on.msnbc.com/3SvK9Jo (4:42) San Francisco Standard . According to a report by the San Francisco Standard on February 23, 2023, Nick Gee, a staff member of Chinese for Affirmative Action, flew from San Francisco to his hometown of Houston to join the local protests against Texas SB 147.¶ Texas SB 147 has sent a shock wave through Chinese American communities nationwide, sparking new debate on the anti-China rhetoric, anti-Chinese racism in politics and the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype. In response, a coalition of Chinese Americans from across the country are banding together to voice their opposition.¶ Peter Kuo , the vice chairman of the California Republican Party, said he was disheartened by the proposed bill. “It actually harnesses a lot of negative energies or negative prejudice against the Chinese Americans who are already here,” said Kuo. He said the bill’s language would increase anti-Asian sentiment and turn Asians into scapegoats. Read the San Francisco Standard report: http://bit.ly/3KAcVXs Washington Post. According to a report by Washington Post on February 22, 2023, a growing number of state legislators and members of Congress are offering a master class in how not to confront China by supporting indiscriminate crackdowns on Chinese citizens and companies seeking to purchase U.S. land.¶ Bills like SB 147 evoke a long and painful history. In the past, the desire to ensure U.S. national security has often been expressed in ways that excused or justified hatred against Asians. In turn, racist anxieties about people of Asian descent have played a key role in shaping the development of national security policy.¶ Revisiting the long history of anti-Asian behavior in the United States makes clear the inherent dangers of today’s assaults. Read the Washington Post article: https://wapo.st/3Z3ZpzI Racist and McCarthyist Attacks on Rep. Judy Chu and Dominic Ng Condemned 1. Mediaite.com . According to a report by Mediaite.com on February 24, 2023, top House Democrats slammed Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) over the Republican’s comments on Fox News earlier in the week in which he said he questions Rep. Judy Chu’s 赵美心 ( D-CA) “loyalty or competence.”¶ Gooden made the remarks in response to Fox News host Jesse Watters asking if he believed “Congresswoman Chu should be looked into?”¶ House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also released a statement lambasting Gooden. “Lance Gooden’s slanderous accusation of disloyalty against Rep. Chu is dangerous, unconscionable and xenophobic.”¶ Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), head of the House Democrats’ campaign arm, also released a statement: "At a time when anti-Asian hate continues to threaten communities, it’s critical that we condemn these racist and xenophobic attacks immediately and hold our fellow colleagues accountable to rid our politics of such dangerous statements and hatred." Read the Mediaite.com report: http://bit.ly/3ZnnfpN 2 . Congressional Black Caucus. On February 24, 2023, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) issued the following statement: "Last night, Rep. Lance Gordon appeared on Fox News and questioned the loyalty of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chairwoman Rep. Judy Chu 赵美心 , indicating that she should be stripped of her security clearance simply because of her Chinese ethnicity. To be clear, a person's ethnicity is not indicative of their trustworthiness or loyalty to this country and to suggest otherwise is inflammatory as a nation of immigrants. The CBC stands with CAPAC in denouncing Rep. Gooden's racist and xenophobic remarks, and we urge Republican House leadership to follow suit and take action." 3. United Chinese Americans (UCA). On February 26, 2023, UCA issued a statement. "United Chinese Americans (UCA) strongly condemns the recent racist and offensive remarks made by Texas Representative Lance Gooden against Representative Judy Chu 赵美心 , Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and a highly respected leader in Chinese American and AAPI communities. His baseless comments questioning Representative Chu's loyalty to the United States are McCarthyist, racist, and shameful."¶ "It is no less disturbing and shameful to accuse Dominic Ng 吴建民 , a highly respected Chinese American business and community leader, and President Biden’s pick to represent the United States on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2023, of treason to America, based on flimsy and unsubstantiated evidence." Read the UCA statement: https://bit.ly/3kBl0An 4 . AP News Report. According to an AP News report on February 26, 2023, the leaders of a new House select committee on China defended Democratic Rep. Judy Chu 赵美心 , saying it was abhorrent and unacceptable for a GOP lawmaker to question her loyalty to the United States based on her Chinese heritage.¶ “One of my colleagues, unfortunately, attacked Judy Chu, the first Chinese American congresswoman in the United States Congress, saying that somehow she’s not loyal to the United States. I find that offensive as an Asian American myself,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi , the ranking Democrat on the panel, about the comments last week from Rep. Lance Gooden .