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Newsletter - #208 Alien Land Laws; Voice from Guam; Asian American History; Statisticians in China; More #208 Alien Land Laws; Voice from Guam; Asian American History; Statisticians in China; More In This Issue #208 Tell Congress NO to Alien Land Laws and the Rounds Amendment A Voice from Guam - "Applying Leverage to Uncle Sam" Asian American History - The AsianWeek Database Project Statisticians in China Speak Up On Transparency of Chinese Government Data News and Activities for The Communities Tell Congress NO to Alien Land Laws and the Rounds Amendment Reminder: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) put out a call for the public to tell Congress: Say NO to Discriminatory Land Laws. Tell your Members of Congress to speak out against any law that falsely equates Chinese people with the Chinese government." We cannot allow history to repeat itself. Take one easy step to tell Congress NO to discriminatory land laws at https://bit.ly/3qRsFOh Breaking News: The National Fair Housing Alliance announced that it will file a lawsuit against the discriminatory alien land law in Florida during the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 11, 2023. Correction : Scott Chang, an attorney for the National Fair Housing Alliance, said that NFHA and other organizations are still investigating and are likely to file a lawsuit against the discriminatory alien land law in Florida during the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 11, 2023 1. Call for Action by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Advancing Justice | AAJC is also urging the public to join the opposition against Senate Amendment 813 otherwise known as the “Rounds Amendment” and say NO to this discriminatory land law. Follow the link here to voice your concerns to Congress. Additional resources on discriminatory land laws can also be found here . The U.S. has seen a resurgence of discriminatory land laws introduced and enacted in states across the country! Similar legislation has also been proposed in Congress and the latest example is the Senate Amendment 813 which has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.Introduced by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-ND), the provision would effectively prohibit foreign nationals from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from owning agricultural land in the United States. It would require the President to block specific types of transactions based on recommendations from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). There are currently no exceptions for visa holders and there is a high standard for a waiver which has to be granted by the President of the United States. The good news is that there is still time to prevent the Rounds amendment from being formally adopted into law.Call your member of Congress and urge them to strike Senate Amendment 813 from the final version of the NDAA. When you talk with your elected official(s), let them know that you oppose continuing the legacy of discriminatory land laws. These types of discriminatory land laws have a long legacy in this country and single out citizens who otherwise have no connection to the actions of their governments, including the countries which have been deemed to be a “foreign adversary.” The amendment was adopted and subsequently included in the Senate version of the NDAA but coalition groups are currently applying pressure to strike out the amendment in conferencing. Help us win this fight! 2. National Iranian American Council (NIAC) Webinar On September 12, 2023, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) hosted a webinar titled " "Alien Land Laws: What's Happening Now and How You Can Take Action." Texas State Representative Gene Wu 吳元之 , who helped defeat Texas’ alien land law proposal, was the featured speaker to offer his insights. The success in Texas, where grassroots efforts narrowly blocked a reckless alien land law bill, underscores the power of collective action. This event was co-hosted by Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). The webinar covered an in-depth analysis of the alien land laws, strategies on how to engage and counter these measures, call to action on fighting the Rounds Amendment, and a platform to ask questions and share concerns during a Q&A segment.Watch the NIAC webinar: https://bit.ly/45R0EWr (1:03:55) A Voice from Guam - "Applying Leverage to Uncle Sam" According to the Pacific Island Times on September 11, 2023, August was a busy month for federal travel to Guahan (Guam in Chamorro). The island was treated to the “scoping” meetings on the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System (EIAMDS) on Guam. This occurred over three days in early August. The event was well-managed and well-staffed. We had representatives of the Missile Defense Agency that included flag officers and devoted advocates for the system.According to the report, "the organization of the events in poster sessions rather than townhall-style helped provide in-depth information but also avoided a public question and answer session."Criticisms of the planned EIAMDS were inevitable and on-point. The island is being offered a group of 20 'candidate' sites with little explanation about the actual uses of the sites and the intrusions they would make on our day-to-day lives. There was no explanation about which sites were just shooters or radar or sensor sites. There was no explanation about limitations made on uses of airspace and lands near the candidate sites. "There was a lot of discussion about how the island needs protection from ostensible Chinese missiles and the estimation of potential conflict was rated from probable to inevitable. We were told that we live in a dangerous world in which Chinese initiatives are rearranging the geopolitical character of the region. "At the end of the day, we weren’t being asked about whether we agreed with this assessment or how much of our lives and island we were willing to leverage in order to deal with this ominous trend. We were asked to make comments on the 'environmental impacts' of the proposed activity. The basic decision is out of our hands as a colony of the United States. "Many Guahan elected officials privately told me that 'leverage' is the key word. We shouldn’t worry too much. We will be able to leverage this massive intrusion into our lives in order to benefit the island. Leverage is the key word. "Paraphrasing Isaiah in the Bible, we can turn these Pentagon swords into Guam plowshares for our people. I could hardly wait for the opportunity to start leveraging the EIAMDS into hospitals, schools, jobs and businesses. Maybe we could throw in a little political empowerment. Not too much to ask for a vitally important colony which we were constantly told is part of the U.S. homeland. In the discourse over missile defense, Guam is part of America."The House Committee on Natural Resources held an oversight field hearing on August 24 at the Guam Hilton. The title of the hearing was 'Peace Through Strength: The Strategic Importance of the Pacific Islands to U.S.-led Global Security.' Called to testify were Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios . The three freely associated states were represented by Foreign Ministers Kaleb Udui Jr. of Palau, Ricky Cantero of the Federated States of Micronesia and Jack Ading of the Marshall Islands. "The purpose of the hearing was basically to build regional support for the U.S.-led Global Security efforts in this part of the world. This means that the Chinese threat across the board demands dramatic American action in order to stabilize the environment and continue U.S. hegemony. The role of the Micronesian islands is key to this effort, especially the recently concluded financial agreements between the United States and the three freely associated states."In order to ensure approval of these agreements by Congress, the identified rationales are the threats posed by China and the necessity of U.S. dominance. This field hearing will be used as part of the corpus of justification for approval of the compacts. The robust financial arrangements that have already been concluded can be seen as the 'leverage' that our Micronesian neighbors have been able to exert in Washington D.C. When and how was the leverage going to be applied by the territories?"Taking center stage were illegal fishing activities by the Chinese, descriptions of Chinese economic penetration in the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and Palau and allegations of bribery of officials in the FSM (Federated States of Micronesia)."Leverage is when you point out to the other side the negative consequences of not going along with your plan. There was no leverage, just the usual typical kind of hat-in-hand request, which many Guam officials have done for decades. "There is a rhetorical pattern that many island leaders can’t seem to shake. They think that loving Uncle Sam is a viable strategy for getting respect and assistance. The use of World War II experiences was vital to this approach. "But there is a lesson which everyone needs to know now. In the 21st century, asking Uncle Sam for assistance because we are poor, but loyal islanders neither attracts attention nor does it get rewarded. It is just old hat in Washington D.C. and actually has been since the time of Congressman Antonio B. Won Pat , who did use it effectively for a few years. But he had an audience in Congress that consisted of World War II veterans. That Congress does not exist anymore."The disruption caused by the ascendency of China is real. It has political, economic and strategic dimensions. It is unfortunate that in response to Chinese economic penetration, the primary antidote that Washington D.C. can think of for us is an anti-missile defense system. It took former National Guard General Rod Leon Guerrero to remind us that diplomacy should come first and that the EIAMDS should be a last resort. It isn’t exactly the message of the protestors, but it was closer than all of the other words uttered that day by our leaders."Author of the report is Dr. Robert Underwood, Former President of the University of Guam and Former Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). He is also Commissioner to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Please send your feedback to him at anacletus2010@gmail.com .Read the Pacific Island Times report: https://bit.ly/48c2in2 Asian American History - The AsianWeek Database Project From 1979 to 2009, AsianWeek chronicled the growth and development of Asian Pacific America within American history. Today, the AsianWeek Database Project brings back three decades of news, education, and entertainment surrounding the Asian American community. You can rediscover the people and events documented in the historical pages of the AsianWeek newspaper and website. Anyone can easily access this trove of information — for research, for reference, or to simply remember these important times in the community at: https://www.asianweek.com/ . In a beta version (there are typographical errors in the transcribed text that will be corrected in future versions), AsianWeek reported on "DOE's New Ombudsperson" on March 9, 2000.According to the report, " Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 faces a daunting task as the Energy Department's new ombudsperson, an office created as a result of a January report by the department's task force on racial profiling."He seeks to address the continuing problems within the department, especially among its Asian American staff, about the criminal prosecution of physicist Wen Ho Lee 李文和 . Many Asian Americans have rallied to the defense of Lee, as allegations have been made that he was singled out simply because of his Chinese heritage. "As a result, Wu says one of his goals is restore 'trust and faith through effective actions that would combat racial stereotyping or profiling and other unfair practices in the workplace, making the Energy Department 'a workplace of choice for not just Asian Americans but all Americans.'In an exclusive phone interview with AsianWeek just weeks after taking office, Wu discussed his responsibilities as the person who must 'identify systemic issues; gain some understanding of systematic issues; and recommend to managers or Energy Secretary [ Bill Richardson ] directly policy changes to benefit all managers and employees.'"The report was written by Frank H. Wu 吴华扬 (no relation to Jeremy Wu), an associate professor at Howard University Law School at that time. Today, he is President, Queen's College, City University of New York.Jeremy Wu retired from the federal government and is Founder and Co-Organizer of APA Justice.Dr. Steven Chu 朱棣文 served as the 12th Secretary of Energy under the Obama Administration from January 21, 2009, to April 22, 2013. He is the first person appointed to the U.S. Cabinet after having won a Nobel Prize. He is also the second Chinese American to be a member of the U.S. Cabinet.Bill Richardson passed away on September 1, 2023.Read the beta version of the March 2000 AsianWeek report: https://bit.ly/3sTvvDf Statisticians in China Speak Up On Transparency of Chinese Government Data According to the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a non-government think tank in Beijing, the decision on August 15, 2023, by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China to suspend the release of youth unemployment rates caught many by surprise. The NBS spokesperson's explanation for this decision, which cited differing public opinions on the scope and methodology of statistical calculations, was met with sharp skepticism and stinging cynicism.This development has reignited discussions about the government's transparency in statistical reporting. According to China's leading statisticians, while the NBS has made significant efforts to enhance the quality of statistical data, there remains a crucial need for China to draw lessons from the statistical systems of many Western governments. These systems often feature vibrant and open debates between the government and scholars.Statistical data is foundational for effective and sound economic choices, and the government should either make corrections or provide explanations when official figures are in doubt. The discrepancy between official figures and public perception is not uncommon, usually owing to people’s predominant exposure to specific sectors of the economy. This highlights the importance of providing statistical breakdowns that can help mitigate personal biases and boost public acceptance. It is essential for statistical bureaus to tune into the actual needs of the public and the market, and remain responsive by offering clarity on statistical indicators. A book reading event took place on June 18, 2023, nearly two months before the controversial NBS decision. Excerpts of the discussion by three academics are given below. 