¶ Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher , the Republican chair of the China panel who appeared with Krishnamoorthi on CBS ’ “Face the Nation,” said Gooden was out of line. “We should not question anybody’s loyalty to the United States,” Gallagher said. “That is out of bounds. It’s beyond the pale.” Gallagher said his bipartisan committee, which is officially called the “Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party” was named as such “to constantly make that distinction between the party and the people.” “We must constantly be aware of going overboard as we try and win this competition with China,” he said. Read the AP News report: http://bit.ly/3IwLhI5 More Media Reports Politico. According to a Politico report on February 26, 2023, “One of my colleagues, unfortunately, attacked Judy Chu 赵美心 , the first Chinese American Congresswoman in the United States Congress, saying that somehow she’s not loyal to the United States. I find that offensive as an Asian American myself,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said of criticism last week of the California Democrat by Rep. Lance Gooden .¶ Joining Krishnamoorthi on CBS ’ “Face the Nation,” Rep. Mike Gallagher agreed with him: “We should not question anybody’s loyalty to the United States. I think that is out of bounds.” “Absolutely, we shouldn’t question anybody’s loyalty,” Gallagher added.¶ Host Margaret Brennan asked Gallagher how the American people can be sure the panel doesn’t end up as being seen as persecuting people, as in the 1950s loyalty hearings led by Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wis.).¶ “Joseph McCarthy’s from my district, he’s buried in my district; we need not exhume his body and reanimate it,” Gallagher said, adding: “We must constantly be aware of going overboard as we try and win this competition with China.”¶ Read the Politico report: https://politi.co/3KBOxVn 2023/02/27 CBS News. "House China panel leaders denounce heritage-based attack on Rep. Judy Chu." https://cbsn.ws/3SEe4iz 2023/02/27 Salon. House Democrats rip MAGA Republican for 'blatantly racist' attack on Rep. Judy Chu." http://bit.ly/3Zvv9xz 2023/02/27 NBC News. " House China panel leaders defend Rep. Judy Chu after Texas Republican's attack." https://bit.ly/3xWLqjd 2023/02/25 Los Angeles Times. "GOP congressman questions her ‘loyalty.’ Rep. Judy Chu, House Democrats blast ‘racist’ rhetoric:" https://lat.ms/3ktyMVV . 2023/02/25 Business Insider. "Democratic Rep. Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress, blasts a Texas GOP congressman after he questioned her loyalty to the US: 'It is racist'." http://bit.ly/3xXleoA 2023/02/25 Vanity Fair. "Democrats Denounce Rep. Lance Gooden for Questioning The 'Loyalty' of Rep. Judy Chu Following Rumors of Ties to China's Communist Party." http://bit.ly/41uG1xr 2023/02/24 The Hill. "Democrats erupt with fury after Republican questions ‘loyalty’ of Rep. Chu." http://bit.ly/3Y4rYvx 2023/02/24 Washington Post. "Democrats defend Rep. Chu against ‘xenophobic’ accusations of disloyalty to U.S." https://wapo.st/3Z6miCs . Building a Sustainable Platform and Pipeline for AAPI Leadership in Higher Education Register for this workshop webinar: http://bit.ly/3xPv6Rj Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award. Know an academically accomplished AAPI leader in Higher Education? Nominate them to the Asian Pacific Fund for the 2023 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award! Deadline MARCH 3, 2023. For eligibility criteria and more information, go to: https://bit.ly/TienAward Asian American and Scientific Community News and Activities 1. Workshop on Asian American Trailblazers in Civil Rights. On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the 1990 Institute and the Alice Fong Yu Alternative School invite middle and high school teachers to learn more about the Asian Americans who fought for civil rights that benefited all who call America home. By 2025, a majority of states will have requirements in place for Asian American and Pacific Islander studies be taught in school. This multifaceted event will highlight Asian American pioneers and the pivotal court cases that have changed the landscape of U.S. civil rights, including the U.S. Supreme Court decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) that established the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship. The 125th anniversary of this landmark case is on March 28, 2023. Register for the event: http://bit.ly/3ZpBLgN 2. MIT Technology Review. According to a report by MIT Technology Review on February 20, 2023, Citizen, a hyperlocal app that allows users to report and follow notifications of nearby crimes, is trying to remake itself by recruiting elderly Asians.¶ Read the MIT Technology Review Report: http://bit.ly/3xVWmgZ Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Back View PDF February 28, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #327 C100 Conference; California Events; Xiaofeng Wang; AAJC; Harvard Says No; Litigations+ #327 C100 Conference; California Events; Xiaofeng Wang; AAJC; Harvard Says No; Litigations+ In This Issue #327 · 2025/04/25-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala · Fireside Chat and Advocacy Day in California · Update from Advancing Justice | AAJC · More on the Case of Professor Xiaofeng Wang · Harvard Rejects Trump Administration Demands · Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/04/25-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala The Committee of 100 (C100) is a national nonprofit composed of prominent Chinese Americans committed to ensuring equal citizenship, broad inclusion in American society, and constructive U.S.-China relations. Through education, policy research, legal advocacy, and leadership development, C100 works to elevate the voices and experiences of Chinese Americans and the wider AAPI community. Cindy Tsai 蔡欣玲 , Interim President of C100, provided an update on C100 and its upcoming activities during the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 7, 2025.C100 is currently focused on education and civil rights, particularly through its national initiative to track and advance the teaching of AANHPI history in K–12 schools and its Legal Defense and Education Fund, which supports those facing discrimination based on heritage. C100 is also actively monitoring state-level legislation, including discriminatory property restrictions based on national origin. In partnership with APA Justice, it has hosted a three-part series on alien land laws, with the final session set for the C100 Annual Conference and Gala in Los Angeles on April 25–26, 2025. The two-day conference will feature over 20 panels exploring AAPI identity, civil rights, U.S.-China relations, and cultural representation. A major theme is the power of storytelling, arts, and media to shape public perception and foster cross-cultural understanding. Notable sessions include a Hollywood panel moderated by filmmaker Adele Lim , featuring actors Sherry Cola , Harry Shum Jr ., and others, and a conversation on K-pop’s global impact with SM Entertainment founder Soo-man LEE . Academy President Janet Yang 杨燕子 will host a segment with Samantha Quan , producer of Anora (this year’s Oscar-winning Best Picture), Shannon Lee 李香凝 , daughter of martial arts legend Bruce Lee 李小龙, and Izaac Wang , lead actor in Didi (弟弟). A panel featuring UC Irvine Law Professor Robert Chang , Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu 吳元之 , and legendary Texas House Representative Martha Wong 黃美華 will address the resurgence of alien land laws and grassroots responses across the country and what we can do in our respective home states. Other panels will explore the national security–civil rights intersection, including travel risks for scholars with Chinese passports or green cards, and the broader implications of recent investigations like that of Indiana University Professor Xiaofeng Wang 王晓峰 . A separate discussion between Queens College President Frank Wu 吳華揚 and UCLA Vice Chancellor Roger Wakimoto will underscore the importance of AAPI representation in academic leadership—an idea shaped with input from Dr. Les Wong , former president of San Francisco State University and Northern Michigan University. The conference will also spotlight multiracial and multiethnic AAPI identity, with a dedicated panel and workshop on exploring personal heritage and belonging. For more information, contact Cindy Tsai at president@committee100.org and register for the conference here: https://bit.ly/4icDSOQ A summary of the April 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Fireside Chat and Advocacy Day in California 1. San Francisco: "Beyond the China Initiative: Civil Rights, National Security, and the Future of AAPI Communities" On April 30, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm PT, the Committee of 100, Council of Korean Americans, Japanese American Citizens League, Stand wih Asian Americans, and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) will host a fireside conversation on " Beyond the China Initiative: Civil Rights, National Security, and the Future of AAPI Communities. " The event will be held at the TAAF office at 150 Post Street - Mela Lounge, San Francisco, CA 94108. The featured speaker is Professor Franklin Tao 陶丰 , one of the first scientists charged - and fully exonerated after a prolonged legal battle - under the DOJ's now-defunct China Initiative. Professor Tao will be joined by his wife, Hong Peng , and his attorney, Peter Zeidenberg , offering a rare and personal perspective on the human cost of misdirected national security policies.Moderated by Charles Jung , President of the San Francisco Bar Association, the program will also examine the broader consequences of the Initiative with policy expert and civil rights advocate, Gisela Perez Kusakawa — from its impact on civil rights to lessons learned and ongoing concerns facing immigrant and Asian American communities in the United States. Register for the event: https://bit.ly/3EsqdEH . Read Professor Tao's story: https://bit.ly/4i0WZLw 2. Sacramento: California AANHPI Coalition Advocacy Day WHAT: California AANHPI Coalition Advocacy Day WHEN: April 28, 2025, 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET WHERE: Stanley Mosk Library Steps – 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814 HOST: APAPA and coalition of 75+ AAPI organizations DESCRIPTION: The event features AANHPI legislators, coalition leaders, and bill authors for a Rally & Press Conference. It represents the largest statewide AANHPI advocacy mobilization since the Stop Asian Hate movement. It will kick off AAPI Heritage Month not with celebration, but with an urgent call for collective action. Since returning to office, President Trump has moved to eliminate birthright citizenship, roll back work visas, expand deportations, dismantle language access, and target Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. His administration is also slashing Medicaid and funding for culturally competent nonprofits and safety-net services for millions of AANHPI families. California’s AANHPI communities are taking action and calling for bold state leadership in the face of these attacks. CONTACT : media@apapa.org Update from Advancing Justice | AAJC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on April 7, 2025, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC highlighted three key developments: 1. AAJC applauded the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and is collaborating with partners on next steps. 