1. Wu Xiaoying 伍晓鹰, Research Professor of Economics at National School of Development and head of the Growth Lab "it was a daunting challenge to transform an outdated national statistical system designed for a planned economy and under Soviet influences to align with international standards and integrate into the international market and society."National statistical data are public goods... While national statistical agencies produce and manage data with public resources, they are not and should not be the exclusive owners of statistical data. "By reiterating that such data is a public good, we also encourage public scrutiny."Openness and competition are necessary to improve statistical data quality... the pivotal step is to welcome skepticism and recommendations from scholars at academic institutions and other government agencies."We should learn from the statistical system in many Western governments... Instead of complaining that the West dominates the rules, why can't we proactively participate in the rule-setting process?" 2. Huang Yiping 黄益平, Deputy Dean of the National School of Development and Director of the Institute of Digital Finance "China's statistical data, especially the earlier records, is indeed in doubt."Many may not be aware of the efforts statistical departments have taken to enhance data quality. "The NBS has made tremendous efforts to improve the quality of statistical data... This skepticism isn't baseless – manipulation of data did happen in the past."As someone who uses statistical data on a regular basis, I sometimes find a significant discrepancy between official figures and our intuitive perceptions."Despite differences between personal perceptions and the statistical data, the official figures are not necessarily faulty. "It's crucial to tune into what the public and the market really need. Statistics bureaus should ramp up their communication efforts with both groups to clarify data and indicators. "Even if such insights don't resonate with everyone, they can still significantly boost public comprehension and acceptance of data." 3. Xu Xianchun 许宪春, Distinguished Fellow at National School of Development of Peking University "If everyone publicly praises statistical work but privately criticizes the accuracy of the data, that would be unfortunate. I think different voices should be earnestly listened to to identify areas of concern and make necessary improvements."Whether it's for analyzing economic and social development trends, policy formulation, or academic research, government statistical data holds immense significance."If data discrepancies are found, regional statistical departments cannot alter them; corrections must be made at the enterprise level."Read the CCG report: https://bit.ly/48ckCwa News and Activities for The Communities APA Justice Community Calendar APA Justice has launched a Community Calendar to track events and activities of potential interest to the Asian Pacific American and academic communities. Options are available to look at a monthly, weekly, or a daily calendar, as well as an agenda view with event details. You can find the Community Calendar on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . 1. National Science Foundation Listening Sessions According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Science Foundation will host two listening sessions on the implementation of the Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice developed by the National Science and Technology Council. The listening sessions, open to the public, aim to collect information perspectives to inform “(1) Federal agencies' finalization of Scientific Integrity Policies, in response to the Framework and its implementation memorandum from the Office of Science and Technology Policy ; (2) Federal agency processes, procedures, and practices related to scientific integrity; and (3) other elements of Federal implementation of the Framework.” The sessions will take place Friday, September 15, 1–3 p.m. ET and Wednesday, September 20, 5–7 p.m. ET. Register for the sessions: https://bit.ly/3PjupIo . The event is posted in the APA Justice Community Calendar: https://bit.ly/45KGyga 2. Teachers Workshop - Teaching Asian American Narratives through Literature WHAT: 2023 Teachers Workshop "Teaching Asian American Narratives through Literature" WHEN: September 27, 2023, 3:30pm PT/6:30 pm ET HOST: 1990 Institute EVENT DETAILS: https://bit.ly/48c4g6K PRESS KIT: https://bit.ly/466d2S2 TARGET GRADES: 6-12 DESCRIPTION: Expert speakers on this subject to help teachers bring a nuanced dialogue on intersectional perspectives into classroom discussions. In particular, we want to encourage teachers to bring oft-missing Asian American perspectives to their students and encourage more inclusive community building and understanding.The event is posted in the APA Justice Community Calendar: https://bit.ly/45KGyga . Back View PDF September 14, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #318 Webinar Recap and More; Funding Freeze Blocked; Supreme Court Order; NYT Editorials; + #318 Webinar Recap and More; Funding Freeze Blocked; Supreme Court Order; NYT Editorials; + In This Issue #318 · Recap of Webinar on Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws · Upcoming Webinars on China Initiative and Racial Profiling · Judge Blocks Trump's Funding Freeze · Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Order on USAID · NYT Editorials on Elon Musk and Rule of Law · News and Activities for the Communities Recap of Webinar on Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws The Committee of 100 and APA Justice co-hosted the second webinar of a series on Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws on March 4, 2025. Video of the event is posted at https://bit.ly/3EOqGke (54:13).The webinar examined the impact of nationality-based homeownership restrictions on real estate professionals and homebuyers, particularly within the Chinese American community. Real estate professionals and advocates are actively pushing back against these discriminatory policies. This webinar offered valuable insights into how these restrictions are reshaping the housing market and what actions can be taken to challenge them. John Trasviña , Former HUD Assistant Secretary for the Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity moderated a conversation with Scott Chang , Senior Counsel for The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and Hope Atuel , Executive Director at Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). The panel introduced the Fair Housing Act and held an engaging Q&A session with the audience. The Committee of 100 released an update of its interactive tracker on land ownership restriction laws, highlighting that 28 states are currently considering 82 bills that would restrict foreign property ownership. In 2024 alone, 17 land ownership restriction bills was passed into state law. APA Justice maintains a web page on the history and continuing developments on Alien Land Bills .Read the Northwest Asian Weekly report on the webinar: https://bit.ly/41ymVHn . Watch the first webinar on The Impact of Land Ownership Exclusion Laws on Diverse Communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfjrVAZrjj8 (1:00:56). Upcoming Webinars on China Initiative and Racial Profiling 1. 03/12 MSU Webinar: The China Initiative On March 12, 2025, please join the webinar hosted by Michigan State University's Asian Pacific American Studies Program for an insightful discussion of the past and present of the China Initiative, a Trump administration program that targeted Asian American scholars and researchers for investigation and prosecution. Dr. Lok Siu of UC Berkeley and Dr. Jeremy Wu of APA Justice will speak at the event moderated by Dr. Kent Weber of Michigan State University. Register to attend: https://bit.ly/4hVaITO 2. 03/21 SFU Webinar: Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America WHAT : Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America WHEN : March 21, 2025, 4:00 pm-6:30 pm PT/7:00 pm-9:30 pm ET WHERE : Hybrid event · In Person: Room 7000, SFU Vancouver Harbor Centre Campus, 515 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Canada · Webinar via Zoom HOST : Simon Fraser University, Labor Studies Program Moderator : Dr. Xinying Hu , Simon Fraser University Speaker : Dr. Anming Hu , University of Tennessee, Knoxville Discussants: · Dr. Jane Wang , University of British Columbia · Dr. Jie Yang , Simon Fraser University DESCRIPTION: Join us for an important discussion on the case of Dr. Anming Hu, a respected scientist who was wrongfully targeted under the previous Trump administration’s China Initiative. Dr. Hu’s case highlights critical issues of racial profiling, academic freedom, and the growing surveillance of scholars in North America. This event will feature insights into Dr. Anming Hu’s case and experience, the broader implications for researchers of Chinese origin, and the fight for justice in academia in North America. We will also discuss what universities, scholars, and policymakers can do to protect academic integrity and prevent future injustices. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3Fd11SD Judge Blocks Trump's Funding Freeze According to AP News and multiple media reports, U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell for the District of Rhode Island has extended an injunction blocking the Trump administration from freezing grants and loans potentially amounting to trillions of dollars. The lawsuit, State of New York v. Trump (1:25-cv-00039) , brought by nearly two dozen Democratic states, challenges the Trump administration’s sweeping pause on federal spending, which has caused confusion and uncertainty nationwide.In his ruling, Judge McConnell found that the executive branch had placed itself above Congress by imposing a categorical spending freeze without legislative approval, stating that such an action “undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government.” He asserted that the executive branch cannot impose a categorical funding freeze without explicit congressional authorization. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha condemned the administration’s actions, arguing that the president’s move sought to subvert the rule of law and override the separation of powers. The funding freeze has impacted a wide range of programs, including critical services such as disaster relief, clean water access, and law enforcement funding. Democratic attorneys general have argued that the freeze has put critical services at risk, including law enforcement funding, healthcare, and childcare. Although the Trump administration rescinded a memo outlining the freeze, states, universities, and nonprofits report that federal agencies continue to withhold funds.Despite earlier court orders, Judge McConnell noted that federal agencies still appeared to be defying his directives. As part of his ruling, he instructed FEMA to submit a status report by March 14 detailing its compliance with the order. The case also raises broader constitutional questions about presidential power over congressionally appropriated funds, with Trump advocating for the Supreme Court to strike down the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. Another federal judge, Loren AliKhan , has also extended an injunction against the freeze in a separate case brought by nonprofit groups and small businesses, National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (1:25-cv-00239) . The rulings mark a significant judicial rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts to exert control over congressionally appropriated funds. Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Order on USAID As of March 8, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 113 with one closed case.The Trump administration issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, pausing foreign development aid for 90 days, leading to stop-work orders for USAID grants. Two nonprofits, AVAC and JDN, sued, arguing the order was unlawful and harmed their operations. They filed a lawsuit, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition v. United States Department of State (1:25-cv-00400 ), and sought an injunction and restoration of funding.On February 13, 2025, U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in this case and Global Health Council v. Donald J. Trump (1:25-cv-00402) , blocking the blanket suspension but not fully overturning the executive order. Plaintiffs later accused the government of noncompliance. The court partially enforced the TRO but did not hold the government in contempt.Further litigation led to a February 25 ruling requiring the administration to pay outstanding invoices and ensure future payments. The Trump administration appealed to the D.C. Circuit and later the Supreme Court, but both rejected its motions. According to the New York Times on March 5, the Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s emergency request to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. Though the ruling’s language was cautious, it effectively signaled skepticism toward Trump’s plans to reshape government. The court upheld a lower court’s order requiring payments for pre-approved foreign aid projects. The administration had tried to delay compliance, arguing for a case-by-case review. The Supreme Court’s ruling lifted a temporary stay, meaning the government must now follow through on the payments.According to a separate report by the New York Times on the same day, despite the Supreme Court ruling, uncertainty remains for humanitarian and development organizations. For weeks, the administration has sought to dismantle USAID, canceling over 90% of contracts and halting payments for completed work. Thousands of NGOs and companies remain in limbo. While the lawsuit’s plaintiffs argue the ruling should restore all foreign aid, the administration insists it has the authority to restructure or eliminate the agency. NYT Editorials on Elon Musk and Rule of Law 1. 2025/03/08 Musk Doesn’t Understand Why Government Matters Excerpts from the New York Times editorial :" Elon Musk ’s life is a great American success story. Time and again, he has anticipated where the world was headed, helping to create not just new products but new industries. "But Mr. Musk’s fortune rests on more than his individual talent. He built his business empire in a nation with a stable political system and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and he built it on a foundation of federal subsidies, loans and contracts. Mr. Musk’s companies have received at least $38 billion in government support, according to an analysis by The Washington Post . NASA has invested more than $15 billion in SpaceX; Tesla has collected $11 billion in subsidies to bolster the electric car industry."Now, as an influential adviser to President Trump, Mr. Musk is lawlessly tearing down parts of the very government that enabled his rise. "Mr. Musk claims that the government is a business in need of disruption and that his goal is to eliminate waste and improve efficiency."But DOGE is not building a better government. Instead, its haphazard demolition campaign is undermining the basic work of government and the safety and welfare of the American people. "Even worse is that Mr. Musk, with Mr. Trump’s support, has demonstrated a disregard for the limits that the Constitution places on the president’s power."But in their campaign to shrink the federal government, Mr. Musk and Mr. Trump have defied laws passed by Congress, and they have challenged the authority of the federal courts to adjudicate the legality of their actions. Mr. Trump recently referred to himself as a king and then insisted he had been joking, but there is no ambiguity in his assertion of the power to defy other branches of government. It is a rejection of the checks and balances that have safeguarded our nation for more than 200 years. Mr. Musk and Mr. Trump are not trying to change laws; they are upending the rule of law."Businesses can take risks in pursuit of profit because it’s OK if they fail. Americans can’t afford for the basic functions of government to fail. "The stability of the nation’s laws, and of the government’s role, has caused frustration throughout American history. It is also a kind of secret sauce, facilitating the private-sector investment and risk taking that are the wellspring of the nation’s prosperity."That stability is now under assault. "Mr. Musk has made clear that he holds caution in contempt. But the president, whose power Mr. Musk is wielding, should listen to those in his party who are raising concerns about Mr. Musk’s methods and priorities. There are already signs that the chaos is hurting the economy. Inflation expectations have risen; stock prices have tumbled."Americans like to take risks; to do so, they need a government that is steady and reliable." 2. 2025/03/08 The One Question That Really Matters: If Trump Defies the Courts, Then What? According to an Opinion published by the New York Times , the future of American constitutional democracy may hinge on whether President Donald Trump and his administration comply with court orders. Federal judges have issued numerous rulings against Trump’s policies, but the administration has already ignored some of them. With over 100 legal challenges pending, the Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court’s order to release frozen foreign aid, while another judge forced the release of billions in funds to states. However, the judiciary lacks enforcement power, and if the executive branch refuses to comply, the courts are left powerless. Trump and his allies, including Vice President JD Vance , have suggested that executive authority should not be constrained by judicial rulings, while some Republicans have called for the impeachment of judges who rule against the administration. The push to remove judges over policy disagreements is unprecedented and contradicts past conservative reliance on the courts to block Democratic policies. Historically, presidents have complied with court rulings, even when they strongly disagreed. Franklin Roosevelt accepted Supreme Court decisions striking down parts of the New Deal, Harry Truman obeyed a ruling against his steel mill seizure, and Richard Nixon turned over the White House tapes despite the consequences. However, the Trump administration has sent mixed signals on whether it will follow court mandates, with Trump stating he abides by the courts but also claiming that actions taken in the name of saving the country cannot be illegal. If Trump defies judicial authority, enforcement mechanisms are limited—officials could be held in contempt, but he could pardon them, and federal marshals enforcing civil contempt orders fall under his control. With Congress unlikely to impeach him, Trump could evade accountability, setting up a constitutional crisis that tests whether the United States will continue to function under the rule of law. "Perhaps public opinion will turn against the president and he will back down and comply. Or perhaps, after 238 years, we will see the end of government under the rule of law," the Opinion concludes. Author of the Opinion is Erwin Chemerinsky , dean of the Berkeley School of Law at the University of California and the author of the book “No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States.” News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/21 Fighting Racial Profiling and the Criminalization of Academia in North America2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF March 10, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #107 DOJ Drops Gang Chen Case; CAPAC; APA Justice/OSTP Briefing; DOC Scandal/Census Map #107 DOJ Drops Gang Chen Case; CAPAC; APA Justice/OSTP Briefing; DOC Scandal/Census Map Back View PDF January 20, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #312 Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, AAJC/AASF updates, Funding Freezes/Birthright Rulings; + #312 Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, AAJC/AASF updates, Funding Freezes/Birthright Rulings; + In This Issue #312 · Remarks by Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch · Updates by Advancing Justice|AAJC and AASF · Judges Block Trump's Funding Freezes as Lawsuits Against His Orders Surge · Third Court Injunction Against Trump's Executive Order Ending Birthright Citizenship · News and Activities for the Communities Remarks by Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch is the Founder and Executive Chair of the US-China Education Trust . She was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to become the first Asian American ambassador in US history.Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch spoke at the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, She highlights the urgent need to address the impact of U.S.-China competition on Chinese and Asian American communities. Julia acknowledges the work of APA Justice and its advocacy efforts while emphasizing the necessity of a new initiative that brings together racial justice and foreign policy concerns. Julia notes that discussions on U.S.-China relations often overlook the lived experiences of Chinese and Asian Americans, who face increasing discrimination and scrutiny. By forming broader coalitions, she hopes to bridge the gap between national security concerns and racial justice efforts.Julia references historical instances of racial profiling, such as the Cox Report of 1999 and the wrongful prosecution of Wen Ho Lee , to illustrate how Chinese Americans have long been caught in the crosshairs of U.S.-China tensions. The China Initiative, initially launched under the Trump administration, further exacerbated fears by disproportionately targeting Chinese American academics and researchers. Despite past failures, Julia warns that Congress may seek to revive similar policies, reinforcing a dangerous precedent that equates ethnicity with suspicion. Julia also highlights Beijing’s efforts to exert influence on Chinese diasporas through United Front operations, which seek to blur distinctions between PRC citizens, diaspora Chinese, and Chinese Americans. These tactics, she argues, create further complications for Chinese Americans, who are unfairly perceived as foreign agents or political pawns. The result is an atmosphere of fear, scrutiny, and exclusion, where Chinese Americans must constantly prove their loyalty to the United States.The rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic has further deepened the community’s vulnerability. Many Chinese Americans have distanced themselves from U.S.-China policy discussions out of fear, choosing self-preservation over engagement. Julia stresses that this silence weakens the ability of Chinese and Asian Americans to advocate for their rights and contribute meaningfully to shaping U.S.-China relations. Without their voices, the United States risks losing a critical perspective that could help navigate this complex geopolitical rivalry in a way that upholds American values of inclusion and justice. Julia draws a direct link between historical and present-day discrimination, citing the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin as a tragic reminder of the consequences of racial scapegoating. Chin, a Chinese American, was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two white auto workers who blamed Japan for the decline of the U.S. auto industry. His murder, and the lack of justice that followed, underscore the persistent view of Asian Americans as perpetual foreigners. Julia also highlights the case of Sherry Chen, a Chinese American scientist wrongfully accused of espionage and fired from her job at the National Weather Service in 2014. Despite being exonerated, Chen’s case exemplifies how racial profiling continues to damage lives and careers. Her legal victory, including nearly $2 million in damages, was a rare but important step toward accountability. However, Julia warns that similar injustices will persist if structural biases are not addressed. USCET aims to create a dialogue that not only acknowledges Beijing’s actions but also holds Washington accountable for policies that harm Asian Americans. The initiative seeks to educate policymakers on the consequences of targeting Chinese Americans, encourage open discussions within the community, and guide the media in reporting on U.S.-China relations responsibly. Julia calls for collaboration between national security and racial justice advocates to tackle both the symptoms and root causes of discrimination against Asian Americans. In closing, she urges APA Justice and other advocacy groups to unite in a powerful coalition that demands the U.S. government address security concerns without endangering Chinese and Asian American lives. The United States, she insists, must meet the challenge of China without sacrificing the rights and dignity of its own citizens.A summary of the February 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting is begin prepared at this time. For past monthly meeting summaries, visit https://bit.ly/4hyOV4i Updates by Advancing Justice|AAJC and AASF During the APA Justice monthly meeting on February 3, 2025, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC provided an update on AAJC's response to the numerous executive orders issued by President Trump since January 20. She stated that these orders aim to militarize borders, expand deportation and detention, punish immigrant advocacy groups and local governments, and misinterpret constitutional and immigration laws. In addition to the ongoing litigation over birthright citizenship, AAJC has partnered with the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and OCA to file a lawsuit challenging Trump's authority to strip citizenship from babies born in the U.S. to parents on temporary visas or who are undocumented. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act. AAJC is also monitoring nearly a dozen new immigration-related laws in Texas, conducting a threat assessment to categorize them from problematic to extremely harmful. The organization is working closely with local partners to equip them with the necessary resources to oppose these laws effectively. These legislative measures are seen as a continuation of policies that restrict immigrant rights and increase enforcement actions at the state level. AAJC has been tracking Trump’s nominations for key government positions and has taken public stances opposing several appointees. The organization has actively opposed Kash Patel for FBI Director, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, and Russell Vought for Director of OMB. Despite their efforts, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem have already been confirmed as Secretary of Defense and DHS Secretary, respectively, though AAJC also opposed their nominations. AAJC remains deeply engaged in legal, legislative, and political advocacy efforts to counter policies they view as harmful to immigrant communities. They continue to collaborate with legal groups, assess the impact of new laws, and push back against controversial government appointments, ensuring that communities affected by these decisions have the support and representation they need. During the same meeting, Dr. Kai Li , Vice President, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), provided an update on key concerns and ongoing efforts. He highlighted worries about the Senate hearing on malign foreign influence, particularly remarks by Senator Risch suggesting that every Chinese student could be a spy. Kai noted that Cornell's recent survey on international students with respect to transnational aggression disagreed with the remarks. He warned that restricting student visas from China, especially for AI graduate students, could harm U.S. leadership in science and technology. He suggested conducting more surveys or studies to assess the actual prevalence of transnational aggression among Chinese students. AASF continues to work with federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address concerns about potential biases in new policies that may disproportionately affect Asian American faculty. This initiative, which began before January 20, remains active as long as agencies are engaged. The organization is helping facilitate outreach efforts to ensure fair treatment in research funding and academic policies.AASF remains focused on both protecting Chinese students from unjust scrutiny and advocating for Asian American faculty in federal policy decisions. They emphasize the need for data-driven approaches to better understand these issues and prevent discriminatory practices.A summary of the February 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting is begin prepared at this time. For past monthly meeting summaries, visit https://bit.ly/4hyOV4i Judges Block Trump's Funding Freezes as Lawsuits Against His Orders Surge As of February 13, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 63.According to New York Times and multiple media reports, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island said on February 10, 2025, that the White House had defied his order to release billions of dollars in federal grants, marking the first time a judge has expressly declared that the Trump administration is disobeying a judicial mandate. Judge McConnell mandated the immediate restoration of billions of dollars in federal grants and loans that had been halted.“These pauses in funding violate the plain text of the T.R.O.,” Judge McConnell wrote. That earlier ruling ordered the administration not to “pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel or terminate” money that had already been allocated by Congress to the states to pay for Medicaid, school lunches, low-income housing subsidies and other essential services. These funds were intended for various programs, including early childhood education, pollution reduction, and HIV research. The judge's decision emphasized that the administration's broad categorization of the funding freeze lacked specific findings of potential fraud and violated the restraining order. The judge also made clear that White House officials were obligated to comply regardless of how they thought the case might conclude. Another order requiring that the disputed funds be released was issued by Judge Loren AliKhan of the District of Columbia. That case, National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (1:25-cv-00239) , was filed by a coalition of nonprofits represented by Democracy Forward.According to the Washington Post and multiple media reports, on February 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley for the state of Massachusetts granted a temporary restraining order for the case of Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10338) , blocking the Trump administration from making drastic cuts to biomedical research funding in 22 states that banded together to sue. The judge ordered the National Institutes of Health (NIH) not to implement a funding change the agency had announced in the evening of Friday, February 7, which would dramatically reduce funding to universities and other research organizations for indirect costs related to research. The pause is to remain until otherwise ordered by the court. It only applies to the 22 states party to the lawsuit. A hearing is set for February 21, 2025. On February 10, 2025, university leaders announced that they were also suing to halt the cuts, with the lawsuit Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health (1:25-cv-10340) that has the potential to be more far-reaching because the organizations filing it have nationwide reach.A third lawsuit has been filed by organizations representing private and public universities inclduing the Assocation of American Universities (AAU), American Council on Education, and Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the University of California system, and 12 private universities. On February 10, 2025, STAT News reported on that since Trump’s return to the White House, many researchers have raised concerns over the administration’s disruption of grant reviews and executive orders that ended federal support for programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. But at an institutional level, major universities have mostly been quiet and reluctant to directly oppose the administration. "Now that Trump is going after the fiscal lifeblood of these institutions, however, that seems to be changing," the STAT News report said. ***** During the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 11, 2022, MIT Professor Yoel Fink who co-authored a faculty letter that sparked the "We Are All Gang Chen" movement nationwide, emphasized the tort in standing complacent in the face of injustice by quoting Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany. "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. "Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. "Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. "Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." Third Court Injunction Against Trump's Executive Order Ending Birthright Citizenship According to AP News , Reuters , and multiple media reports, U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante in New Hampshire has issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump 's executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to individuals residing in the country illegally. This decision marks the third such injunction against the order, following similar rulings by federal judges in Seattle and Maryland. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit, New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Trump (1:25-cv00038) , leading to Judge Laplante's ruling, arguing that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which has been consistently interpreted to guarantee birthright citizenship to those born on U.S. soil.According to the Just Security Litigation Tracker , ar least nine lawsuits have been filed against Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship.On February 10, 2025, New York Times reported on Wong Kim Ark as " This Man Won Birthright Citizenship for All. " Today, the decision of United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) is the focus of debate over who can be an American. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/02/13 China Initiative: Impacts and Implications2025/02/13-15 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting2025/02/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/02/18 Protecting Our Organizations: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance Virtual Training2025/02/23 World Premier of "Quixotic Professor Qiu" with Xiaoxing Xi2025/03/02 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/03/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/03/12 MSU Webinar on China Initiative2025/03/16 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine Held Town Hall and Offer Help to Feds U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner , both of Virginia, held a town hall on February 10, 2025, to address a variety of issues related to President Donald Trump 's executive actions. They have dedicated staff and set up these webpages to assist federal employees, including understanding their rights, filing complaints, and collecting stories about what they are experiencing. · Senator Tim Kaine's Resources for Federal Workers: https://bit.ly/4aVH0fa , (202) 224-4024 · Senator Mark Warner's Resources for Federal Employees: https://bit.ly/4jPaijz , 202-224-2023 3. Reuters: Boston Man Cleared of US Charges He Acted as Chinese Agent According to Reuters and multiple media reports on February 10, 2025, a jury found Litang Liang of Boston, a China-born U.S. citizen, not guilty of U.S. charges that he acted as an unlawful agent of China's government by supplying officials information about individuals, dissidents and groups in the local Chinese community. Lian, 65, was acquitted in federal court of charges in a case brought in 2023 that U.S. authorities had portrayed as part of their commitment to counter efforts by China's government to silence its critics abroad. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF February 13, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #262 7/1 Monthly Meeting; Rice News/FBI Forum; Hearing on FL SB 846; Chinese Translation; + #262 7/1 Monthly Meeting; Rice News/FBI Forum; Hearing on FL SB 846; Chinese Translation; + In This Issue #262 · 2024/07/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · Rice News: FBI, AAPI Leaders Meet at Rice to Address Discrimination toward Asian American Academics · 2024/07/03 Hearing on Preliminary Injunction of Florida SB 846 · WSJ: Mandarin Leaves a Manhattan Courtroom Lost in Translation · News and Activities for the Communities 2024/07/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, July 1, 2024, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates by Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC; and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are: · Neal Lane , Senior Fellow, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University; Former Director of Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), The White House; Former Director, National Science Foundation · Kei Koizumi , Principal Deputy Director for Science, Society, and Policy, OSTP, The White House · Xiaoxing Xi , Laura H. Carnell Professor of Physics, Temple University, with invited comments by Kai Li , Paul M. Wythes and Marcia R. Wythes Professor in Computer Science, Princeton University; Vice Chair, Asian American Scholar Forum, and Gang Chen , Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Karla Hagan , Senior Program Officer, Staff Director for National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) 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 . National Academies Roundtable Capstone Workshop The National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable Capstone Workshop on July 16-17, 2024, will present information the Roundtable has gathered since its inception in 2020 through 13 gatherings in Washington, DC and across the U.S. Dr. Karla Hagan will provide additional details about the workshop during the APA Justice monthly meeting on July 1, 2024. Rice News : FBI, AAPI Leaders Meet at Rice to Address Discrimination toward Asian American Academics According to Rice News on June 18, 2024, the FBI leadership participated in a dialogue at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy to address the gaps between national science and technology policy and its implementation, focusing on concerns from the Asian American and academic communities.The event included representatives from Rice, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the Asian American Scholar Forum, the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, and the APA Justice Task Force. Key speakers included Jill Murphy from the FBI and Paul Cherukuri , Rice’s Chief Innovation Officer, who emphasized the importance of these discussions despite their challenges. The dialogue follows the 2022 termination of the DOJ's China Initiative, which faced criticism for potential bias against Asian American scientists. Issues of discrimination, border entry problems for Chinese researchers, and the need for better protection of research security were highlighted.There have been reports of border entry and exit issues for Chinese graduate students and academic researchers who are green card holders and even American citizens, said Tam Dao , assistant vice president for research security in Rice’s Office of Innovation and a former supervisory special agent overseeing the FBI’s counterintelligence task force.FBI leaders underscored their commitment to protecting all U.S. residents and fostering trust within the community. Panelists agreed on the importance of preventing the transfer of U.S. research to the Chinese government while ensuring a non-discriminatory environment for researchers. Community leaders Gisela Perez Kusakawa and Gordon Quan emphasized the need for continued progress to make the U.S. welcoming for global talent. “We’ve talked today about the implementation steps, the progress we can make. (This) could prove to be one of the most important events that ever occurred on campus, so I’m very appreciative for being a part of it,” said Neal Lane , senior fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute and former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.Read the Rice News report: https://bit.ly/3VLE2Ea . For a summary and a video of the forum, visit https://bit.ly/3wNL2Xi (1:55:24) 2024/07/03 Hearing on Preliminary Injunction of Florida SB 846 According to an update by the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) 华美维权同盟 on June 21, 2024, CALDA has represented two Chinese students from Florida International University and a professor from the University of Florida since March 25 in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The legal team filed a Motion for a Preliminary Injunction with the court on April 29. This rapid response strategy, similar to the approach to Florida's SB 264 alien land bill, aims to swiftly curb the ongoing impact of Florida SB 846 , which continues to harm more Chinese-background students, professors, and related academic personnel.The legal team asserts that SB 846 is unconstitutional for three main reasons: · Federal law supersedes state law regarding the work rights of international students, and Florida has no authority to impose additional restrictions · SB 846 clearly discriminates based on immigration status and nationality, failing to pass constitutional strict scrutiny · The bill’s key provisions are vague, violating due process A hearing on our motion for a preliminary injunction will be held: WHEN: July 3, 2024, 10:30 am ET WHERE: 6th floor, C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse, 301 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33128 Read the CALDA update: 阻击佛州歧视留学生法案，捍卫华人权益，SB 846最新进展 WSJ : Mandarin Leaves a Manhattan Courtroom Lost in Translation According to the Wall Street Journal on June 18, 2024, the trial of Guo Wengui shows how linguistic issues can trip up China-related cases. Nearly everyone in the lower Manhattan courtroom appears frustrated by a halting process that requires translation of Chinese-language videos, documents and witness testimony. It is one in a series of high-profile China-linked cases that are similarly getting lost in translation. Chinese-language evidence is piling up, unintelligible to attorneys. Translations are slow, and sometimes wrong. There is a limited pool of top-tier Mandarin court interpreters, and they can disagree on English translations. And for both sides in a trial, the work of interpreters provides ammunition for legal wrangling, from gamesmanship to courtroom objections and possible appeals.Introducing any foreign language to a legal case can add confusion to an already complex process. The challenges mount when it is a language like Mandarin that is unintelligible to 99% of people in the U.S.Chinese can be highly nuanced and the same word can have different meanings depending on the context. Quality translation services are limited, even in New York City, which has a sizable ethnic Chinese population. In legal circles, demand for Chinese skills is enormous.Such a challenge helped to torpedo a sensational China Initiative case against an ethnic Tibetan New York policeman, Baimadajie Angwang , charged with spying on behalf of Beijing in 2020. The allegation was built on dozens of intercepted phone calls between the officer and a Chinese consular official - and apparently misconstrued Mandarin colloquialisms. For instance, prosecutors considered the officer's use of a Mandarin word for "boss" as evidence that he was signaling subservience to the Chinese official, while the officer's defense attorney said the term was the defendant's way of expressing gratitude for help on a complex travel visa application. "The fact that it was in a foreign language created an opportunity to use inaccurate translation to fit their story," said the defense attorney, John F. Carman . The case against Officer Angwang was eventually dropped, but his employment was still terminated by the New York Police Department.Read the Wall Street Journal report: https://on.wsj.com/3VBArae NOTE : Chinese written language is in either Traditional or Simplified characters. Traditional characters have been in existence for more than 2,000 years and are used in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Simplified characters were introduced in the 1960s and are used in Mainland China. There is a substantial overlap between Simplified and Traditional Chinese characters, with an estimated 30-40% of the most commonly used characters being identical. Both evolve over time, including their colloquial usage in the Internet age.Mandarin originating from Beijing is the most widely spoken form of the Chinese language and serves as the official language of both the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. However, there are more than 300 regional and minority languages or dialects across the country. For example, Cantonese is predominantly spoken in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province while Shanghainese is spoken in Shanghai and neighboring areas. Science : Record Settlement over China Funding Puts U.S. Research Institutions on Notice According to Science on June 21, 2024, over the past 5 years, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has won only a handful of criminal cases in which it prosecuted scientists alleged to have defrauded the government by not disclosing research support they received from China. But last month DOJ sent a clear message that, despite that poor track record, research institutions will be held accountable for mistakes in monitoring outside support to their faculty.A May 17 settlement with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) requires the medical colossus to pay the government $7.6 million to resolve allegations it mismanaged three grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition to the fine, the settlement requires a top CCF administrator “to personally attest” to the accuracy of all information it submits to NIH. “That is a very meaningful sanction or burden on an institution,” says attorney Michael Vernick of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, who has represented research institutions in similar settlements but was not involved in the CCF case.CCF itself was not the government’s initial target. In 2018, NIH began to investigate CCF cardiovascular geneticist Qing Wang after getting an FBI list of some 3000 scientists the agency believed had received funding through one of the many Chinese programs aimed at attracting world-class scientists, many of Chinese ancestry. In January 2019, NIH asked CCF to investigate those allegations and report back. In April 2020, CCF sent NIH a 17-page summary of its findings. Within days NIH suspended Wang’s $2.8 million grant and CCF terminated his employment. He was arrested on May 13, 2020, charged with making false claims in connection with the grant under the China Initiative. However, in July 2021 DOJ abruptly dropped its effort to prosecute him without explaining its decision. Wang, who grew up in China but trained in the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 2005, has restarted his research career at China’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology.To Wang’s lawyer, Peter Zeidenberg , the reason the government threw in the towel is clear: His client had followed the rules and voluntarily disclosed his Chinese support. “He told them everything—both NIH and CCF,” says Zeidenberg, a partner with ArentFox Schiff LLP. The CCF settlement, he adds, simply confirms Wang’s innocence.The CCF settlement eclipses two earlier civil settlements involving alleged nondisclosures between the government and the Van Andel Institute. In those 2019 and 2021 cases, totaling $6.6 million, the scientists involved in the grants were never criminally charged with any wrongdoing. Read the Science report: https://bit.ly/3XzJRpE News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/06/27-30 UCA: 2024 Chinese American Convention2024/07/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/07/01 President's Advisory Commission Public Meeting - Livestreaming2024/07/02 President's Advisory Commission Public Meeting - In Person2024/07/03 Hearing on Preliminary Injunction on Florida SB 846Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Hate Crime Conviction in Texas According to NBC News and WFAA-TV on June 18, 2024, a woman in Plano, Texas, has been convicted on charges of hate crime in connection to a 2022 incident in which several Asian American women were physically and verbally attacked. Esmeralda Upton , 59, was convicted of three misdemeanor assault charges and one misdemeanor charge of terroristic threat. Each of the charges includes a state hate crime enhancement, alleging that Upton chose the victims based on her bias and prejudice against their race and national origin. It comes after Upton was accused of attacking four South Asian women outside a restaurant two years ago. During the altercation, she made racist comments, attempted to hit the women, told them to “go back to India,” video of the incident showed. Upton, who pleaded guilty to the four charges, was sentenced to two years of community supervision probation and 40 days confinement in the Collin County Jail for each of the cases, served concurrently. There is still a pending civil suit against Upton, filed by the victims. Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/3KY7Hn6 . Read and watch the report by WFAA-TV : https://bit.ly/4bf8qeH (video 0:44) Back View PDF June 24, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #33 Call For House Hearing; S. 386/H.R. 1044; Anti-Hate Crime Hero; And Much More #33 Call For House Hearing; S. 386/H.R. 1044; Anti-Hate Crime Hero; And Much More Back View PDF December 10, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #229 Rep. Judy Chu New Year Message; APA Justice Thanks You; Carter Center Forum; More #229 Rep. Judy Chu New Year Message; APA Justice Thanks You; Carter Center Forum; More In This Issue #229 · Congresswoman Judy Chu's New Year Message at APA Justice Monthly Meeting · APA Justice Thanks You and Pledges More Community Services in 2024 · Carter Center Forum in Honor of President Jimmy Carter and 45th Anniversary of US-China Diplomatic Ties · News and Activities for the Communities Congresswoman Judy Chu's New Year Message at APA Justice Monthly Meeting We thank Congresswoman Judy Chu 赵美心 , Chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), for the following remarks at the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 8, 2024, to kick off the new year:"It is so great to be here speaking to all of you because it was back in 2015 while we were hearing reports of racial bias and profiling of Asian Americans, often specifically Chinese scientists, researchers, and engineers, I put out a call to the community to mobilize and organize around this issue as the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus or what we call CAPAC. I am proud to see the result of that call for community support is The APA Justice Task Force."There has never been a more important time for you to be in existence. When this community began to form in 2015 back as Sherry Chen 陈霞芬 and Dr. Xiaoxing Xi 's 郗小星 cases became public, we never knew how large of a problem targeting our communities would become, and what new struggles we would face."But thanks to your leadership, the Asian American scientific and academic community's voices are louder than ever before. And more people are aware of the blatant racial profiling that our communities have faced at the hands of our own government."I want to thank each of you for your engagement on such important issues like this because together we have accomplished some major wins in the last year."So today it is my honor to join you and share what we have been able to do thanks to your dedicated advocacy and to the work of APA Justice's leaders, including Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 , Steven Pei 白先慎 , and Vincent Wang 王文奎 ."One of the most pressing issues last year was the surge in legislation seeking to restrict land ownership for Chinese and other immigrant communities across various states and in Congress. When APA Justice, AAPI advocates and CAPAC member representatives, Lizzie Fletcher and Al Green , brought attention to such a bill in Texas early last year, I was immediately alarmed. Texas Senate Bill 147 would ban citizens and companies from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from buying land in Texas. But because of Texas State Representative Gene Wu 吳元之 and so many AAPI groups and activists working tirelessly on the ground in Texas to speak out against this legislation, this bill did not move forward into law."But in other states like Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, these types of bills were signed into law. "Already, realtors have reported experiencing business losses and feeling compelled to comply with the new alien land laws in unrealistic, uncomfortable ways, forcing them to act like proxy ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents and question people's nationalities. "And families are being hurt. Long time Florida resident Christian Zhang was thrilled when after being separated during the pandemic, her parents decided to buy a home in Florida. Those plans have been cancelled simply because her parents are from China. Or how about Mr. Jie Manju , a political asylee living in Florida who was persecuted by the Chinese government and had to flee to the US where he has lived for the past 4 years. Because of the new Florida land law, Mr. Shu is forced to cancel the contract for the purchase of what was supposed to be his new home. As a result he lost both this property and his $30,000 deposit. And in Florida, Chinese nationals who own property are now required to register their properties with the state. "In fact, last month I joined AAPI advocates in Miami, Florida, to speak out strongly and loudly against these discriminatory and racist attacks, which certainly do nothing to help in national security. This is why I recently joined Congress member Al Green to introduce a bill, the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act, prohibiting such state laws from taking effect. We have to do everything we can to push this bill forward."Now, at the federal level, we have seen these measures introduced and attached to legislative vehicles."When the Senate considered the National Defense Authorization Act, such an amendment had passed [the House]. Immediately afterwards, CAPAC and a coalition of AAPI organizations, including many of you on this call, reached out to congressional leadership and committees to express our grave concerns and demanded that it be kept out of the final text."I am thrilled to share that with your help, we successfully push to remove the harmful language from the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which the president ultimately signed. Not only that, we also work to strike provisions that parroted xenophobic COVID conspiracy theories. And we successfully push back measures that would harm the Asian American research community and hinder international collaboration and US innovation such as a house provision that would have established problematic disclosure requirements for university researchers to have, including their personal information, their date of birth, immigration status, and that all this be published publicly online. "So as we continue this work to protect the civil rights of our community, we must also ensure that our communities' resilient history is recognized, celebrated, and preserved. In 2010 just after I was elected to Congress, Chinese American community organizations began reaching out to me about ways we could work to promote equality and justice. Many advocates started with addressing the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This act is among the most discriminatory laws ever passed by Congress. It remains the only law to name an ethnic group for exclusion from immigration and prohibited Chinese Americans from becoming naturalized citizens so that they could not vote. "It required Chinese people to carry papers on them at all times or else be subject to deportation, and only the testimony of a white person could save them. "This law deprived the Chinese community of their civil rights for 60 years. Yet the US had never apologized for it. So for 2 years, together we work to build support for for a formal apology including educating many of my colleagues in Congress, most of whom had never even heard of this law. Finally, in 2011 and 2012, the US Senate and then the House unanimously passed my bill officially expressing regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act."Last month I introduced the official congressional resolution to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act. "As the first Chinese American woman ever elected to Congress. It is critical that I use my seat at that table to ensure that our history is remembered and that nothing like this could ever happen to our communities again."In closing, I want to underscore how important groups like APA justice are in making all of these achievements happen over the past year."The year ahead, we know the work continues to proactively engage with our partners in the administration across federal agencies and my fellow members of Congress and to ensure that our communities are not facing anti-Asian discrimination and racial profiling."To that end, CAPAC will continue to prioritize calling out blatantly xenophobic anti-China rhetoric, pushing back on policies that unfairly target Chinese American and other AANHPI communities, and advocating for common sense measures that would address racial discrimination and profiling like FISA section 702 reform that will stop this warrantless surveillance that has been going on since 9/11. "So thank you again for inviting me today to join your monthly call. I appreciate the leadership this group has taken when the need arose for our community to mobilize years ago and while it is unfortunate that those needs have continued to grow, I am so grateful to know that a group like APA Justice Task Force is leading the way in bringing our community and our allies together to stand up for our civil rights. I appreciate your inclusion of CAPAC in your monthly calls and your long standing partnership with us. "I am thrilled to start this year by congratulating you all on the hard work that you have done on behalf of our community. I encourage you to stay strong on the road ahead as we work together this year, speaking out for those being targeted just for being Chinese or Asian American and continue building this diverse coalition of leaders across the country."I look forward to working with you to make this nation more inclusive of all people where no one should be made to feel unsafe or un-American because of who they are. And I will continue to strive for an America where everybody is treated equally. Thank you."Watch Congresswoman Judy Chu's message: https://bit.ly/3tUixpp (video 11:56). APA Justice Thanks You and Pledges More Community Services in 2024 APA Justice sent almost 300,000 emails between January 1 and December 15 in 2023. Each email was also forwarded by subscribers to additional family members, friends, and colleagues. APA Justice thanks you for making us a trusted platform and a strong voice for the Asian Pacific American communities as we enter the 9th year of operation. The APA Justice Task Force was formed in 2015 in response to Rep. Judy Chu 's call for a platform to connect elected officials with concerned individuals and organizations to address racial profiling and related justice and fairness issues for the Asian Pacific American communities. We facilitate, inform, and advocate for a sustainable ecosystem to support our mission.APA Justice has distributed 226 issues of the APA Justice Newsletter since July 2020, 69 in 2023 alone. All of them are preserved and available for public access here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Free subscription is open to all at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM . APA Justice holds monthly meetings where the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Advancing Justice | AAJC, and the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) provide regular updates on their activities and plans. Prominent speakers are invited to speak on various topics of interest to the communities each month. The monthly meetings are closed to reporters, but a reviewed meeting summary is posted at the APA Justice website. Videos of the meetings are also made public when speakers give their permission. Summaries and videos of the monthly meetings since January 2020 are posted at: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP . Send us a message at contact@apajustice.org if you wish to be invited to the monthly meetings. The APA Justice website located at https://www.apajustice.org/ is a repository of its activities and information since 2015. In response to recent attempts to revive the discriminatory "China Initiative," APA Justice is compiling the chronological facts and events from the launch of the initiative in November 2018 to its end in February 2022. We plan to seek assistance from community organizations and individuals to ensure its accuracy and completeness.Looking forward to 2024, we plan to stay on top of important issues and engage with elected officials and partner with organizations and individuals to combat racial profiling and strive for just and fair treatment of the AANHPI communities. We are in discussions to launch a short series of webinars on the past and current lessons learned from the Chinese Exclusion Act, as well as to help change xenophobic and fearmongering narratives that provoke anti-Asian hostility.Please send your comments and thoughts on how we can do better in 2024 to contact@apajustice.org . Note: when you forward the APA Justice newsletters, please remove this footer information to avoid being accidentally unsubscribed by your recipients: Carter Center Forum in Honor of President Jimmy Carter and 45th Anniversary of US-China Diplomatic Ties Although Dr. Henry Kissinger opened the door in 1971 and President Richard Nixon made the first presidential visit to China in 1972, it was President Jimmy Carter who normalized US-China diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979. The Carter Center hosted a forum in honor of President Carter and the 45th anniversary of US-China ties in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 9, 2024. The event was co-hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations, the US-China Business Council, and the Fudan University Center for American Studies. About 200 people attended the forum in person. President Carter has long considered the normalization of diplomatic relations one of his most important legacies. It has led to an era distinguished by peace in East Asia and the Pacific region. This decision and its legacies have not been without criticism, however. Relations are as tense today as they were before President Nixon's visit in 1972, and these tensions influence almost every facet of the bilateral relationship.During the forum, "courage" was a frequently used word in tributes to President Carter and his wife of 77 years Rosalyn Carter , who founded the Carter Center to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope in more than 80 countries around the world. President Carter, age 99, is under hospice care. Rosalyn Carter passed away in November 2023. U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng delivered opening remarks via video. Ambassador Burns recalled that he was an intern at the State Department in 1979. While acknowledging complexities and difficulties on many topics, both spoke to the need for dialogue and engagement, stabilizing the bilateral relationship, and moving forward from the meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last year. Watch Ambassador Burns' remarks here: https://bit.ly/3HfaJBQ (video 21:03). Read Ambassador Xie's speech here: https://bit.ly/48JdFlU In his opening remarks, Stephen Orlins , Chairman of the National Committee on US-China Relations, referred himself as 小土豆 ("small potato") at the State Department in 1979 and noted that hundreds of thousands of US and Chinese soldiers had died in battlefields when President Carter went to Asia. "Virtually no American and Chinese soldiers have died on (Northeast) Asian battlefields since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and Asia has been peaceful and prosperous for almost a century," he said. In her luncheon remarks via video, Rep. Judy Chu , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, paid tribute to Rosalyn Carter and President Carter's courageous decision to establish ties with China despite political pressures at home. "His leadership proved that the United States and China could find areas of common ground and cooperation on issues that are of importance to our people... This does not mean that there has not been areas of deep disagreement and tension," she said. "We must not turn our backs to diplomacy and cooperation, especially on issues that we must work together like fighting climate change." Rep. Chu is a co-sponsor of the Restoring the Fulbright Exchanges with China and Hong Kong Act (H.R. 8939 https://bit.ly/3VkKy2G ). Watch Rep. Chu's remarks at https://bit.ly/3O4ydgS (video 6:51)The full day conference covered five panels and a gala dinner in the evening. A summary of the event is available here: https://bit.ly/3TQYG58 News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/02/04 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/02/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/02/10 New Year's Day of the Year of the Dragon2024/03/03 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/07 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/04/19 Committee of 100 Annual Conference & GalaVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Korean American Day According to the University of Hawaii archives, the first ship to bring Korean immigrants carrying 56 men, 21 women, and 25 children (102 people), came to Hawaii on January 13,1903, aboard the S.S. Gaelic. After two years, over 7,000 Koreans came to Hawaii. The majority of the early immigrants who arrived at the sugar plantation were young bachelors, largely uneducated, and engaged in semi-skilled or unskilled occupations. January 13 is Korean American Day to commemorate this historical event. Korean Americans have contributed greatly to our nation as leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and more. Four Korean American Members of Congress are serving in the 118th Congress, including CAPAC Executive Members Reps. Andy Kim from New Jersey and Marilyn Strickland from Washington. The others are Michelle Steel and Young Kim. John Park was sworn in as Mayor of Brookhaven on January 8, 2024, becoming the first Asian American Pacific Islander mayor in the state of Georgia. Read the CAPAC press release: https://bit.ly/41VScE9 . Read the NPR report: https://bit.ly/48tydz0 3. Asian Pacific Americans in Congress During the APA Justice monthly meeting on January 8, 2024, Lorraine Tong shared a website maintained by the U.S. House of Representatives on "Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress." According to the website, since 1900, when Delegate Robert M. Wilcox of Hawaii became the first Asian Pacific American (APA) to serve in Congress, a total of 70 APAs have served as U.S. Representatives, Delegates, Resident Commissioners, or Senators as of 2017. The website contains their biographical profiles, links to information about current APA Members, essays on the institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of APAs in Congress, and images of each individual Member, including rare photos. At least 9 more congressional members since 2017 are reported by Wikipedia . Visit the House website: https://bit.ly/41YdmRW 4. New Jersey Designates Lunar New Year On January 12, 2024, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution AJR201/SJR111, designating the first new moon of the first month of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. The date of Lunar New Year changes in concurrence with the cycles of the moon. The holiday has been recognized and celebrated internationally for thousands of years by Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders to welcome good fortune in the new year. February 10, 2024, is New Year's Day for the Year of the Dragon. Read the Governor's announcement at: https://bit.ly/3u04E99 Back View PDF January 17, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #322 4/7 Monthly Meeting; Texas Rallies; Litigations; NAPABA/ABA statements; AAPI History + #322 4/7 Monthly Meeting; Texas Rallies; Litigations; NAPABA/ABA statements; AAPI History + In This Issue #322 · 2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · 2025/03/29-30 Texas Tri-City Rallies · Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions · NAPABA and ABA Statements on Rule of Law · C100 Updates Data on Laws Requiring The Teaching of AAPI History in School Curricula · News and Activities for the Communities 2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 7, 2025, starting at 1:55 pm ET.In addition to updates by Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), confirmed speakers are: · Mark Takano , First Vice Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Member, U.S. House of Representatives · Erwin Chemerinsky , Dean, Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley · Cindy Tsai , Interim President, Committee of 100 · X. Edward Guo , President, Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) 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 . Congressman Mark Takano will make his remarks via recorded video on unprecedented challenges to our communities.In a recent opinion published by the New York Times , Dean Erwin Chemerinsky raised an alarming question: "if Trump defies the Courts, then what?" He also commented on President Trump's unprecedented demands on Columbia University. Dean Chemerinsky will share his thoughts on these recent developments and more.The Committee of 100 (C100) is a nonprofit leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans dedicated to advancing U.S.-China relations and promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in American society. On April 25-26, 2025, it will host its annual conference and gala in Los Angeles to share insights on the state of Chinese Americans and the current and future condition of the U.S.-China relationship. Interim President Cindy Tsai returns to update us on recent developments with C100 and the annual event. Professor X. Edward Guo, Stanley Dicker Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Medical Sciences at Columbia University, is current President of Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE). Professor Guo will introduce AAASE and comment on recent developments in higher education and research communities. 2025/03/29-30 Texas Tri-City Rallies Texas grassroots groups with support of diverse national organizations will hold rallies in all three major cities this weekend to oppose Alien Land Bills - Senate Bill 17 (SB17) and House Bill 17 (HB17): · Saturday, 3/29 at 11 a.m. Texas Capitol Grounds East Steps, Austin, TX · Sunday, 3/30 at 2 p.m. zTAO Marketplace, 2049 Coit Rd #300 , Plano, TX · Sunday, 3/30 at 2 p.m. 9015 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX In an open letter addressed to Texas state senators and representatives, the groups denounce SB17, HB 17 and similar legislation as unconstitutional and discriminatory, as they target individuals based on their national origin, infringing upon rights protected by both the U.S. and Texas constitutions. It further argues that such legislation could discourage foreign investment and talent, leading to economic drawbacks for the state. In addition, the letter highlights concerns that these bills conflate individuals with foreign governments, potentially penalizing those without political affiliations, and lack factual evidence to justify their implementation. The organizers warn that enacting these laws may foster discrimination against Asian and immigrant communities.Drawing historical parallels, the letter references the 59th Texas Legislature's 1965 decision to abolish "alien land laws," cautioning against repeating past mistakes. It concludes with a call to action for legislators to oppose these bills to uphold constitutional protections and promote inclusivity within the state. Read the coalition open letter posted by United Chinese Americans: https://ucausa.org/ and call your legislators in Texas.The Yellow Whistle™ with the message "We Belong" will be distributed at all three rallies in Texas. The Yellow Whistle Project was launched in April 2022 after an Asian woman was brutally attacked in anti-Asian hate incident in front of a building in New York when the doormen closed the door instead of intervening. The Yellow Whistle is a symbol of self-protection and solidarity in our common fight against historical discrimination and anti-Asian violence. The whistle is a simple gadget with a universal purpose—to signal alarm and call for help—for all Americans. We shall not remain silent, because WE BELONG™. Latest on Litigations Against Trump's Executive Actions As of March 27, 2025, the number of lawsuits against President Donald Trump 's executive actions reported by the Just Security Litigation Tracker has grown to 146 (3 closed cases). According to the New York Times Tracker , at least 53 of the court rulings have at least temporarily paused some of the administration’s initiatives.These are some of the latest developments: · Block on Alien Enemies Act Deportations Upheld . In a 2-1 decision, the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., today denied the Trump administration’s request to lift the temporary restraining order against Trump's executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act. The Plaintiffs led by ACLU, Democracy Forward, and the ACLU of the District of Columbia. have filed a Notice that they intended to file a new Motion for Preliminary Injunction on Friday, March 28, to incorporate “additional factual material so that there is a more complete record.” · Deportation of Columbia University Student Blocked . On March 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald of the Southern District of New York granted Yunseo Chung 's attorneys a temporary restraining order, preventing her from being arrested or deported. Chung is a 21-year-old Columbia University student and legal permanent resident who has been involved in pro-Palestinian protests. She came to the U.S. with her family from South Korea at the age of 7. On March 27, TIME Magazine reported these other students targeted by Trump’s immigration enforcement over campus activism: Rumeysa Ozturk , a Turkish international student on a valid F-1 visa for her PhD studies at Tufts University in Boston, became the latest high-profile target of ICE after her arrest, which witnesses caught on video, outside her home in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 26. Badar Khan Suri , an Indian citizen studying and teaching at Georgetown University on a valid J-1 visa, was detained by ICE on March 17. A lawsuit, Suri v. Trump (1:25-cv-00480) , has been filed in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia. Momodou Taal , a 31-year-old Cornell University graduate student and dual U.K. and Gambian citizen, had his student visa revoked on March 14 and now faces the threat of deportation. Mahmoud Khalil was arrested at his home by ICE agents on March 8, 2025, and remains in custody as of March 27 at a Louisiana detention facility. Khalil, a Palestinian, moved to the U.S. in 2022 to attend Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, completing his master’s degree studies in December 2024. He married an American woman—making him eligible for a green card—who is eight months pregnant with their first child. Preservation of Signal Records on Military Strikes Ordered . On March 25, 2025, American Oversight, a nonprofit watchdog organization, filed American Oversight v. Hegseth (1:25-cv-00883) against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior Trump administration officials, seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to prevent the deletion of critical national security communications related to a Signal group chat discussing U.S. military operations about a planned strike against Yemen's Houthis on March 11-15, 2025. Administration officials made apparently misleading or false claims that were contradicted by the Editor-in-Chief of the Atlantic . On March 27, Chief Judge James Boasberg of the District of Columbia ordered the Trump administration to preserve the Signal messages. The case raises serious concerns about potential violations of national security protocols and federal records laws. NAPABA and ABA Statements on Rule of Law On March 7, 2025, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) issued an advocacy update . It reaffirmed "[o]ur mission is broad. NAPABA is both a national civil rights organization and a preeminent bar association. We are the national voice for the AANHPI legal profession, promoting justice, equity, and opportunity for AANHPIs. We foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy, and community involvement."The NAPABA statement outlines significant legal and policy developments impacting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The organization is closely monitoring threats to the rule of law, including government intimidation of judges, law firms, and federal attorneys. It highlights recent executive orders that have targeted major law firms and restricted their access to government buildings and officials. The report expresses concern over the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, including the elimination of the White House Initiative on AANHPIs and restrictions on DEI programs in private institutions. NAPABA argues that these actions undermine fundamental rights, erode professional protections, and reverse decades of progress in ensuring equal opportunities for underrepresented communities. The NAPABA update also focuses on policy rollbacks affecting vulnerable populations. The revocation of Executive Order 13166, which previously mandated language access guarantees for limited English proficient individuals, creates uncertainty for AANHPI immigrants who rely on government services. The administration's restrictive immigration policies, including expanded expedited removal authority and curtailment of asylum rights, disproportionately impact immigrant communities. NAPABA further condemns recent executive actions targeting the LGBTQ+ community, stating that such measures promote discrimination and weaken legal protections. In response to these challenges, the organization reaffirms its commitment to defending civil rights, advocating for equal justice, and ensuring that marginalized communities are not left vulnerable to government overreach.Read the NAPABA statement: https://bit.ly/424d6Bl On March 26, 2025, NAPABA joined the American Bar Association and a coalition of bar organizations across the nation in the following statement to defend the rule of law and reject efforts to undermine the courts and the legal profession: "We endorse the sentiments expressed by the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in his 2024 Year End Report on the Federal Judiciary, '[w]ithin the past year we have also seen the need for state and federal bar associations to come to the defense of a federal district judge whose decisions in a high-profile case prompted an elected official to call for her impeachment. Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed.'"We support the right of people to advance their interests in courts of law when they have been wronged. We reject the notion that the U.S. government can punish lawyers and law firms who represent certain clients or punish judges who rule certain ways. We cannot accept government actions that seek to twist the scales of justice in this manner."We reject efforts to undermine the courts and the profession. We will not stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not. Words and actions matter. And the intimidating words and actions we have heard and seen must end. They are designed to cow our country’s judges, our country’s courts and our legal profession."There are clear choices facing our profession. We can choose to remain silent and allow these acts to continue or we can stand for the rule of law and the values we hold dear. We call upon the entire profession, including lawyers in private practice from Main Street to Wall Street, as well as those in corporations and who serve in elected positions, to speak out against intimidation." If lawyers do not speak, who will speak for our judges? Who will protect our bedrock of justice? If we do not speak now, when will we speak? Now is the time. That is why we stand together with the ABA in support of the rule of law. "Read the ABA statement: https://bit.ly/43zP97z C100 Updates Data on Laws Requiring The Teaching of AAPI History in School Curricula On March 25, 2025, the Committee of 100 (C100) released updated data on its public policy research project that identifies and classifies state-level statutes, ongoing bills, and academic standards of K-12 curriculum pertaining to the study of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, as well as other non-white racial and ethnic groups. It includes an interactive map where users may select and filter among statutes, academic standards, and pending bills to meet their needs using the dropdown menus. As of March 25, 2025, · 12 states have statutes that require AAPI studies curriculum (no change since October 3, 2024 data) · 7 states are considering recently introduced bills that would require AAPI studies curriculum (an increase of 3 states since October 3, 2024 data) · 16 states have academic standards that require AAPI studies (an increase of 1 state since October 3, 2024 data) · 23 states have statutes that require ethnic studies curriculum (an increase of 1 state since October 3, 2024 data) · 12 states are considering recently introduced bills that would require ethnic studies curriculum (an increase of 9 states since October 3, 2024 data) · 37 states have academic standards that require ethnic studies (an increase of 4 states since October 3, 2024 data) · 6 states have no statutes, recently introduced bills, or academic standards that require or make optional AAPI studies or ethnic studies curriculum (a decrease of 2 states since October 3, 2024 data) Visit the C100 announcement and interactive map: https://bit.ly/4l351FE News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar 2025/03/29 No to Discrimination and Alien Land Bills - Austin, Texas2025/03/30 No to Discrimination and Alien Land Bills - Plano, Texas2025/03/30 No to Discrimination and Alien Land Bills - Houston, Texas2025/03/30 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/07 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/04/13 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/04/15 China Connections: A Conversation with Emily Feng2025/04/24-26 Committee of 100 Annual Conference and Gala2025/04/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/05/05 APA Justice Monthly MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF March 28, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #8 United States V. Tao Amicus Brief Sign On Request #8 United States V. Tao Amicus Brief Sign On Request Back View PDF August 7, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #79 Letter To Judge; Letter To President; 2020 Census Results; 08/02 Meeting Summary #79 Letter To Judge; Letter To President; 2020 Census Results; 08/02 Meeting Summary Back View PDF August 25, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #209 7/3 Meeting Summary; Coalition Opposes Section 702; Meet Oscar and Agnes; Calendar #209 7/3 Meeting Summary; Coalition Opposes Section 702; Meet Oscar and Agnes; Calendar In This Issue #209 2023/07/03 Monthly Meeting Summary Posted National Asian American Coalition Opposes Reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA Without Major Reforms Science Editorial: Future Generations Are Watching Meet Agnes Hsu-Tang 徐心眉 and Oscar Tang 唐骝千 Community Calendar 2023/07/03 Monthly Meeting Summary Posted The July 3, 2023, APA Justice monthly meeting summary has been posted at https://bit.ly/46dE3CW . We thank the following speakers for their updates and discussions: Al Green , Member, U.S. House of Representatives; Member of the Executive Board and Chair of Housing Task Force, CAPAC, on affirmative action, multicultural advocacy coalition and unity, history of alien land laws and SB 147, Green-Chu Preemption Bill, March on Washington, and more Nisha Ramachandran , Executive Director, CAPAC, nisha.ramachandran@mail.house.gov , on affirmative action, alien land bills, and push back against legislations and amendments that are harmful to the civil rights and civil liberties of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), gpkusakawa@aasforum.org , on anti-Asian narrative, Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Smithsonian Museum, teach-in with Mike German at the Brennan Center to demystify the FBI, and in-person OCA National panel with Dr. Xiaoxing Xi Clay Zhu 朱可亮 , Partner, DeHeng Law Offices 德恒律师事务所; Founder, Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) 华美维权同盟, on motion for preliminary injunction, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart joining the Florida lawsuit pro bono, joint amicus brief 19 diverse groups, and statement of interest by the Department of Justice Scott Chang , Senior Counsel, National Fair Housing Alliance, on the history and purpose of NFHA, monitoring of state alien land bills, and possible lawsuit with longtime partners, Relman Colfax PLLC Edgar Chen , Special Policy Advisor, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, on the history and purpose of NAPABA, its advocacy efforts with local affiliates to combat new alien land laws as legal ambassadors and interpreters, caution against one-size-fits-all solution, critical local knowledge, holding legislators accountable, and appreciation for African American legislators in places like Alabama and Louisiana. Cindy Tsai 蔡欣玲 , Interim President and Executive Director, Committee of 100, on the history and purpose of C100, the importance of empowering local communities to address state and municipal laws prohibiting land purchases, guidebook and interactive map, standardized database of information and anti-Asian incident reports, the Yellow Whistle Campaign, and interactions with FBI field offices. Read the 7/3 meeting summary: https://bit.ly/46dE3CW . Read past monthly meeting summaries: https://bit.ly/3kxkqxP Correction from last issue of APA Justice newsletter : Scott Chang , an attorney for the National Fair Housing Alliance, said that NFHA and other organizations are still investigating and are likely to file a lawsuit against the discriminatory alien land law in Florida during the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 11, 2023 National Asian American Coalition Opposes Reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA Without Major Reforms On September 14, 2023, a coalition of 52 Asian American organizations wrote to Congress to oppose the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) unless significant revisions are put into place. The letter, led by Asian American Scholae Forum (AASF), Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) and Stop AAPI Hate, wrote "with a sense of urgency and a shared commitment to safeguarding the principles of justice, equality, and privacy in our nation. As Asian Americans and allies, we understand all too well the perils of unchecked national security programs and the historical discrimination our community has endured. Our shared history serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of racial profiling and prejudice in the name of national security. That is why we write to express our strong opposition to the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act without comprehensive reforms.""Our community is no stranger to the dangers of unrestrained national security programs. The Asian American community has a long history of being treated as 'perpetual foreigners' and scapegoated as national security threats based on our race, ethnicity, religion, or ancestry. During World War II, over 120,000 U.S. residents of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in remote detention camps in the name of 'national security' in what was one of the darkest stains in our nation’s history. The racist rationale behind this measure was concern that any people of Japanese descent, regardless of whether they were citizens or children, were more prone to acts of espionage or sabotage."Yet history continues to repeat itself from the treatment of Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities post 9/11 to the current hate, violence, and bigotry against Asian Americans. In the past decade, we have had programs within federal agencies that have raised concerns and fears that race, ethnicity, national origin, and/or religious beliefs were being used to profile and target Asian Americans, particularly Chinese American scientists, researchers, and scholars. This intensified under the now defunct Department of Justice’s 'China Initiative,' which created a chilling effect on the Asian American community who feared that once again they were being scapegoated as threats based on their race, ethnicity, and national origin. "The lesson from these abuses is clear: Without rigorous checks in place, national security and law enforcement officials may act based on prejudice rather than facts. The result is a system that fosters bigotry and leaves Asian Americans open to abuse and as collateral damage. Even to this day, we continue to be convenient scapegoats. "One such authority is Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which will expire at the end of this year unless reauthorized by Congress. Section 702 allows the government to acquire the communications of non-Americans located outside of the United States without a warrant. But this surveillance inevitably sweeps in Americans’ communications as well, which agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and NSA then search for—again without a warrant. The breadth and scope of this surveillance, which amounts to warrantless access to billions of communications, along with government agents’ “persistent and widespread” violations of the minimal privacy safeguards they are required to adhere to under Section 702, demonstrate that the law is in dire need of reform. " I. Section 702 Surveillance is Overbroad and Overused. " II. Government Officials Abuse Section 702 & Impact on Asian American Communities. " III. Section 702 Is in Dire Need of Reform. "The coalition calls for the communities to spread the word by using this social media toolkit https://bit.ly/3PcehZ6 with sample posts and graphics. They encourage your organization to amplify what is at stake for Asian Americans and why this fight matters to our community. The lead organizations will also develop materials, training, and other resources to support your organizations' direct engagement and advocacy to Congress on this issue.The Washington Post reported on the coalition letter on September 14, 2023. According to the report, the coalition demands that a warrant be required to access Americans’ data in a 702-related search and place new surveillance limits to only target people possessing “information of genuine intelligence value." Civil liberties groups recently met with National Intelligence Director Avril Haines and other intelligence officials, urging them to commit to a range of related reforms to the contentious spying power that is set to expire on December 31, 2023, unless it is reauthorized by Congress. Read the coalition letter: https://bit.ly/3LkEmnt . Read the Washington Post report: https://wapo.st/44Ss6lo . Science Editorial: Future Generations Are Watching According to a Science editorial, "in many ways, the current US scientific enterprise is the intellectual descendant of 87 scientists who gathered in Philadelphia 175 years ago to establish the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, the publisher of Science ). They joined disparate, scattered scientific disciplines to identify and address key challenges of the day."Scientists have made extraordinary advances to improve lives around the world."The world is at a critical juncture. One path leads to ethical and transparent scientific collaboration with the potential to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and protect the planet. Another path leads to barriers that slow progress, distort scientific evidence, and even use science in harmful ways. Both futures are possible, but neither is inevitable. AAAS and the research community must make an active decision to engage in the former, or the latter vision may become the reality by default. AAAS must take a leadership role to cultivate an inclusive and mobilized global scientific community that enables and celebrates scientific excellence and science-informed decisions that lead to the first vision."AAAS is committed to advancing scientific achievement. An open and inclusive scientific enterprise is essential to confronting the world’s complex problems. "Scientists need the tools to participate and build trust in the communities where they live. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed cracks in the foundation of that trust and perpetuated polarization and misinformation in many countries."AAAS must also continue to ensure that the voice of science is heard in policy-making, so that relevant, solutions-oriented, and actionable evidence is clear and available to federal, state, and local decision-makers."Does the world still need an organization incorporating the whole scientific ecosystem? Now more than ever, science is essential to the decisions that will determine the prospects for future health, prosperity, and peace. The scientific enterprise and AAAS must help shape the next 175 years and not be bystanders as history unfolds before us. Future generations are watching."Author of the Science editorial is Dr. Sudip Parikh , chief executive officer of AAAS and executive publisher of the Science journals. ceo@aaas.org Read the Science editorial: https://bit.ly/45TdMuc Meet Agnes Hsu-Tang 徐心眉 and Oscar Tang 唐骝千 According to the New York Times on September 12, 2023, the New York Philharmonic had secured a $40 million donation from the financier Oscar L. Tang 唐骝千 , a co-chairman of its board, and his wife, Agnes Hsu‐Tang 徐心眉 , an archaeologist and art historian, the largest contribution to the endowment in the ensemble’s 181-year history. The Philharmonic, the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, has been led by giants including Mahler , Toscanini and Leonard Bernstein .Tang, who has served on the Philharmonic’s board since 2013, said he hoped the gift would help usher in a “new golden age” under superstar maestro Gustavo Dudamel , who will take the podium in 2026, with a focus on music education and social change, as the Philharmonic works to connect with new audiences, especially young people and Black and Latino residents. Hsu-Tang, who has worked on international cultural heritage protection and rescue, advising UNESCO in Paris as well as the Cultural Property Advisory Committee under President Barack Obama , said "We support institutions that are game changers — that want to make changes, that act on changes — rather than institutions that were forced to make changes because of the pandemic,” she said. “This is not just a golden age for the New York Philharmonic. It’s a renaissance for New York, and it’s a renaissance for music, arts and culture.”Hsu-Tang, who also serves as chair of the board of the New‐York Historical Society, and Tang are among the city’s most prominent cultural philanthropists. In 2021, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that the couple had pledged $125 million to help rebuild its wing for modern and contemporary art, the largest capital gift in the museum’s history.After the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, Tang teamed up with the architect I.M. Pei 貝聿銘 , the cellist Yo-Yo Ma 马友友 and others to establish the Committee of 100, a Chinese American leadership organization for advancing dialogue between the United States and China.Tang and Hsu-Tang have also championed efforts to fight racial discrimination. In early 2021, the couple founded the Yellow Whistle campaign to combat anti‐Asian hate, distributing 500,000 free yellow whistles emblazoned with the slogan “We Belong.” On Tuesday, the Philharmonic announced that Dudamel would come to New York in April for a festival celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts, which have helped introduce new generations to classical music. Dudamel, who had not been previously scheduled to appear this season, will lead the ensemble’s spring gala concert and participate in educational activities.Read the New York Times report: https://nyti.ms/3Rk4UJz Community Calendar APA Justice has launched a Community Calendar to track events and activities of interest to the Asian Pacific American, academic, and other communities. You can find it on the front page of the APA Justice website at https://www.apajustice.org/ . Mark Your Calendar: The Committee of 100 will hold its annual conference and gala in New York City on April 18-20, 2024. Upcoming Events: 2023/09/19 National Voter Registration Day 2023/09/20 Committee of 100 Asian American Career Ceilings: Voting and Representation National Science Foundation Listening Session 2023/09/21 Appeals Court Hearing of Feng "Franklin" Tao 陶丰 Appeal 2023/09/25-27 AAUC National Unity Summit 2023/09/27 1990 Institute: Teaching Asian American Narratives through Literature Visit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. NOTE: Support Professor Feng "Franklin" Tao 陶丰, the first academic researcher to be prosecuted under the now-defunct "China Initiative," by attending the oral argument in Courtroom 2 of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals at 1823 Stout Street, Denver Colorado on Thursday, September 21, 2023, starting around 9:30 am MT. He is appealing one last count against him after all other charges were dismissed or acquitted. If you are not able to attend in person, you may watch it livestreamed through this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz4oP87ziTjb7WpRwIGZf0g . Read about his case at https://bit.ly/3fZWJvK Back View PDF September 18, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

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