2. In response to visa revocations, arrests, and disappearances of migrants and international students across the U.S., AAJC is preparing a joint statement with its network to support those targeted for political reasons, to be shared once finalized after the meeting. 3. Joanna detailed ongoing opposition to alien land laws, particularly Texas HB 17, commending local partners who mobilized testimony and rallies. Over 100 people provided testimony. AAJC provided legal analysis and messaging support throughout the process and will continue to provide rapid response support. In Michigan, AAJC prepared advocacy materials as lawmakers considered similar legislation. At the federal level, AAJC is monitoring the possibility of a new legislative push dubbed “China Week 2.0” and are preparing a sign-on letter in response. More on the Case of Professor Xiaofeng Wang During the State of Play Town Hall hosted by the Asian American Scholar Forum on April 14, 2025, Nianli Ma , wife of Professor Xiaofeng Wang 王晓峰 , expressed deep distress over how their family, including her husband, a tenured professor, was treated by Indiana University (IU) on March 28, 2025. Despite dedicating over two decades to the institution, they were not given an explanation or due process. The family feels betrayed and devastated, especially after contributing to the country for so long. Nianli describes the emotional toll this has taken, including weight loss, sleeplessness, and constant worry. Despite the hardship, they are grateful for the support from the community and various organizations. They are determined to fight not only for themselves but also for the broader research community and seek public support to cover legal fees and continue their battle for justice.A GoFundMe has been set up by their son, Luke Wang , at https://bit.ly/3E70Vfm . AASF is leading a coalition of concerned organizations and individuals in an open letter to IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav requesting reinstatement of Professor Wang. According to the South China Morning Post , Carl Weinberg , a professor at IU’s College of Arts and Sciences, tenured faculty members in the US were entitled to due process when facing termination. When Weinberg and other faculty members pressed the university for answers, they were told to direct their questions to the FBI. “This is outrageous,” he said. “I was glad to hear Xiaofeng’s wife Nianli Ma, who was also fired with no reason given, to say that they are fighting this injustice.”On April 12, 2025, the Federation of Asian Professor Associations (FAPA) issued a public statement regarding the case of Professor Wang, condemning his termination by IU and raising serious concerns about the erosion of due process, threats to academic freedom, and the ongoing pattern of racial profiling targeting Chinese American scientists. FAPA also sent an open letter to IU President Pamela Whitten . On March 31, 2025, the Executive Committee of the Bloomington chapter of the American Association of University Professors (IUB-AAUP) sent an open letter to IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav, expressing serious concern over the abrupt termination of tenured Professor Wang, asserting that IU failed to follow required due process under Policy ACA-52. Emphasizing the importance of due process in safeguarding academic freedom and shared governance, the committee urges the university to revoke the termination and follow established procedures. Read the story of Professor Wang: https://bit.ly/42tbPVR Harvard Rejects Trump Administration Demands According to AP News , CNN , Harvard Gazette , New York Times , Reuters , and multiple media reports, on April 14, 2025, Harvard University strongly rejected demands from the Trump administration that threaten $9 billion in research funding, calling them unlawful and a violation of academic freedom and constitutional rights. The decision is believed to be the most overt defiance by a university since President Trump began pressuring higher education to conform to his political priorities.Within hours of Harvard taking its stand, the Trump administration announced it was freezing $2.3 billion in federal funding to the school and threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status.“The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in a message to the community. He added: “ No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue. ” “This is what Joe McCarthy was trying to do magnified ten- or 100-fold,” said Lawrence H. Summers , a former Harvard president, adding that “it runs directly against the university’s role in a free society.” On April 11, 2025, the Harvard faculty chapter of the American Association of University Professors, along with the national organization, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its demanded policy changes while reviewing nearly $9 billion in federal funding. The lawsuit, American Association of University Professors - Harvard Faculty Chapter v. United States Department Of Justice (1:25-cv-10910) , was filed in conjunction with a request from the professors for an immediate temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration from cutting off Harvard University’s federal funding. Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions As of April 15, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 195 (4 closed cases). Among the latest developments, law firms fight back against Trump executive orders.The Trump administration has targeted law firms and lawyers perceived as adversaries with executive orders (EO) and actions that have included canceling government contracts, revoking security clearances, and initiating investigations into firms' diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Some of these firms have responded by filing lawsuits. On April 11, 2025, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP and Eimer Stahl LLP, on behalf of more than 800 law firms from across the country, filed amicus briefs in support of Jenner & Block LLP and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in addition to their previous brief in support of Perkins Coie LLP. · Susman Godgrey LLP v. Executive Office of The President (1:25-cv-01107) @District of Columbia. The law firm Susman Godgrey sued the President over President Trump's EO on April 9. On April 15, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a temporary restraining order, blocking key provisions of the executive order. · Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale AND Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of The President (1:25-cv-00917) @District of Columbia. The law firm WilmerHale sued the Executive Office of the President and several government agencies over President Trump’s March 27 EO. On March 27, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon granted the law firm’s request to temporarily block several sections of the EO. · Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice (1:25-cv-00916) @District of Columbia. The law firm Jenner & Block sued the Department of Justice and other government agencies over President Trump’s March 25 EO. On March 25, U.S. District Judge John Bates granted the law firm’s request to temporarily block several sections of the EO. · Perkins Coie LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice (1:25-cv-00716) @District of Columbia. The law firm Perkins Coie sued the Department of Justice and other government agencies over President Trump’s March 6, 2025 EO. On March 12, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell granted Perkins Coie’s request to temporarily block several sections of the EO. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar 2025/04/22 Scholars Not Spies: Fighting for International Academic Workers’ Rights in an Era of Rising US-China Conflict2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/24 CHINA Town Hall: The First 100 Days: President Trump's China Policy2025/04/24 Federal Employees: Know your Legal Rights2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/28 California AANHPI Advocacy Day2025/04/30 Beyond the China Initiative: Civil Rights, National Security, and the Future of AAPI Communities2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/05/06 Asian American Careers - How to Build Your Personal Network, including Through Strategic Allies2025/05/11 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 2024/04/24 Federal Employees: Know Your Legal Rights WHAT: Federal Employees: Know your Legal Rights WHEN: April 24, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 pm pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOSTS: JCRC of Greater Washington and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Moderator : Ron Halber , Chief Executive Officer, JCRC Speakers : · Robert Shriver , Managing Director, Civil Service Strong and Good Government Initiatives at Democracy Forward; Former Acting Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management · Michelle Bercovici , Partner, Alden Law Group DESCRIPTION: Federal layoffs and agency funding changes are impacting many across the Greater Washington area — some directly through job loss, others through ripple effects on schools, camps, and Jewish communal life. Join the webinar about the legal rights of terminated federal employees. It is part of part of JCRC community's efforts to support those directly or indirectly impacted by government employee layoffs, agency reorganizations and/or budget cuts. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4jtSSYQ 3. 1990 Institute is Hiring and Starts 2025 College Essay Contest The 1990 Institute, is seeking a dynamic, motivated individual to become our new Director of Fundraising and Donor Relations to lead fundraising efforts and identify and cultivate donor relationships. Read the job description on the 1990 Institute website, and send a resume and cover letter to hiring@1990institute.org . The 1990 Institute also announced the opening of the 2025 Essay Contest, which is organized by China Focus, an online publication at UC San Diego and jointly hosted by the 1990 Institute, the Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China, The Carter Center, and the 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy. You may submit your essay in either Chinese or English. The contest offers two topics and awards two prizes of $1,000 and four runner-up prizes of $ 500 each. Read more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4idtQMz . Deadline is May 1, 2025, 11:59 PM PT. # # # 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 17, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter