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Newsletter - #130 New OSTP Director; 6/6 Meeting Summary; ODNI Report; DOS-Led "China House"; More #130 New OSTP Director; 6/6 Meeting Summary; ODNI Report; DOS-Led "China House"; More Back View PDF June 21, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #296 APA Justice Applauds New CAPAC Leadership #296 APA Justice Applauds New CAPAC Leadership FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 5, 2024 APA Justice Applauds New CAPAC Leadership On December 4, 2024, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced its leadership for the 119th Congress. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) transitions to Chair Emerita. The newly elected leadership includes Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) as Chair, Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) as First Vice-Chair, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) as Second Vice-Chair, Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) as Whip, and Rep.-elect Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) as Freshman Representative.APA Justice applauds CAPAC for electing a new leadership team committed to representing the voice of the Asian Pacific American community and building on the remarkable legacy established under the leadership of Congresswoman Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress. APA Justice was formed in fall 2015 in response to Chair Chu’s call to build a platform to connect members of Congress, concerned organizations and individuals in wake of the troubling trend of innocent Asian Pacific Americans being unjustly accused of espionage-related charges. With CAPAC’s support under Chair Chu’s leadership, APA Justice played a crucial role in helping achieve the historic settlement for Chinese American scientist Sherry Chen with the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and end the government’s misguided “China Initiative”, which had disproportionately targeted Asian Americans and academic communities, harming academic freedom and open science.We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Congresswoman Grace Meng on her election as the next CAPAC Chair. As the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York, Rep. Meng has been instrumental in advancing CAPAC’s mission. She has tirelessly championed issues vital to the Asian Pacific American community, particularly in combating racial bias and hate directed toward Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Rep. Meng, a regular speaker at APA Justice’s monthly meetings, has shared insights on her groundbreaking work, including the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act. She has been a steadfast supporter of APA Justice’s mission and initiatives.We also congratulate Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Jill Tokuda, Rep. Ami Bera, and Rep.-elect Suhas Subramanyam on their election to CAPAC’s new leadership team. As we navigate unprecedented challenges in this critical moment in history, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with CAPAC to address social justice and civil rights issues impacting the Asian Pacific American community and to ensure government accountability. # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org .As part of its continuing migration to a new website under construction, we have moved the Newsletter webpage to www.apajusticetaskforce.org/newsletters . Content of the existing website will remain, but it will no longer be updated. We value your feedback about the new web page. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF December 5, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #58 05/03 Meeting Summary; 05/15 National Rally; Anti-Racial Profiling Activities #58 05/03 Meeting Summary; 05/15 National Rally; Anti-Racial Profiling Activities Back View PDF May 11, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #362 Privacy Cases of Drs. Yanping Chen and Wen Ho Lee; AAJC Update; TX/FL Alien Land Laws+ #362 Privacy Cases of Drs. Yanping Chen and Wen Ho Lee; AAJC Update; TX/FL Alien Land Laws+ In This Issue #362 · Brian Sun Comments on the Cases of Dr. Wen Ho Lee and Dr. Yanping Chen · Paula Madison Comments on Dr. Yanping Chen's Case · Updates from AALDEF and AAJC · Fifth Circuit Weighs Challenge to Texas "Alien Land Law" · Federal Appeals Court Refuses to Block Discriminatory Florida Housing Law · News and Activities for the Communities Brian Sun Comments on the Cases of Dr. Wen Ho Lee and Dr. Yanping Chen During the APA Justice monthly meeting on November 3, 2025, Brian Sun 孫自華 , Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, who represented Dr. Wen Ho Lee 李文和 in his landmark Privacy Act case, drew strong parallels between Dr. Lee’s experience two decades ago and Dr. Yanping Chen 陈燕平 ’s ongoing case. Brian emphasized that both involved government leaks of protected information to the media, racialized national security narratives, and the challenge of holding officials accountable for violations of privacy and due process.Brian recounted that Dr. Lee, a Los Alamos scientist falsely accused of espionage in the late 1990s, was subjected to highly publicized national coverage media coverage, intense surveillance, and charged with 59 counts of misconduct despite no evidence he shared secrets with China. The case began with leaks to two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists from the New York Times, Jeff Gerth and James Risen , that led to the government putting 40 agents on Dr. Lee under 24/7 surveillance between March and December 1999, when Dr. Lee was arrested and indicted. Immediately after his release in September 2000, Brian asked Dr. Lee whether he would still pursue the Privacy Act lawsuit that had been stayed by the District Court judge during the pendency of the criminal proceedings. “Yes. I don’t ever want this to happen again to someone else,” Dr. Lee said. The case became a five-year legal battle.Brian described how his legal team deposed senior officials, including FBI Director Louis Freeh and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson , to prove they had exhausted all avenues before seeking to compel journalists including Jeff Gerth and James Risen to reveal their sources. The District Court granted their motion, and when the reporters refused to comply, they were held in contempt by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson . The D.C. Circuit Court upheld that ruling, narrowly denying an en banc (before the full court) rehearing.Dr. Lee also did not sue the reporters themselves. They simply sought information from them. But during settlement discussions and mediation, the journalists attended with their lawyers, along with government representatives, as the mediator tried to hammer out a deal.A settlement was reached on the eve of the Supreme Court ruling on the journalists’ petition for certiorari (review). The Supreme Court denied the reporters’ petition anyway.The ultimate settlement was $1.645 million, with the government and journalists sharing the payment. Notably, CNN initially refused to pay, but other media organizations covered its share. Brian credited his then firm, Jones Day, for standing by him even after CNN threatened to sever ties.Reflecting on the controversy, Brian underscored that the issue was not opposition to press freedom, but the need to balance journalist privilege with accountability when leaks destroy reputations. Brian’s wife is a former journalist. He cautioned that blind protection of sources can empower rogue officials to leak information without consequence, harming innocent individuals.Brian concluded that Dr. Chen’s case echoes Wen Ho Lee’s ordeal, calling it “history repeating itself.” Both highlight the dangers of racial bias, media sensationalism, and unchecked leaks in national security cases. He praised Attorney Andy Phillips who represents Dr. Yanping Chen and WilmerHale for pursuing justice on Dr. Chen’s behalf, affirming that such cases are “a noble cause” that defend both the rule of law and the integrity of American justice.A summary for the November 3 APA Justice monthly meeting is bring prepared at this time. Paula Madison Comments on Dr. Yanping Chen's Case During the APA Justice monthly meeting on November 3, 2025, Paula Williams Madison 罗笑娜 , Chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC and 88 Madison Media Works Inc., expressed strong concern over the ethical lapses in the Fox News coverage of Dr. Yanping Chen , which she described as “deeply troubling on several levels.” Drawing on her experience as an investigative journalist and media executive, Paula said she carefully reviewed the Fox reports and found that they relied on inflammatory imagery—such as showing Dr. Chen in a military-style uniform with “red epaulets and stars”—to suggest ties to the Chinese Communist Party without substantiated evidence. “It felt like the story was designed to make viewers believe she was exactly what the anonymous source accused her of being,” Paula said.She emphasized that proper investigative journalism requires at least two independent sources before publishing serious allegations, especially when the Justice Department had closed the case without charges. Paula questioned whether fundamental standards of verification, fairness, and editorial oversight had been ignored, perhaps because of racial bias or national security fearmongering. “Some of the basic commandments of investigative reporting seem to have been overlooked—possibly because she’s Chinese, and therefore ‘scary,’” she observed.Paula also raised concerns about editorial accountability, explaining that in any newsroom she led, a reporter’s confidential sources must be known to the editor or news director; otherwise, the story would not run. “If I don’t know who the sources are, that story will never be published,” she said.In referencing her own background, Paula noted that she is both a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA). Paula’s grandfather was Chinese. She is also a close friend of fellow journalist Helen Zia 谢汉兰 , founder of the Vincent Chin Institute, who shares deep concern about broader implications for racialized narratives in the media. Paula suggested that journalism organizations like Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) should examine this case as a cautionary example of how bias and weak editorial controls can erode public trust. She also questioned whether Fox News or Catherine Herridge herself is now bearing the legal costs, implying that the network may have distanced itself from the controversy. Updates from AALDEF and AAJC During the APA Justice monthly meeting on November 3, 2025, Jane Shim , Director of Stop Asian Hate Project at Asian American Legal and Education Fund (AALDEF), discussed AALDEF’s role in filing an amicus brief in Dr. Yanping Chen v. FBI that was joined by other civil rights groups. She explained that AALDEF intervened because the government and media narratives portraying Dr. Yanping Chen as working for the Chinese Communist Party—though false and defamatory—were being revived in legal filings despite being irrelevant to the legal issues at hand. Jane emphasized the importance of calling out these racialized national security tropes, which continue to shape public perception and legal arguments against Asian Americans.She also noted the stark contrast between AALDEF’s brief and one filed by Senator Ted Cruz , whose filing used “egregiously fear-mongering language,” portraying Dr. Chen as “a most dangerous spy.” Jane underscored that such rhetoric mirrors longstanding patterns of xenophobia and “national security threat narratives” historically weaponized against Asian and Muslim communities.AALDEF’s amicus brief examined the media’s historical role in fueling anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment, tracing examples from past periods like the Red Scare to illustrate how newspapers and pamphlets helped reinforce state-sponsored discrimination. Jane concluded by reaffirming AALDEF’s ongoing commitment to confronting these systemic biases and welcomed continued collaboration with partners working on similar issues.During the same meeting, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC, reported that AAJC continues to monitor developments related to the China Initiative and the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill, though progress has been delayed by the government shutdown. In partnership with the Asian American Scholars Forum (AASF) and Gisela, AAJC was co-organizing an Advocacy 101 training on November 3, 2025, to help scholars and academics engage effectively with policymakers. Joanna will explain the federal appropriations process and how the CJS China Initiative language fits within it, joined by Gisela Perez Kusakawa (AASF), Edgar Chen (NAPABA), Kelvin Lum (Stop AAPI Hate), and moderator Professor Xiaodong Zhang .On the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Joanna noted that both chambers of Congress have passed their versions, and AAJC has submitted its annual NDAA letter to the Armed Services Committees as negotiations enter the pre-conference phase. AAJC is particularly concerned about Rounds Amendment No. 3810, which would broaden the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) authority to review foreign agricultural land purchases. While AAJC supports CFIUS oversight, it warns the amendment could transform the process from evidence-based review to broad, prohibitive action against entire categories of persons. Ongoing coordination with Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), House Financial Services, and other congressional allies continues to ensure AAJC’s priorities are reflected in the final legislation. Fifth Circuit Weighs Challenge to Texas "Alien Land Law" According to Courthouse News on November 5, 2025, lawyers from the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA) presented arguments before the Fifth Circuit over whether Texas Senate Bill 17 — a new law restricting land purchases by citizens from “adversarial nations” such as China — applies to Chinese citizens residing in the U.S. The law, which took effect on September 1, 2025, bars noncitizens and non–green card holders “domiciled” in China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from buying or leasing property in Texas for more than a year. Asian American groups denounced it as a modern version of “alien land laws,” which once targeted Asian immigrants. However, the Texas Attorney General’s Office maintains that SB 17 does not apply to Chinese citizens who have established permanent residence in the United States.U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge previously dismissed CALDA’s challenge, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing because they were not domiciled in China under the law’s definition. On appeal, CALDA attorney Justin Sadowsky argued that plaintiff Peng Wang , an F-1 visa holder in Texas for 16 years, remains at risk since visa holders are not considered domiciled in Texas for other legal purposes and must affirm intent to return to their home country. Texas Assistant Solicitor General Benjamin Mendelson countered that Wang is clearly domiciled in the U.S., as his intent is to live and work there permanently. The panel — composed of Judges Andrew Oldham , Kurt Engelhardt , and Jacques Wiener — questioned whether the attorney general’s assurance that he will not enforce the law against Wang ends the case. The hearing parallels an 11th Circuit case in Florida, where a divided panel similarly ruled that Chinese immigrants lacked standing because the state’s comparable law does not apply to those intending to reside permanently in the U.S. Federal Appeals Court Refuses to Block Discriminatory Florida Housing Law With a 2-1 ruling, the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta refused to preliminarily block SB 264, a discriminatory housing law in Florida, on November 4, 2025. The court rejected arguments that the law conflicts with federal law or is discriminatory. The law prohibits people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and whose “domicile” is in China from purchasing property in Florida. The sole exception is extremely narrow: Individuals with non-tourist visas or those who have been granted asylum may purchase one residential property under two acres, provided it is not located within five miles of any “military installation.” A similar but less restrictive rule also applies to many immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria. The 11th Circuit rejected claims that the law’s provisions requiring Chinese citizens to register their properties with the state conflict with a federal law governing foreign investments, or that the statute was improperly motivated by racism against Chinese people and Asians. The court also concluded that the four Chinese citizens represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), and other organizations lacked legal standing to sue over Florida's 2023 law because it only applies to people "domiciled" in China, and they have lived in Florida for years. According to this ruling, certain Chinese immigrants who live in Florida and intend to remain there indefinitely are “domiciled” in Florida and thus should be exempt from SB 264’s restrictions on property purchases. The legal team who represented plaintiffs of the lawsuit stated in an ACLU press release : "This decision allows Florida’s unconstitutional ban on Chinese homebuyers to remain in effect, but clarifies that the law applies narrowly.” “All people, regardless of where they come from, should be free to buy homes and build lives in Florida without fear of discrimination,” said Ashley Gorski , senior staff attorney with the ACLU National Security Project. “Although today’s decision is disappointing, we’ll continue to fight laws like these that blatantly target immigrants based on their national origin and ethnicity.” “SB 264 explicitly discriminates against Chinese immigrants, and it has broader chilling effects on Asian Americans in Florida who simply want to buy a home,” said Clay Zhu , president of CALDA. “We will continue to fight SB 264 and similar ‘alien land laws’ across the country.” “SB 264 is not just unconstitutional—it harkens back to discredited century-old alien land laws that told generations of Asian Americans that this country was not their home,” said Bethany Li , executive director of AALDEF. “But our communities survived those past assaults on our rights, and we remain. We will continue to fight back for the dignity and belonging we deserve.” Media links: 2025/11/04 Bloomberg Law: Court Block Reversed on Florida Property Ban on Chinese Citizens 2025/11/04 Reuters: US appeals court says Florida can ban Chinese citizens from buying property 2025/11/04 Florida Phoenix: Federal appeals court nixes Chinese land-buying law challenge 2025/11/04 Florida Realtors: Court Refuses to Block Chinese Property Law 2025/11/05 South China Morning Post: Florida can ban Chinese citizens from buying property, US appeal court rules 2025/11/06 Newsweek: Florida Issues Crackdown on Chinese Citizens Buying Real Estate News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/11/14 Film Screening and Discussion: Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story2025/11/25 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Elaine Chao 2025/12/01 Cook County Circuit Court Hearing - Estate of Jane Wu v Northwestern University2025/12/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/12/08 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Alice YoungVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. C100: Conversations with Alice Young WHAT : Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heros: Alice Young WHEN : December 8, 2025, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm ET WHERE : Online event HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator: Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative, Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair, and Board Member Speaker : Alice Young , Trailblazing Lawyer and Advocate for Equality DESCRIPTION : Alice Young served as Partner and Chair of the Asia Practice at leading law firms including Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer and Milbank Tweed, specializing in corporate law, international transactions, and Asia business partnerships. As a member of the first graduating class of women of Yale College and one of the first Asian American women to graduate from Harvard Law School, she broke barriers on Wall Street and paved the way for women and minorities throughout her 40+ year law career. Beyond her legal work, Young has been a tireless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/47LX0zn # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF November 7, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #395 Rep. Dave Min; Researching While Chinese; Attack on MD Delegate Chao Wu; McCarthyism + #395 Rep. Dave Min; Researching While Chinese; Attack on MD Delegate Chao Wu; McCarthyism + In This Issue #395 · Rep. Dave Min Remarks on Issues, Identity, and Political Power · Researching While Chinese - Return of The China Initiative · Racist Attack on Maryland Delegate Chao Wu · Politico: McCarthyism Is Back · News and Activities for the Communities Rep. Dave Min Remarks on Issues, Identity, and Political Power Congressman Dave Min was elected in 2024 to represent California’s 47th Congressional District in the heart of Orange County. He is the child of Korean immigrants and a product of California public schools. He previously served as a California State Senator from 2020-2024. Before becoming an elected official, Congressman Min was a law professor at UC Irvine. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on May 4, 2026, Congressman Min shared his insights and remarks on issues, identity, and political power as we start the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Rep. Min opened by introducing his district centered on Irvine and encompassing Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach as a region once defined by its conservative roots but now thriving on diversity, immigration, trade, and science. Reflecting on the breadth of the AANHPI diaspora, Rep. Min noted that the communities represented on the call span home countries accounting for roughly 60% of the global population, with immigration histories ranging from the early 1900s to the present day. While acknowledging that experiences vary widely — from Chinese and Taiwanese immigrants of decades past, to Vietnamese refugees of the war era, to more recent arrivals from Central Asia — he emphasized that these communities share important common ground: a family member who made the choice to come to America, and a deep, personal stake in the values that made that choice meaningful. Rep. Min spoke with urgency about the current political moment, noting that many Asian Americans feel the threats to democracy, immigration, and the American Dream not as abstractions, but as lived realities — particularly those whose parents and grandparents witnessed countries fall to authoritarian regimes. He observed that this heightened awareness may help explain why Asian American voters who supported Trump in the last election appear to be shifting sharply in the other direction. He also flagged concrete concerns including ICE enforcement actions, steep cuts to university and education funding, and a renewed rise in anti-Asian hate closely tied to escalating anti-China sentiment. On a hopeful note, Rep. Min celebrated the remarkable cultural ascent of Asian America. He contrasted today's landscape — where Asian food, music, television, and fashion enjoy widespread popularity — with his own experience growing up in 1980s California, when Asian Americans were largely invisible or mocked in mainstream culture, and where few Americans could distinguish between the diverse nations and peoples of Asia. Rep. Min closed with a strategic call to action. He argued that the Asian American caucus must build its political identity around issues — not just individual personalities — if it hopes to leave a lasting legacy. He pointed out that in Washington and in state capitals, other caucuses are the go-to voices on their signature issues: Latinos on immigration, Black caucuses on criminal justice, the Women's Caucus on gender equity. Asian Americans, by contrast, are rarely consulted as a bloc on any major issue. Potential areas of ownership he suggested include immigration, education, small business, and mental health. He concluded with a pointed warning: "When you're not at the table, you're on the menu" — and called on the community to change that. Watch Rep. Min’s remarks at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWW1NwGExf8 (6:59) Researching While Chinese - Return of The China Initiative In a report on May 12, 2026, Science examines a series of U.S. prosecutions of Chinese postdoctoral researchers accused of improperly shipping or transporting biological materials into the United States. The article argues that these cases have revived fears of a new version of the Trump-era China Initiative, this time focused on Chinese scientists on temporary visas rather than senior Chinese American faculty. The report centers on several cases at the University of Michigan and Indiana University. The first involved Chinese postdoc Yunqing Jian , who was arrested in June 2025 and later pleaded guilty to smuggling biological materials and making false statements. Authorities accused her and her former boyfriend, Zunyong Liu , of improperly bringing a wheat fungus into the U.S. Prosecutors described the fungus as a potential “agroterrorism weapon,” although scientists cited in the article noted the strain already exists widely in the United States and is commonly studied by plant researchers. The report also details cases involving Chengxuan Han and Youhuang Xiang , who were prosecuted for mislabeled shipments involving common laboratory materials such as plasmid DNA and the model organism C. elegans. All four convicted postdocs were deported, effectively ending their ability to continue research careers in the United States. Science emphasizes that the materials involved were not highly dangerous pathogens, but rather commonly used research tools. Critics quoted in the article argue that the government escalated relatively routine labeling and customs violations into national security cases. Former FBI agent Michael German said such prosecutions traditionally occur only when truly dangerous pathogens are involved. The article portrays FBI Special Agent Edward Nieh as a central figure connecting the investigations. The prosecutions reportedly expanded through seized phones, customs inspections, and scrutiny of Chinese-linked biological shipments. The report also highlights the broader consequences for universities and faculty advisers. Prominent plant biologists Libo Shan and Ping He , both U.S. citizens, were investigated after employing Jian, though they were ultimately cleared. Neurobiologist X.Z. Shawn Xu relocated his laboratory to China after the arrests of researchers in his lab. Indiana University scientist Roger Innes faced laboratory searches, restrictions on research exchanges, and the suspension of collaborations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many scientists interviewed by Science described a chilling effect across research campuses. Chinese faculty and students reportedly fear heightened scrutiny, deportation risks, and racial profiling. Some researchers told the magazine that talented Chinese scientists are increasingly declining U.S. positions in favor of opportunities in Europe, the United Kingdom, or Singapore. The report argues that although the Biden administration formally ended the China Initiative in 2022 after criticism that it unfairly targeted scientists of Chinese descent, the newer prosecutions suggest a continuation of similar concerns under a different framework. The focus has shifted from disclosure violations and alleged economic espionage to shipping and customs violations involving biological materials. At the same time, the article acknowledges that the government has legitimate authority to enforce rules governing the transport and labeling of biological samples. Prosecutors and federal officials defended the investigations as necessary to protect U.S. agricultural and national security interests. Overall, the Science report presents the cases as emblematic of growing tensions between U.S. national security priorities and the openness of the American scientific research system, particularly regarding collaborations involving Chinese scientists. Read the Science report on Researching While Chinese: https://bit.ly/4ubTFDD ***** In a report on May 11, 2026, The Chronicle of Higher Education describes the escalating federal scrutiny surrounding Roger W. Innes , an Indiana University biology professor who publicly defended Chinese postdocs prosecuted and deported by the U.S. government. The article focuses on the sudden closure and lockdown of Innes’s laboratory and adjacent research facilities at Indiana University. University police closed multiple labs, offices, and storage areas, affecting roughly 40 to 50 researchers, many with no connection to Innes’s work. The shutdown disrupted federally funded experiments, restricted access to equipment, and jeopardized ongoing biological research projects. Neither the university nor federal authorities provided a clear explanation for the closure. University administrators initially said the action was directed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but the USDA later denied ordering the shutdown, while confirming an ongoing investigation. This contradiction intensified confusion and concern among faculty members. The Chronicle connects the investigation to Innes’s public defense of Yunqing Jian and Youhuang Xiang , Chinese researchers accused of improperly importing biological materials. Innes had written an expert letter disputing government claims that the fungal samples involved posed a national-security threat, arguing they were common research materials already present in the United States. Soon afterward, Xiang — a postdoc in Innes’s own lab — was arrested and later deported after pleading guilty to smuggling plasmid DNA. Innes told The Chronicle he believes the investigation into Xiang, and the subsequent scrutiny of his own laboratory, were retaliatory responses to his advocacy on behalf of Chinese scientists. He said the government’s message appeared to be: “Do not speak out on behalf of Chinese postdocs.” The article details how FBI agents searched Innes’s lab in December 2025, followed by a USDA inspection. Initially, USDA informed him that his lab was compliant with regulations, but later rescinded that statement, saying it had been issued “in error.” Weeks later, after Innes publicly criticized Xiang’s treatment as “100 percent politically motivated,” the lab shutdown occurred. Faculty members described the closures as abrupt and opaque. According to Innes, unidentified men in dark suits entered the lab and informed researchers they were “securing” the space. Locks were changed overnight, and even neighboring labs unrelated to Innes became inaccessible because of the building’s shared layout. Department chair Armin P. Moczek criticized the lack of transparency and said the shutdown had severely disrupted research operations. He described abandoned experiments, dying plants, inaccessible data and equipment, and growing anxiety among faculty and students. Other researchers in the department reported that major portions of their laboratories had effectively ceased functioning. The Chronicle portrays the episode as part of a broader climate of fear and uncertainty surrounding Chinese scientists and their collaborators in the United States. Faculty members interviewed expressed concern that federal investigations, national-security rhetoric, and institutional secrecy are discouraging international scientific collaboration and creating a chilling effect across university campuses. Read the Chronicle report: https://bit.ly/4fq97Hs . Read the Science report on May 9, 2026 about the lockout of Professor Roger Innes’s laboratory: https://bit.ly/3Pdf1Bj . Racist Attack on Maryland Delegate Chao Wu According to ABC7 News , AsAmNews , CBS Baltimore , Daily Record , Maryland Matters , Moco Show (2026/05/12), MoCoShow (2026/05/14), NBC4 Washington , and WBAL-TV , during the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a deeply troubling incident unfolded in the Maryland House of Delegates. On April 30, 2026, Republican Delegates Mark Fisher and Brian Chisholm posted a 13-minute video podcast, tilted "ChiCom of the Year Award," accusing Democratic Delegate Chao Wu — a Chinese-born data scientist representing parts of Howard and Montgomery counties — of being a spy for the Chinese Communist Party, repeatedly using a derogatory slur, and mocking the way he speaks. Wu, who holds a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Maryland, served on the Howard County Board of Education before being elected to the House of Delegates in 2022. He responded with dignity: "I am a proud new American and a public servant. Unfounded accusations and extremist conspiracy theories will not distract me from the work that matters. Xenophobia, racism, and McCarthyism have no place in our state." The backlash was swift and bipartisan. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk escalated the matter to the Ethics Committee to investigate. AAPI Caucus Chair Delegate Lily Qi said plainly: "Xenophobia and bigotry have no place in the Maryland legislature. One can debate the merit of a bill without resorting to racist name-calling and unfounded accusations." House Minority Leader Del. Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) said he had "no reason to believe" that Wu was "somehow affiliated with the Chinese government as an American citizen and elected official," adding: "There is no place for discrimination or prejudicial treatment toward Asian-Americans based on their ethnicity in our party and that's not something our Caucus engages in or promotes in any way." Despite calls to apologize and remove the video, Fisher and Chisholm have refused to back down. Official bodies, legislative caucuses, elected leaders, and community organizations have strongly condemned the racially offensive video, including · Legislative Caucuses: The Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus , the Legislative Black Caucus , and the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus. · Federal Elected Officials: The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin . · State Leadership: House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and the leader of the House Republican Caucus. · Local Governments & Councils: The Montgomery County Council and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich . · Community Organizations : Committee of 100 , Montgomery County Progressive Asian American Network (MoCoPAAN), OCA-DC . Politico : McCarthyism Is Back According to Politico . the resurgence of McCarthyist tactics under the Trump administration — the targeting of academics, journalists, immigrants, and federal employees for perceived disloyalty — is not simply a historical echo, but the direct result of a deliberate decades-long effort by one largely overlooked figure: Jean McCarthy , wife of Senator Joe McCarthy . The report reframes Jean McCarthy as far more than a supportive spouse. She was an active intellectual and strategic partner who worked around the clock — seven days a week, often until the early morning hours — reviewing documents from Richard Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover , strengthening her husband's charges, and ghostwriting key speeches and Senate statements, including the 1951 attack on Defense Secretary George Marshall . When Senator Millard Tydings led a committee that exposed McCarthy's allegations as "a fraud and a hoax," Jean took charge of the retaliatory campaign. She moved to Baltimore, helped craft a tabloid branding Tydings a communist, and enthusiastically approved a doctored photograph falsely depicting him with Communist Party leader Earl Browder — seeing no ethical problem with the fabrication. Tydings lost his re-election bid, and a subsequent Senate investigation condemned the outside interference in the race. When Joe McCarthy died in 1957 — physically and politically broken, censured by the Senate in 1954 after Edward R. Murrow exposed him as a bully and a fraud on national television — Jean pivoted to preserving and rehabilitating his legacy. She worked closely with William F. Buckley Jr. and the editors of National Review , supplying condolence-note mailing lists that dramatically boosted the magazine's circulation, and became a featured speaker at anti-communist rallies. She fiercely guarded her husband's reputation, blocking any portrayal that failed to treat him as a hero. The article concludes that Jean McCarthy's tireless rehabilitation of McCarthyism transformed what might have been a discredited historical footnote into a durable political ideology — one that the authors trace through Barry Goldwater 's militant conservatism, Nixon's culture wars, Newt Gingrich 's scorched-earth partisanship, and ultimately Donald Trump 's authoritarian style. In the article's framing, Jean — not Joe — was McCarthyism's most enduring architect. “Democrats and Republicans remain miles apart on nearly everything these days, but there is one point on which both parties are in complete agreement: McCarthyism is back,” the report said. Read the Politico report: https://politi.co/4ueSP8X News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/05/20 Trump v. Barbara: Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court 2026/05/27 AAPI Representation on Capitol Hill: Navigating Careers and Sharing Advice 2026/06/01 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/06/10 Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes - Calvin Tsao 2026/06/27-28 From Crisis to Coalition: Lessons from the Front Lines in Minneapolis/St. PaulVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Cato: Trump v. Barbara: Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court WHAT : Trump v. Barbara: Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court WHEN : May 20, 2026, 2:00-3:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Cato Institute Speakers: · Paul Finkelman , President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy, Emeritus, Albany Law School and Visiting Professor of Law, University of Toledo College of Law · Dan Greenberg , Senior Legal Fellow, Cato Institute · Ilya Somin , Professor of Law, George Mason University, and B. Kenneth Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute · Jack Chin , Edward L. Barrett Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Legal Education, UC Davis School of Law. DESCRIPTION: Does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee birthright citizenship to persons born in the United States to parents without permanent immigration status? This is an insightful discussion with a group of scholars who will break down Trump v. Barbara, consider the recent Supreme Court oral argument, and explore the approaches the Court might take as it reaches a decision. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4dg8Kwt 3. AAPI Representation on Capitol Hill: Navigating Careers and Sharing Advice WHAT : AAPI Representation on Capitol Hill: Navigating Careers and Sharing Advice WHEN : May 27, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm ET WHERE : In Person: 232 East Capitol Street NE, Washington DC HOSTS : US-China Education Trust; U.S. Asia Institute Moderator: Nicholas Wu , congressional reporter at Semafor Speakers: · Allison Dong , senior communications advisor for the House Budget Committee · Tiffany Ge Elzey , staff director to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) · Jason Li , professional staff member for the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party · Catalina Tam , nominations director to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) DESCRIPTION: The panel will offer first-hand insight into how policy is made and what AAPI representation looks like in the legislative branch. The discussion will also examine the challenges and opportunities that have shaped panelists' careers, along with practical advice for anyone looking to forge their own path in legislative politics and policymaking. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/3Pg4bdP # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the APA Justice website at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF May 18, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #341 Dr. Jane Wu; Class Action Injunction; Farmland Ownership; AI Summit; Affirming DEIA; + #341 Dr. Jane Wu; Class Action Injunction; Farmland Ownership; AI Summit; Affirming DEIA; + In This Issue #341 · Dr. Jane Wu's Estate Sues Northwestern University · New Nationwide Injunction Blocking Birthright Citizenship Executive Order · Agriculture Department on Chinese Ownership of American Farmland · ACLU AI Summit: Civil Rights in a Digital Age · Congressional Caucus Leaders Affirming DEIA as American Values · News and Activities for the Communities Dr. Jane Wu's Estate Sues Northwestern University Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Associate, contributed to this report.According to the Daily Northwestern , NBC , South China Morning Post , and multiple media reports, Dr. Jane Ying Wu 吴瑛 's family, acting through her estate, filed a civil lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court alleging that the Northwestern University discriminated against her and contributed to her suicide. She was a tenured professor at Northwestern's Foenberg School of Medicine.As a Chinese-born neuroscientist, Dr. Wu, a naturalized U.S. citizen, conducted influential research on neurodegenerative diseases. Her work was derailed following investigations by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) tied to her Chinese background, part of the defunct "China Initiative." During this period, her lab space, funding, and team were stripped, even after NIH formally cleared her after investigations from 2019 to 2023.Following the NIH’s investigation and Northwestern’s subsequent efforts to block her work, Dr. Wu suffered from a loss of vision as a result of a stroke she had under the stress of the investigation. She also experienced depression and obsessive behavior, but she was still able to work. In May 2024, Northwestern University handcuffed and removed Dr. Wu from her office, using her emotional disability as a “pretext” to evict her. The school then partially shut down her laboratory, dismantled her research team, reassigned her grants to white male colleagues, and committed her involuntarily to psychiatric care—actions taken without family consultation. Tragically, Dr. Wu passed away by suicide on July 10, 2024, two weeks after her release from the hospital.The lawsuit claims institutional discrimination based on her national origin, sex, and disability, citing violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act and seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.In an email, Northwestern University said that its heart goes out to the family, but it “vehemently denies” the allegations in the suit. The school “plans to file a motion to dismiss it before our next pleading is due in early September” and declined to provide further details on specific allegations.Following the one-year anniversary of her mother’s passing, Dr. Wu’s daughter, Elizabeth Rao 饶婕 , opened up for the first time in an exclusive interview on the devastating impact of her mother’s treatment on their family and her own life.Rao describes her mother as a melophile, enjoying a wide variety of music from Tanya Tucker to Taiwanese pop musician Teresa Teng , and Dr. Wu ardently enjoyed spending time with her two children.Rao’s fondest memories of Dr. Wu are of her as a parent. She describes Dr. Wu as the opposite of strict and demanding, through their various moves from St. Louis to Nashville, and finally to Chicago. In each of those cities, Dr. Wu “turned simple houses into warm homes.” Rao fondly recalls holding hands with her mother while watching movies or singing along to music during long drives. “She made sure that my brother and I had got not only a great education but also got to do all the stuff of a quintessential American childhood. Sports, road trips, dance classes, choir, you name it,” Rao said.Finally, Rao articulates the lesson her mother left with their family: “her upstanding morals and conviction to fight against injustice.”Dr. Wu's case highlights broader consequences of the “China Initiative” era, as it fostered bias and mistrust toward Chinese American academics. Her tragic death and the lawsuit by her estate bring attention to serious concerns about discrimination tied to national origin and gender, university responses to federal racial profiling, and the potentially catastrophic impact of institutional mistreatment on individuals' well-being. Gisela Perez Kusakawa , executive director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, said that universities must be places of “community, support and fairness, not fear and coercion”. “We urge institutions of higher education to adopt meaningful safeguards, to prioritise mental health, and to reaffirm their commitments to non-discrimination, justice, and fairness,” she said. “Dr. Wu’s story shows us how the effect of unjust investigations into Chinese American scholars does not just end careers, it can end lives. We stand with Dr. Wu’s family and all those demanding justice and systemic change.”Read the Jane Ying Wu story at this APA Justice web page: https://bit.ly/JaneYingWu New Nationwide Injunction Blocking Birthright Citizenship Executive Order Author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications Associate According to CNN , LAist , NBC , and multiple media reports, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of the District of New Hampshire issued a new injunction blocking President Trump’s executive order (EO) seeking to end birthright citizenship for the children of foreign visitors and undocumented immigrants. The lawsuit Barbara v. Trump (1:25-cv-00244) was brought on behalf of a pregnant immigrant, immigrant parents, and their infants and had sought class action status for all babies and their parents who would be affected by the EO nationwide. Petitioner “Barbara” is a citizen of Honduras living in New Hampshire. Petitioner “Sarah” is the daughter of petitioner “Susan,” a citizen of Taiwan. They live in Utah. Petitioner “Matthew” is the first child of petitioner “Mark,” a citizen of Brazil. Mark resides in Florida and is in the process of applying for lawful permanent status. Matthew was born in Florida in March 2025, and has received a U.S. passport. Mark’s wife does not have lawful status in the United States.The plaintiffs’ lead attorney is Cody Wofsy , the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Immigrants’ Rights Project.“We're asking the court to protect the constitutional rights of our specific class members who happen to be babies located all over the country,” said Aarti Kohli , executive director of the Asian Law Caucus, part of the coalition of civil rights groups filing the lawsuit.Laplante’s decision is significant, given the Supreme Court’s recent decision. Just two weeks ago on June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled to narrow the use of nationwide injunctions, limiting the ability of lower courts to block federal policies for the entire country while litigation is pending. Effectively, this made the Supreme Court the only court in the country with the authority to block presidential policies nationwide. While the Supreme Court did not rule on the constitutionality of President Trump’s executive order seeking to limit birthright citizenship, they did pause the order for 30 days, clearing the way for the order to go into effect in the 28 states that have not challenged it. This would create a patchwork system in which each state has different rules regarding citizenship. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling kept intact the ability of plaintiffs to seek a widespread block of orders through class action lawsuits. As Laplante granted class action status to the lawsuit, he was able to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the EO from being enforced against any child born after February 20. Laplante only granted class action status to the children who would be affected by the restrictions, not the parents.During the hearing, Laplante insisted that “the deprivation of U.S. citizenship and an abrupt change of policy that was longstanding … that’s irreparable harm.” He added that birthright citizenship is “the greatest privilege that exists in the world.”Laplante paused the order for several days, granting the Trump administration ample time to appeal his decision. Agriculture Department on Chinese Ownership of American Farmland Author: Madeleine Gable, APA Justice Communications AssociateAccording to the New York Times and the Washington Post , the Department of Agriculture released a seven-point national security plan on July 9, 2025, enhancing public disclosures of foreign ownership of farmland, enacting steeper penalties for false filings, and working with Congress and states to ban purchases of farmland by foreign adversaries. Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins claimed that American agriculture is “under threat from criminals, from political adversaries and from hostile regimes that understand our way of life as a profound and existential threat to themselves.” Rollins points specifically to the ownership of American farmland by Chinese nationals, and she advocates for the use of presidential authority to reclaim farmland currently owned by foreign entities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke highly of the plan, insisting “no longer can foreign adversaries assume we’re not watching and we’re not paying attention and we’re not doing something about it — because we are.” Hegseth called the defensive aspects of the plan “common sense.” This follows a recent trend of growing concern over foreign ownership of American farmland. In 2023, the Senate voted to block businesses based in China from acquiring American farmland. According to a recently released report by the Committee of 100 , U.S. Congress is currently considering 15 such bills and 25 states have passed bills restricting foreign property ownership. Of the bills that have been passed in the 25 states into law, 2 bills single out Chinese citizens and prohibit non-permanent residents from owning any form of property in the state: Florida’s SB 264 (2023), and West Virginia’s HB 2961 (2025). At least two lawsuits have been filed against Florida’s SB 264: · SHEN v. SIMPSON (4:23-cv-00208) . A group of individual Chinese plaintiffs argue that SB 264 is discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act and the 14th Amendment, vague, and conflicts with federal law. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted the enforcement of SB 264 against the Chinese plaintiffs while the case proceeds. · National Fair Housing Alliance, Inc. v. Secretary of Commerce (1:24-cv-21749) . The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), and others, allege fair housing discrimination. In 2023, foreigners owned nearly 45 million acres of farmland in the U.S., accounting for about 3.5% of all agricultural land in the country but a 70% increase from a decade earlier. Canadians owned about a third while China held 270,000 acres or about 0.6%. The Agriculture Department’s plan also includes a myriad of measures aimed to increase agricultural productivity and safety; only some are not concerned with foreign ownership. National Agricultural Law Center provides extensive information and resources on foreign ownership of agricultural land in the United States, offering resources like FAQs, legislative roadmaps, and webinars to help understand the complexities of this issue. ACLU AI Summit: Civil Rights in a Digital Age On July 10, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) hosted its “AI Summit: Civil Rights in a Digital Age,” convening civil rights leaders, legal scholars, technologists, and philanthropists to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping civil liberties—and how society must respond. Opening the event, ACLU General Counsel Terrence Dougherty traced today’s challenges back to the organization’s founding during the Palmer Raids of 1920, when the U.S. government targeted immigrants in mass warrantless arrests and deportations. Just as the ACLU then stood against unchecked state power, Dougherty warned that AI now presents similarly urgent threats—enabling new forms of surveillance, bias, and systemic inequality if left unregulated. Rather than embracing the Silicon Valley mantra to “move fast and break things,” the ACLU has built an in-house technology team to pursue a different path: ethical, transparent, and justice-centered AI. Dougherty emphasized that this summit aimed to bring together partners from across sectors to shape an AI future rooted in constitutional values and civil rights. In a fireside chat moderated by ACLU Chief Technology Officer Ijeoma Mbamalu , ACLU President Deborah Archer and Patrick J. McGovern Foundation President Vilas Dhar explored four central themes. It was followed by an afternoon session moderated by Marissa Gerchick , Data Science Manager at ACLU, with a team of specialists at ACLU. The four major themes were: 1. Balancing Innovation with Values : Innovation must serve justice, not just profit. Speakers urged civil society to actively shape AI, not merely react to it. That means centering community voices in system design and development, and reframing innovation to prioritize equity, agency, and dignity—especially for marginalized groups historically excluded from technological influence. 2. The Government’s Approach—Speed Over Safety : Panelists expressed concern that federal AI policy prioritizes rapid deployment over civil rights safeguards. While traditional laws like Title VII and the Fair Housing Act apply to algorithmic systems, their limitations reveal the urgent need for updated regulations. The shift away from federal oversight toward industry-led initiatives leaves a gap civil society must fill. 3. Bias, Inequality, and Civil Society’s Role : AI often magnifies entrenched discrimination—in hiring, housing, criminal justice, and beyond. The root issue is not only faulty technology but the systemic bias embedded in data and institutions. Civil rights organizations must fight for equitable access to AI infrastructure, tools, and education to prevent a deepening digital divide. 4. Building a Just and Hopeful AI Future : Looking forward, speakers called for community empowerment. Civil society must be not just watchdogs, but builders—co-creating technology that serves the public good. This includes public investment in ethical AI, grassroots innovation, and sustained legal and policy advocacy. Calls to Action The summit concluded with a series of actionable priorities for both internal ACLU efforts and broader societal engagement: · Community-Centered AI Development : Involve marginalized communities from the start—as co-designers, not passive recipients. Fund local expertise and create advisory structures that ensure ongoing input. · Philanthropy and Civil Society Responsibility : Fund not just oversight, but community-led AI solutions. Civil rights groups must lead in articulating a vision of technology that supports justice. · Stronger Legal and Regulatory Frameworks : While existing laws apply, new rules are needed to mandate algorithmic audits, transparency, and accountability. · Public AI Infrastructure : Invest in open-source tools, public data trusts, and academic partnerships to shift power away from monopolistic tech firms and toward the common good. · Ethical Innovation Culture : Shift from speed to intentionality. Evaluate AI through risk-based, mission-aligned frameworks that prioritize long-term equity over short-term gain. Watch the ACLU AI Summit video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul73KZfy5P0 (2:14:15) Congressional Caucus Leaders Affirming DEIA as American Values On July 10, 2025, six major Congressional Caucuses—the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), and the Congressional Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Caucus (DEIC) introduced a joint resolution affirming that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental to the American Dream and to our national prosperity, safety, and democracy. The resolution comes in response to growing attacks on DEIA programs and policies across the country. It calls on all levels of government, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to uphold and promote inclusivity, remove barriers to opportunity, and ensure equal access to services and resources. "Every American deserves to have a fair shot at success, but for far too many in our country, this is simply not the reality. Millions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, along with other historically marginalized communities, continue to face discrimination in housing, healthcare, education, and employment," said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of CAPAC. "Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is about building a future where everyone can succeed and thrive. We will not let this administration sow division and roll back the progress we have made to ensure equal opportunity for all." On May 21, 2025, Senator Mazie Hirono led 11 of her Senate colleagues, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in introducing Senate Resolution 240 reaffirming the importance of DEIA as fundamental values in the United States. “Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are fundamental to our country’s history and culture,” said Senator Hirono. “Our diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths, as Americans from different backgrounds come together to move their communities and our country forward. As Donald Trump and Republicans attack marginalized communities across the country and attempt to erase their contributions from our shared history, I’m proud to lead this resolution reaffirming the importance of these values that truly make our nation great.” News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/07/25-27 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony 2025/07/27 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2025/07/29 C100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Linda Chao Yang2025/07/29 From Heartland to Mainland: 2025 Future Ag Leaders Delegation2025/08/02-07 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings2025/08/04 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/08/10 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. From Heartland to Mainland: 2025 Future Ag Leaders Delegation WHAT: From Heartland to Mainland: 2025 Future Ag Leaders Delegation WHEN: July 29, 2025, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm CT WHERE: Webinar HOST: US Heartland China Association Speakers: · Morgan Barba , Kansas State University · Imani Murphy , Tuskegee University · Parker Havard , Michigan State University · Samuel Martin , Iowa State University · Lauren Thornhill , Ohio State University · Nathan Unruh , Dickerson State University DESCRIPTION: As participants of the recent trip organized by USHCA, these delegates had a front-row-seat opportunity to observe and explore the impact of U.S.-China collaboration around agriculture as they visited Beijing and Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province. Hear the firsthand experiences of students as they delve into the complexities and opportunities in U.S.-China agricultural collaboration and the realities of on the ground engagement. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/46GqqzN # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF July 14, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #36 Sign-Ons Extended; Event For Zach; "New Red Scare" Wins Award; 01/04 Meeting; More #36 Sign-Ons Extended; Event For Zach; "New Red Scare" Wins Award; 01/04 Meeting; More Back View PDF December 22, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #257 6/3 Monthly Meeting; Clear & Fair Law Enforcement; FBI Forum; China Initiative 2.0; + #257 6/3 Monthly Meeting; Clear & Fair Law Enforcement; FBI Forum; China Initiative 2.0; + In This Issue #257 · 2024/06/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · An Urgent Call for Clear and Fair Law Enforcement Guidelines and Procedures for Research Security · A Dialogue Between Academic/APA Communities and The FBI · Condemning Yet Another Attempt to Reinstate The China Initiative · News and Activities for the Communities 2024/06/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, June 3, 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: · Tam Dao , Assistant Vice President for Research Security, Office of Innovation, Rice University, will report on the future of the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Research on Research Security program · Haipei Shue , President, United Chinese Americans, will report on the 2024 Chinese American Convention · Jeremy Wu , Co-Organizer, APA Justice, will preview an alpha version of a web page on exonerated Professor Anming Hu · Anming Hu , Professor, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, will give an update of his situation and his family since the end of his ordeal under the China Initiative. 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 . An Urgent Call for Clear and Fair Law Enforcement Guidelines and Procedures for Research Security On May 27, 2024, Neal Lane* , Steven Pei* , and Jeremy Wu* posted a public commentary, urgently calling for the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate their policies using comparable principles with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and set clear, fair guidelines and procedures. The U.S. science and technology enterprise is unparalleled, and its contribution to the security and well-being of the American people is indisputable. In recent years, however, federal initiatives intended to protect American science and technology have strayed from their purpose and are rendering our nation increasingly unable to attract and retain science and technology talent – putting our competitive edge at risk during an era of techno-competition with key competitors.Our scientific success is rooted in core values, including collaboration, honesty, transparency, integrity, the fair competition of ideas, and the protection of intellectual capital. Some foreign entities do not share these values and are working to illicitly acquire our research and innovation. This necessitates laws – and law enforcement.But it is vital that law enforcement guidelines and procedures be clear and fair for maintaining public trust, upholding individual rights, and promoting accountability and consistency within the justice system. Otherwise, we can expect our competitive edge in science and technology to wane, as well as our standing as a leading democracy.The authors address the China Initiative which subjected hundreds of researchers to investigations, with none convicted of espionage, but instilling fear and confusion within academic and research institutions. Since the end of the China Initiative, foreign researchers, students, green card holders, and American citizens have continued to face difficulties at U.S. ports of entry. These incidents raise concerns about the criteria for secondary inspections and highlight a communication gap between policymakers and law enforcement. The U.S., long a leader in science and technology due to attracting global talent, risks losing this advantage if law enforcement does not follow clear, fair policies. This is exemplified by the declining U.S. share of top AI talent and a significant drop in Chinese students studying in the U.S., with China now educating more scientists and engineers domestically than the U.S.Protecting intellectual property and national security is critical. But these initiatives must be balanced with protecting individual rights, welcoming foreign talent, and encouraging international basic research collaboration. Otherwise, we risk repeating past mistakes. There is a way forward.With its sharp focus on research security, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has set a balanced path to guide policies of federal agencies that support research. There is a similar need for the FBI, HSI, and other federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate their policies using comparable principles and set clear, fair guidelines and procedures.Given OSTP’s unique role and capability within NSTC, it should also coordinate with all key law enforcement agencies to close the apparent gap in communication between national science and technology policy set by NSTC and agents at the forefront of law enforcement. In doing so, it can protect America’s security and economic competitiveness while minimizing the unintended negative impact and associated chilling effects on the science and technology community. * Dr. Neal Lane is Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute, Rice University, and Former Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House. Dr. Steven Pei is Co-Organizer of APA Justice; Founding Chair of United Chinese Americans; and Professor at the University of Houston. Dr. Jeremy Wu is Co-Organizer of APA Justice; Member of Committee of 100; and Retired from the Federal Government. Read the full commentary: https://bit.ly/4bVdN38 A Dialogue Between Academic/APA Communities and The FBI On June 6, 2024, the Baker Institute and the Office of Innovation at Rice University, the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, and APA Justice will co-host a hybrid forum titled "A Dialogue Between Academic & APA Communities and The FBI."In 2022, the Department of Justice ended its China Initiative — a strategy to counter Chinese espionage and threats to U.S. research security — after academic and civil rights groups raised concerns about bias and damage to the United States' scientific enterprise. Since then, however, reports of border entry issues have increased for Chinese academic researchers and graduate students.This event brings together Jill Murphy, deputy assistant director of counterintelligence at the FBI, and the leadership of the FBI’s Houston field office for a dialogue with members of the academic and Asian American communities. It will examine gaps between federal science and technology policy and its implementation — particularly in the context of law enforcement at the U.S. border. It will also explore the possibility of establishing a regular communication channel between the academic and Asian American communities with FBI field offices.Read and register to attend the open and free event in person by visiting this Rice University web page: https://bit.ly/4awKUsZ Register to attend the forum via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3wjg759 . For more details about the forum, visit this APA Justice web page: https://bit.ly/3wNL2Xi Condemning Yet Another Attempt to Reinstate The China Initiative During the House Judiciary Committee Markup Meeting on May 22, 2024, Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) delivered the following opening statement in strong opposition to H.R. 1398, the “Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act,” which is another attempt to reinstate the China Initiative. "Mr. Chairman, in 2018 the Trump Justice Department launched what it called the “China Initiative”. While it was ostensibly designed to counter efforts by the Chinese government to steal American intellectual property, the program ultimately had few successes. For nearly four years, the National Security Division brought a series of unsupportable cases against Chinese academics at the height of their careers. The government was forced to drop many of these prosecutions. Others failed in court. Even more were overturned on appeal. The China Initiative was born out of the understanding that a strategic priority of the United States is countering national security threats from China. Had the DOJ gone in a different direction from this starting point, we might be here lauding the successes of the “defend U.S. trade secrets program.” Instead, the Trump DOJ invested significant resources into targeting individuals of Chinese descent working in the United States, diverting crucial funding and personnel that could have been used to combat economic espionage and trade secret theft across the board. But the China Initiative did not just waste valuable resources. Rather than keeping Americans safe, the China Initiative divided workplaces, ruined careers, and contributed to anti-Asian hate. If you were a person of Chinese descent working in American higher education, you were a suspect. Rather than keeping America safe, the China Initiative divided workplaces, ruined careers, and contributed to Anti-Asian hate at the height of the pandemic, when tensions were already high. Many of my colleagues who served on this Committee during the pandemic remember the vitriol, the carless word choice, and the characterization of “otherness” directed at Asian Americans during that time. Programs like the China Initiative, with its explicit targeting of Chinese citizens working in the United States, only served to amplify these tensions. For many of us, the clear drawbacks and minimal successes of the program were obvious in real time, and I am proud to say that I opposed the China Initiative throughout its short existence. And I was glad to see the program ended in early 2022 by the Biden Administration. Unfortunately, this legislation, which would establish a “CCP Initiative” at the National Security Division, would simply reestablish the China Initiative by another name. My colleagues across the aisle have repeatedly suggested that without the China Initiative, we as a country are not being “tough on China.” But what the majority fails—or refuses—to realize is that programs like these are wholly ineffective at protecting our intellectual property. In fact, they do the opposite. During its four-year tenure, the China Initiative stifled innovation by discouraging foreign talent from moving to American companies and prevented Chinese researchers from accepting positions at our institutions of higher learning. We cannot quantify those missed opportunities. There is no way to know what inventions never came to be, but we can realize when we made a mistake, and move on. This bill would prevent us from doing so. I appreciate that my colleagues have been circumspect when talking about the national security threat posed by China. But it is imperative that we differentiate the many people who live and work in the United States from the threat posed by the government of China, not just in our words but in our actions. It is also concerning that this bill would reestablish a pillar of a program that was repeatedly used to target Chinese professors working at American research institutions.Countries around the world send their best and brightest to the United States for education and to perform valuable research in our academic institutions. But instead of welcoming their contributions to our economy and to our society, programs like the China Initiative encourage them to take their training and their talents elsewhere. In a September 2022 report by the Asian American Scholar’s Forum, researchers found that between December 2021 and March 2022, 42 percent of the over 1,300 faculty members surveyed nationwide reported being fearful of conducting research in the U.S. A further 61 percent felt pressure to leave the U.S., and 45 percent intended to avoid federal grant applications. It is foolhardy to punish China by harming American innovation, but by discouraging researchers from working here, that is exactly what we did. The IP Subcommittee has conducted several bipartisan hearings on the threat posed by the Chinese government’s theft of trade secrets. Democrats and Republicans agreed that there is a real, significant threat to our national security. But this Committee has more important things to do than revisit failed Trump-era programs. If anything, we should expend our oversight resources ensuring that the DOJ is not simply following the practices of the China Initiative in all but name today. This legislation would take us in the opposite direction. I oppose the bill, I encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I yield back the balance of my time." Watch Rep. Nadler's opening remarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVlXiH1m5uM (5:05). Read the press release: https://bit.ly/3Kf1hjj ***** On May 22, 2024, the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) issued a statement to condemn the House Judiciary Committee mark-up vote of HR 1398 “Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act,” and all efforts to reinstate the discriminatory "China Initiative" program. HR 1398 would reestablish the "China Initiative"—a program that raised serious concerns of racial profiling and targeting of Asian Americans and immigrants, particularly of Chinese descent. The reinstatement of the “China Initiative” would have devastating consequences especially for Asian American scholars, many of whom had their lives upended as a result of the harmful Initiative. Gisela Perez Kusakawa , AASF Executive Director, said, "with this most recent attempt to reinstate the China Initiative, we are reminded yet again of discriminatory investigations that create a ‘living hell’ for researchers and their families. There is absolutely no reason for us to take a step back and reinstate a policy that has deeply harmed so many and led to a widespread chilling effect for our communities, especially during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. While AASF has worked diligently to build bridges and foster trust at the federal level, we also closely monitor the work of our legislators and stand firm in our opposition to any attempt at reinstating the ‘China Initiative,’ including HR 1398. We will continue to work toward healing, trust, and academic equality for all, but this will not be possible if this Initiative is reinstated. Our country is made stronger when Asian Americans and immigrants are able to contribute freely without fear of discrimination or harm—and any legislation from Congress should be a reflection of that.”Read the AASF statement: https://bit.ly/3UXmljr . 2024/05/24 Foreign Policy: When Knowledge Stops at the Water’s Edge 2024/05/24 Tech Policy: When National Security Concerns Become Unjust: Preventing a Second "Yellow Peril" News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/06/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/06/06 A Dialogue Between Academic/AAPI Communities with The FBI2024/06/20 U.S.-China Relations: Untangling Campaign Rhetoric & Understanding Policy – Teachers Workshop2024/06/20-22 Social Equity Leadership Conference 2024/06/27-30 2024 Chinese American ConventionVisit https://bit.ly/45KGyga for event details. 2. Kei Koizumi on the Science Budget Kei Koizumi is the principal deputy director for policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Ina recent podcast from Issues in Science and Technology , he talked about his role at the very heart of US science policy. He discusses what he does at OSTP, how he got there, and the exciting developments in science and technology policy that get him out of bed every morning.OSTP does not provide direct research funding, like the National Science Foundation does. It does not run national labs, like the Department of Energy does. Its annual budget of just under $8 million in the last fiscal year is barely a rounding error compared with, say, the National Institutes of Health’s $48 billion budget.But OSTP does set priorities for how the federal government spends more than $200 billion on research and development. “That is a lot of leverage and power,” says Kei Koizumi, “and shaping that research funding helps shape the direction of research throughout the United States—and indeed the world, because the world does look to ‘What does the US think is important?’ as a clue to ‘Maybe my nation should be thinking about that as an important topic as well.’”Read and listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/3UXGPbK 3. U.S.-China Relations: Untangling Campaign Rhetoric & Understanding Policy – Teachers Workshop WHAT: U.S.-China Relations: Untangling Campaign Rhetoric & Understanding Policy – Teachers Workshop WHEN: June 20, 2024, 7:00 pm ET WHAT: Online Webinar HOST: 1990 Institute Moderator: Ha-Yu Sebastian Cherng, Vice Dean for Research and Equity, Office of Research and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging; Associate Professor of International Education, New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Panelists: · Neysun Mahboubi, Director of the Penn Project on the Future of U.S.-China Relations, University of Pennsylvania · Susan Thornton, Senior Fellow and Visiting Lecturer in Law, Yale University Law School Paul Tsai China Center; Director of the Forum on Asia-Pacific Security, National Committee on American Foreign Policy; and Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institution. DESCRIPTION: T his workshop addresses the needs of the many middle and high school educators who are interested in deepening their understanding of U.S.-China relations, untangling political rhetoric from actual policies, and incorporating this knowledge into their teaching. This workshop will help attendees promote critical thinking, understand policy implications, augment current knowledge of U.S.-China relations, and build media literacy. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4bSemem Back View PDF May 27, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #190: Florida Lawsuit; Section 702 Webinar; AANHPI Commission; US-China Science Pact; More #190: Florida Lawsuit; Section 702 Webinar; AANHPI Commission; US-China Science Pact; More In This Issue #190 Update on Florida Alien Land Bill Lawsuit - Schedule and Amicus Brief Registration Open: June 26 Webinar on Perils of Warrantless Surveillance Register Now: July 6 President's Advisory Commission on AANHPI Public Meeting New Scrutiny on U.S.-China Landmark Science Deal News for the Communities Update on Florida Alien Land Bill Lawsuit - Schedule and Amicus Brief According to Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), Judge Allen C. Winsor has set the following schedule: 2023/07/03 Florida government submits its objection to the motion for preliminary injunction 2023/07/11 Plaintiffs submits its reply 2023/07/18 U.S. District Court holds hearing The July 18 hearing will be held at 111 N. Adams Street, Tallahassee, starting at 1:30 pm ET. It will be public, but no photography and audio or video recording will be allowed. The Florida state law becomes effective on July 1, 2023. The Court may make a ruling on the injunction by early August. An immediate appeal by either side is anticipated. On June 14, 2023, 19 racial justice centers, affinity bar and professional associations, and civil rights organizations submitted a 25-page amicus curiae ("friend-of-the-court") brief in support of the plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction. The lead counsels are: Madeleine K. Rodriguez , Partner, Foley Hoag LLP Robert S. Chang , Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic; Counsel for Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality Rose Cuison-Villazor , Rutgers Law School; Counsel for Center for Immigration Law, Policy and Justice Gabriel J. Chin , UC Davis School of Law; Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies This is a list of the coalition of 19 racial justice centers, affinity bar and professional associations, and civil rights advocacy organizations: Racial Justice Centers: Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality at Seattle University School of Law Center for Immigration Law, Policy and Justice at Rutgers Law School Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies at UC Davis School of Law LLS Anti-Racism Center of LMU Loyola Law School Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at New York University School of Law Boston University Center for Antiracist Research Center for Civil Rights and Racial Justice at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law Affinity Bar/Professional Associations: Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay Conference of Asian Pacific American Law Faculty Hispanic National Bar Association National Asian Pacific American Bar Association South Asian Bar Association of North America Civil Rights and Other Advocacy Organizations: Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta Asian American Women’s Political Initiative Asian Law Alliance Chinese for Affirmative Action Japanese American Citizens League LatinoJustice PRLDEF Read the CALDA announcement: https://bit.ly/3qU2Ah2 (in Chinese). Read the amicus brief: https://bit.ly/42DT9Q8 Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) Media Release. In response to FBI policy changes. AASF issued a media release urging the US Government to take more steps to put an end to warrantless and discriminatory investigations on June 14, 2023. AASF and other national advocacy groups have vocally agreed that the FBI announcement falls short of the level of vigilance needed to hold intelligence agencies accountable to the many human rights and privacy abuses they have perpetrated against countless numbers of people—including the nation’s top researchers and scholars that contribute greatly to the United States’ leadership in science and technology.While AASF welcomes any efforts from the federal government to create mechanisms for increased transparency and accountability of its agencies, they call on the federal government to take more serious steps to reform Section 702 and FISA, and to address the legal loopholes that allow warrantless surveillance of innocent people. Read the AASF media release: https://bit.ly/3CBhz2b Registration Open: June 26 Webinar on Perils of Warrantless Surveillance The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), APA Justice, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the Committee of 100 will co-host a webinar on "Perils of Warrantless Surveillance: The Case for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Reform." (note title of the webinar has been updated) WHEN: June 26, 2023, 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT WHAT: The U.S. Constitution protects its people against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the U.S. government engages in mass, warrantless surveillance of phone calls, text messages, emails, and other electronic communications between Americans and foreigners. Information collected under this law without a warrant can be used to prosecute and imprison people, even for crimes that have nothing to do with national security. Asian Americans, especially Chinese Americans and the immigrant and scientific communities, have been targeted for warrantless surveillance that led to wrongful and unjust prosecutions. The current authorization of Section 702 will expire on December 31, 2023. What should the Asian American and immigrant communities know about Section 702? If it is not sunset, what reforms will be needed? What are the next steps for the communities? WHO: Keynote speaker. Rep. Pramila Jayapal , the first South Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; a member of the House Judiciary Committee; Ranking Member of House Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security and Enforcement Moderator. Lillian Sing 郭丽莲 . Judge (retired), California Superior Court; first Asian American woman judge in Northern California Panelist. Gang Chen 陈刚 . Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering, MIT; Member, National Academy of Sciences; prosecuted under "China Initiative" with case dismissed; "We Are All Gang Chen" Panelist. Elizabeth Goitein. Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice Panelist. Ashley Gorski . Senior Staff Attorney, National Security Project, American Civil Liberties Union Panelist. Brian A. Sun 孙自华 . Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright; Board Member, Committee of 100 REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/42AbNIF Additional information about the webinar including bios of the speakers and references are posted at the Warrantless Surveillance webpage: https://bit.ly/3O6T43Q Register Now: July 6 President's Advisory Commission on AANHPI Public Meeting The President's Advisory Commission on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) will hold its next meeting, the sixth of a series, on July 6, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting serves to continue the development of recommendations to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the AANHPI communities. It is open to the public and will be live streamed. The Commission seeks written comments that may be emailed to AANHPICommission@hhs.gov at any time. Individuals may also submit a request to provide oral public comments.For details, directions, and registration, visit: https://bit.ly/3NqpQMB .Dr . Robert Underwood , a member of the Commission, also urges all of us to feel free to communicate with him directly at anacletus2010@gmail.com . Read his remarks at the APA Justice monthly meeting: https://bit.ly/3qogBU1 . Watch his remarks at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnIrq1hfl4A (video 11:48 to 25:21) New Scrutiny on U.S.-China Landmark Science Deal According to Reuters on June 18, 2023, for over 40 years, a landmark agreement between the United States and China has yielded cooperation across a range of scientific and technical fields, a powerful sign that the rivals could set aside their disputes and work together.Now with bilateral relations in their worst state in decades, a debate is underway within the U.S. government about whether to let the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA) expire on August 27, 2023.The agreement, signed when Beijing and Washington established diplomatic ties in 1979 and renewed about every five years since, has been hailed as a stabilizing force for the countries' relations, with collaboration in areas from atmospheric and agricultural science to basic research in physics and chemistry. It laid the foundation for a boom in academic and commercial exchanges.Inside the U.S. government, including the State Department, which leads the negotiations, there are competing views about whether to renew the pact, let it expire or renegotiate to add safeguards against industrial espionage and require reciprocity in data exchanges. Given the state of U.S.-China ties, trying to renegotiate could derail the agreement.Read the Reuters report: https://reut.rs/42M8Rsz News for the Communities Confirmations of Nusrat Jahan Choudhury and Dale Ho On June 15, 2023, the U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to confirm Nusrat Jahan Choudhury to serve as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, and voted on June 14, 2023 50-49 to confirm Dale Ho to serve as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Rep. Judy Chu , Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement:“I am thrilled that the Senate has voted to confirm Nusrat Jahan Choudhury to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and Dale Ho to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.“Ms. Choudhury is a champion for racial justice, religious freedom, and privacy rights. While working at the ACLU, she challenged stop-and-frisk policies and the racial profiling and surveillance of Arab, South Asian, Muslim, and Sikh Americans. Ms. Choudhury’s confirmation is also historic, as she is now the first Bangladeshi American and first Muslim American woman to serve on the Federal bench.“Mr. Ho has a storied career as one of our nation’s leading civil rights lawyers and successfully argued at the Supreme Court against the inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census. He most recently was the director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, where he spearheaded challenges on partisan gerrymandering, restrictive state voting laws, disenfranchisement of underrepresented and marginalized communities, and more. “I offer my heartiest congratulations to Ms. Choudhury and Mr. Ho on their historic confirmations. I commend President Biden for his ongoing commitment to ensuring that our judicial system reflects the diversity of our country, and I thank Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership on these successful confirmations.” Subscribe to The APA Justice Newsletter Complete this simple form at https://bit.ly/2FJunJM to subscribe. Please share it with those who wish to be informed and join the fight. View past newsletters here: https://bit.ly/APAJ_Newsletters . Back View PDF June 19, 2023 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #332 Student Visas and ICE Policy; Know Your Rights; Wen Ho Lee; Higher Ed and Science; + #332 Student Visas and ICE Policy; Know Your Rights; Wen Ho Lee; Higher Ed and Science; + In This Issue #332 • Update on International Student Visas and ICE Policy • 05/08 Know Your Rights Webinar • 05/29 Re-enactment of U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee • Higher Education and Science Developments • News and Activities for the Communities Update on International Student Visas and ICE Policy According to AsAmNews on April 22, 2025, based on a policy brief by the American Immigrant Lawyers Association, more students from India than from any other country have had their student visas revoked. A survey of revocations of 327 student visas and removal from Homeland Security databases found 50% were from India with China being the second highest at 14% followed by South Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh. On April 24, Inside Higher Ed reported over 280 colleges and universities have identified 1,879 international students and recent graduates who have had their legal status changed by the State Department. On April 25, after more than 100 lawsuits, the Trump administration announced that it would restore all terminated SEVIS statuses. On April 29, 2025, Politico reported how the Trump administration's "Student Criminal Alien Initiative” was rushed by using incomplete criminal database matches to wrongfully terminate thousands of foreign students’ legal status, leading to thousands of visa revocations and school bans without due process. On April 28, the Department of Justice submitted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) internal memoradum dated April 26 on "Policy Regarding Termination of Records" in the case of Patel v. Lyons (1:25-cv-01096). According to the memo, two new grounds for SEVP-initiated terminations were added: “Evidence of a Failure to Comply with the Terms of Nonimmigrant Status Exists” and “U.S. Department of State Visa Revocation (Effective Immediately).” This policy allowed ICE to terminate student records based on visa revocations. At this time, the policy outlined in the April 26 notice has not been formally implemented, and the Department of Homeland Security is reportedly developing a new formal policy for SEVIS record terminations. 05/08 Know Your Rights Webinar WHAT: AASF Know Your Rights: Criminal Law, Research Security & Higher Education WHEN: May 8, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOST: Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) Speaker: Robert Fisher, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP DESCRIPTION: An urgent Know Your Rights webinar focused on the intersection of criminal law, research security, and higher education—specifically addressing the mounting concerns facing Asian American professors and scientists who are facing increasing scrutiny and investigations, raising concerns about the return of the China Initiative and the environment of fear it cultivated. Moreover, international students, postgrads, and researchers are also facing increasing scrutiny with efforts to halt all Chinese student visas, preventing graduate students from conducting research, and targeting their participation in STEM fields. REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4d5xMOl 05/29 Re-enactment of U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee WHAT: U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later WHEN: May 29, 2025, 4:30 - 6:00 pm CT WHERE: In Person Re-enactment. U.S. District Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn Street, 25th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604 HOSTS: Asian American Bar Association; Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Moderators: • Stephen Chahn Lee, Solo Practitioner, AABA First Vice President, Former Federal Prosecutor • Vikas K. Didwania, Assistant U.S. Attorney, former Senior Policy Advisor for Criminal Justice at the White House DESCRIPTION: Twenty-five years ago, Wen Ho Lee, a Taiwanese-American scientist, became the focus of one of the most high-profile espionage investigations in American history. Suspected of sharing critical nuclear secrets with China, Dr. Lee faced public condemnation, criminal charges, and solitary confinement. However, as the case unraveled, it revealed profound flaws in the investigation, culminating in a rare judicial apology and a public acknowledgment by President Bill Clinton that "the whole thing was quite troubling". This pivotal moment in Asian-American legal history continues to offer important lessons for today’s legal, civil rights, and national security landscapes. This program will feature an in-depth exploration of United States v. Wen Ho Lee, with a critical look at the government’s investigation, the defense strategies that led to Dr. Lee’s eventual release, and the broader implications for justice and due process. Featuring Chicago practitioners and judges, this event will also include re-enactments of key moments from the case, including an interrogation that even senior government officials later admitted had gone too far. This event is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. 1.5 hours of CLE will be offered (pending approval). FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/3GJ3MvR Higher Education and Science Developments 1. Higher Ed Leaders Stand Up for Democracy and Academic Freedom At a pivotal time for higher education and American democracy, two powerful public statements have been issued by leading voices in academia—calling for renewed commitments to open dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic principles. These open letters have been endorsed by hundreds of current and former college and university presidents and chancellors. APA Justice encourages Asian American organizations, academic networks, and community leaders to review, consider signing, and help spread awareness of these timely initiatives. The first, A Call for Constructive Engagement, was released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). As of May 5, over 610 current leaders from across higher education have signed on. The statement champions civil discourse and a shared responsibility for addressing challenges through inclusive, democratic means. Current higher ed leaders are urged to read and add your name as appropriate to the statement here: https://bit.ly/44VdrcC. The second, A Pledge to Our Democracy, organized by PEN America, has been co-signed by 124 former presidents and chancellors representing a broad range of institutions—including research universities, HBCUs, regional colleges, and community colleges. This statement affirms a collective responsibility to uphold democratic values and the freedom to teach, learn, and speak without fear. To learn more or to join the pledge, contact Malka Margolies at mmargolies@pen.org or 718-530-3582. These statements reflect a growing call to action. By adding our voices, we not only defend the values that sustain higher education and civil society—we also show that the Asian American community is ready to lead in shaping a more principled and inclusive future. 2. AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh Warns Against Catastrophic FY2026 Budget On April 30, 2025, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) CEO Dr. Sudip Parikh testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Collins, about the urgent moment facing biomedical research, and science funding more broadly, in the United States. The fiscal year (FY) 2026 Presidential budget request proposes major cuts to Research and Development, including a 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 57% to NSF, and 24% to NASA, among others. Dr. Parikh warned that steep federal cuts to biomedical and science research funding could cause the U.S. to lose its global leadership in innovation for generations. He stressed that the scientific ecosystem, built over 80 years, depends on federal support and is now facing paralysis and potential long-term decline. He urged Congress to obligate existing FY2025 funds and secure FY2026 appropriations, saying the U.S. is at a historic crossroads that demands immediate action to protect future scientific leadership. Watch his testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT1TpNppK5M (6:40) 3. Foreign Policy: America's Coming Brain Drain In his Foreign Affairs essay “America’s Coming Brain Drain,” on May 6, 2024, MIT President Emeritus L. Rafael Reif warns that the United States is at risk of losing its longstanding global leadership in science and technology. This dominance was built over decades through sustained investment in research and development, academic freedom, and an openness to international talent. However, Reif argues that these pillars are being eroded by a mix of federal funding cuts, political interference in universities, and immigration policies that deter the very scientists who once fueled American innovation. A particularly damaging example Reif highlights is the legacy of the now-defunct China Initiative, a U.S. government program aimed at countering espionage that ended up disproportionately targeting scientists of Chinese descent. Though the program has officially ended, its chilling effects remain: international researchers are more hesitant to collaborate with U.S. institutions, and many have chosen to leave or avoid coming to the country altogether. Reif emphasizes that fear and suspicion cannot be the basis of national policy if the goal is to remain competitive in a globally interconnected research ecosystem. "Nationwide, international students earn 64 percent of doctorates in computer and information sciences, 57 percent of those in engineering, and 54 percent of those in mathematics and statistics. The United States clearly could do a better job of developing homegrown talent for these fields, but it is important to recognize how much the country gains by attracting brilliant people from around the world. The overwhelming majority of international doctoral students educated in the United States intend to stay on in the United States after earning their degrees," Reif wrote. Reif also expresses concern about increasing political pressures on higher education, particularly state-level attempts to reshape curricula or defund research based on ideological grounds. Coupled with the looming threat of steep federal funding cuts for agencies like the NIH and NSF, the U.S. risks dismantling the infrastructure that has long powered its innovation economy. To prevent a lasting brain drain, Reif calls for renewed investments in basic research, a welcoming posture toward global talent, and a reaffirmation of the values—openness, excellence, and integrity—that made the U.S. a world leader in science. Read the Foreign Policy article: https://fam.ag/42JccvM 4. Inside Higher Ed: Tracking NIH and NSF Funding Cuts According to Inside Higher Ed on May 6, 2025, the Trump administration has canceled close to $3 billion in National Institues of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) research grants, often without much explanation. Researchers are now crowdsourcing databases of suspended grants to shed light on what is being lost. While politically sensitive topics like DEI and misinformation were cited as reasons, funding cuts have also hit areas like cancer and maternal health. Epidemiologist Scott Delaney and colleagues created Grant Watch to track NIH and NSF terminations, exposing their arbitrary and opaque nature. Their database has already recorded $2.78 billion in cuts, prompting concern over the chilling effect on U.S. research. One striking example is Eric Wustrow, a University of Colorado professor whose NSF-funded project on online censorship was terminated despite not fitting any flagged category. His experience reflects broader inconsistencies that make it hard for researchers to understand which topics may now be “secretly banned.” Delaney emphasized the value of their crowdsourced data for advocacy and potential legal action, given the lack of transparency and shifting justifications for cuts. In parallel, Abby Andre launched the Impact Project to document the broader erosion of federal support—across education, housing, and science—using crowdsourced data and media reports. Her interactive Impact Map visualizes state-by-state cuts and institutional damage. Both Grant Watch and the Impact Project aim not only to support current resistance but to preserve a public record for future accountability and reconstruction efforts. 5. 05/08 Webinar: Trump and Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest WHAT: Trump and Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest (Part 3) WHEN: May 8, 2025, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET WHERE: Webinar HOST: Chronicle of Higher Education Speakers: • Rick Seltzer, Senior Writer • Sarah Brown, Senior Editor DESCRIPTION: During his first few months in office, President Trump has tried to reshape higher education with a barrage of executive orders and actions aimed at transforming key parts of the academic enterprise. The frenzy of dramatic pronouncements, sudden reversals, and legal wrangling has created tremendous uncertainty for colleges. This is the third of a series of virtual events to examine challenges that are top of mind for colleges, their employees, and their students. REFERENCES: • 2025/04/03 Part 1: https://bit.ly/3GFu7e4 (1:03:01) • 2025/04/24 Part 2: https://bit.ly/43l00Bq (1:03:34) REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/4341dvU 6. 06/03 NASEM: Second Annual State of the Science Address WHAT: The Second Annual State of the Science Address WHEN: June 3, 2025, 3:00 - 5:00 pm ET WHERE: National Academy of Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20418 HOST: The National Academies of Sciences Speaker: Marcia McNutt, President, National Academy of Sciences DESCRIPTION: McNutt will explore progress and opportunities in specific areas that are critical to protect and strengthen U.S. science — including modernizing university-industry research partnerships, reducing red tape so that researchers can focus their time and resources more efficiently, building a stronger U.S. STEM workforce, and cultivating more public trust in science. The address will be presented with data and evidence on the quality and vitality of the research enterprise, trends in education and employment, and strategic and funding priorities. After the address, Kelvin Droegemeier, former science adviser to President Trump and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 2019 to 2021, will moderate a discussion with other research leaders. A reception will follow. REFERENCE: 2024 State of the Science Address FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3Z3SyYU News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/05/08 AASF Know Your Rights: Criminal Law, Research Security & Higher Education 2025/05/12-14 APAICS Annual Summit and Gala 2025/05/18 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/05/22 Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala 2025/05/29 U.S. v. Wen Ho Lee - 25 Years Later 2025/06/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/06/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2025/06/03 The Second Annual State of the Science Address 2025/06/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting 2025/06/15-18 2025 Applied Statistics Symposium Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Summary of April 2025 APA Justuce Monthly Meeting Posted Summary of the April 2025 APA Justice monthly meeting has been posted at https://bit.ly/44opZcn. We thank the following speakers for sharing their insightful remarks and updates: • 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, Law School • Judith Teruya, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Judith.Teruya@mail.house.gov • Joanna YangQing Derman, Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security Program, Advancing Justice | AAJC • Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) • Cindy Tsai, Interim President, Committee of 100 • Ed Guo, President, Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) 3. 05/22 Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala WHAT: Serica 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala WHEN: May 22, 2025 • Conference: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm ET • Gala: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm ET WHERE: • Conference: 100 Washington St, New York City, 10016 • Gala: 583 Park Ave, New York City, 10065 HOST: The Serica Initiative DESCRIPTION: This annual gathering celebrates AAPI women who are driving change across generations — in the arts, business, tech, education, philanthropy, and beyond. It will be a day of dynamic panels, powerful stories, and connection with some of the most inspiring leaders in our community. FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3SuDJuJ # # # 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 May 8, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #267 AASF/Stanford Symposium; AAAS Travels to China; NY Post Condemned; UCA Convention; + #267 AASF/Stanford Symposium; AAAS Travels to China; NY Post Condemned; UCA Convention; + In This Issue #267 · New York Post Retracted and Apologized · AASF: Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium & Ceremony · Connecting Scientific Communities: AAAS Travels to China · 2024 United Chinese Americans Conference · News and Activities for the Communities New York Post Retracted and Apologized Community organizations across the nation and elected officials were outraged and demanded that the New York Post apologize for incorrectly reporting the man who shot former President Donald Trump and killed an innocent bystander was Chinese. The New York Post has issued the following retraction and apology:On July 15, 2024, the Committee of 100 (C100) released a public letter from its Chair Gary Locke to the New York Post executive editor Keith Poole . The letter criticizes the publication for inaccurately reporting that a Chinese man was responsible for an attempted assassination of former President Trump. The letter highlights the harm caused to the Chinese American community by such false claims, especially in the context of rising anti-Asian sentiment. C100 urges the New York Post to issue an apology, correct the error, and implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent future misinformation. Read the C100 letter: https://bit.ly/4f6O22g According to Documented , several Chinese community representatives held a press conference at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in New York City's Chinatown to request a formal apology from the New York Post . “The story caused the Chinese American community additional harm,” said Lester Chang , the first and only Chinese Republican assemblyman representing Brooklyn’s 49th district, at the conference. He noted that political rhetoric has blamed Chinese Americans for the pandemic, adding, “In this current era of heightened anti-Asian hate, Chinese Americans and the Asian American community are already looking over their shoulders daily.” Cindy Tsai , Interim President and Executive Director of the Committee of 100, emphasized at the press conference that anti-Asian hate is not just a relic of the past during the pandemic, “We will also be asking our government officials to take anti-Asian hate seriously, as it is still very real today.”Chinese community activist Queenie Ho was one of the first to contact the New York Post after finding the error. She said that she felt scared when she first saw the news. “On Saturday, our community and country were shocked by an act of political violence that went against the values of all Americans. That’s why I was incredibly disappointed and disturbed during this highly emotional time,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung in a statement. “I believe the Post owes the Chinese and entire Asian American community an apology.”State Senator John Liu stated, “Falsely identifying the shooter as Chinese in the heat of an assassination investigation is dangerous to Asian Americans. The New York Post must own up to its mistakes and apologize for this disturbing lack of journalistic integrity.”“Accurate and responsible reporting is crucial, especially in sensitive cases that can have profound impacts on individuals and communities,” said Senator Iwen Chu , urging the publication to take measures to prevent such errors in the future. Councilwoman Susan Zhuang criticized the New York Post for not doing its due diligence and called the misinformation “reckless and dangerous.” She urged the publication to formally issue a retraction and apologize for the mistake. The Chinatown East Neighborhood Council is mobilizing its members to send letters to pressure the New York Post. The letter also condemns any act of political violence.“This reckless reporting, especially in today’s inflamed political climate, is dangerous to our communities,” tweeted Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition aimed at addressing racism and discrimination affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.“Dangerously irresponsible of @NYPost to wrongly claim the Trump shooter was a ‘Chinese man’ and then update the story without a correction notice,” tweeted the Asian American Journalists Association on X. Reuters did not include the New York Post report as part of its fact checks on July 16, 2024. Media Reports and Statements: 2024/07/17 NBC News: Trump assassination attempt live updates: U.S. learned of Iranian plot to kill Trump weeks before shooting 2024/07/16 Resonate: ‘Chinese Man’: Trump Shooter Misidentified by New York Post, Asian Americans Demand Apology 2024/07/16 South China Morning Post: Asian-American community angered by erroneous report that Donald Trump shooter was Chinese 2024/07/16 Reuters: We fact-checked some of the rumors spreading online about the Trump assassination attempt 2024/07/16 Documented: New York Post Falsely Claims “Chinese Man” Shot Trump, Chinese Communities Outraged 2024/07/15 星島日報: 多位參選人下一步具體行動未有共識 2024/07/15 United Chinese Americans: UCA Condemns the Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump and Calls on NY Post to Issue Public Apology to Chinese Americans 2024/07/15 NextShark Editorial: New York Post criticized for misreporting Trump shooter as 'Chinese man' 2024/07/15 Northwest Asian Weekly: Locke slams newspaper for incorrectly blaming Chinese man in Trump assassination attempt 2024/07/15 AsAmNews: Apology demanded from NY Post to Chinese Americans 2024/07/15 Committee of 100: Letter to the Editor, New York Post 2024/07/13 New York Post: Gunman behind attempted assassination on Trump had head blown off by Secret Service, sources say; rally-goer killed AASF: Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium & Ceremony On July 27-28, 2024, the Inaugural Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating and honoring the remarkable contributions of Asian American scholar pioneers, will be held at Stanford University. It is hosted by the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF).The award ceremony on July 27 will feature prominent Asian American innovators that AASF featured in Project Pioneer with the National Science Foundation. These pioneers made fundamental contributions to our country from enabling WiFi everywhere to video calls with our loved ones. AASF hopes this work can change the narrative and stereotypes of Asian American scientists as perpetual foreigners and threats. This special occasion will bring together some of the most distinguished minds in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and leadership. Nobel Prize laureates and Turing Award laureates will deliver keynote speeches and distinguished leaders will engage in fireside chats, providing a unique platform for intellectual exchange and inspiration. The event will also have Asian American pioneers such as Congresswoman Judy Chu , as well as representatives from the White House and multiple federal agencies. This year’s symposium furthers AASF’s efforts to lift up the Asian American scholar community on a national platform and bridge the different sectors of our society for the betterment of our country. AASF has shown that a community can self-organize to ensure that the door is open for Asian American scholars to be empowered and have a voice and representation.For more information and to register to attend, visit https://bit.ly/3XLApPN Connecting Scientific Communities: AAAS Travels to China In late May, a delegation from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) led by Dr. Sudip Parikh , AAAS CEO and executive publisher of the Science family of journals traveled to Beijing, China to visit one of its international partners, the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). The delegation included Bill Moran , publisher of the Science family of journals, Andrew Black , AAAS chief of staff and chief public affairs officer, and Dr. Kim Montgomery , AAAS director of international affairs and science diplomacy. Along with meetings with CAST, the AAAS delegation had the opportunity to meet with the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Tsinghua University. It was an action-packed trip to the world’s second largest R&D spender that included discussions on the continued need for connections between the U.S. and Chinese scientific communities, especially at the basic research level.Read the AAAS report: https://bit.ly/463JoOs 2024 United Chinese Americans Conference United Chinese Americans (UCA) held its fourth United Chinese Americans (UCA) Conference in Washington D.C. on June 27-30, 2024.This year’s conference, themed “Embracing the New Civil Rights Movement,” attracted nearly 700 participants from across the United States. The event showcased the strength and voice of the Chinese American community and united their hopes and confidence for the future.The first day featured the “AANHPI Congressional Advocacy Day,” co-hosted by UCA and APAPA. Hundreds of participants, divided into over 50 groups, visited 283 congressional offices, representing more than half of the 425 House representatives. Each group detailed the issues facing the Chinese American community, focusing on real estate purchase restrictions for Chinese nationals, anti-Asian sentiments, and the inclusion of Asian American history in U.S. high school curricula.During the Capitol Hill reception, Congresswoman Grace Meng thanked UCA and APAPA members for their participation and highlighted the importance of incorporating Asian American history into U.S. high school curricula. Texas State Representative Gene Wu emphasized the negative impacts of real estate purchase restrictions on Chinese Americans and called for the Asian American community to unite and engage in politics actively. California Congresswoman Judy Chu noted that current visa restrictions on Chinese students and scholars severely hinder academic and technological exchanges between China and the United States. New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim urged everyone to vote and participate in public affairs to secure more rights for the Asian American community. The second and third days of the conference featured over 20 forums and more than 50 guests, providing attendees with engaging discussions and sharing sessions. At the opening ceremony, Erika L. Moritsugu , Deputy Assistant to the President & AANHPI Senior Liaison, Congressmen Ted Lieu , Gene Wu, and Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi were present to offer their congratulations. In his opening remarks, UCA President Haipei Shue addressed three unique challenges facing the Chinese American community: deteriorating US-China relations, worsening domestic political climate, and the new immigrant community’s lack of engagement in political and social life. He called for the community to unite, launch a new chapter in the Chinese American civil rights movement, and establish a nationwide coalition to tackle future challenges. The conference included five themed sub-conferences focused on youth, mental health, AAPI political action, community building and civic engagement, and entrepreneurship and career development.The highlight of the conference was the Awards Ceremony and Gala. Individuals and organizations with outstanding performance in community service and leadership were honored. The final day featured a large-scale “Walk for Civil Rights, Walk for Our Rights” event on the National Mall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Read the summary of the 2024 UCA Conference: https://bit.ly/4f5UTt2 News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2024/07/16-17 National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable - Capstone2024/07/17 C100 Career Ceiling Summit: Creating a Level Playing Field2024/07/25-28 Leadership Convention by NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals) 2024/07/27-28 Asian American Pioneer Medal Symposium and Ceremony2024/08/04 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/08/05 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2024/08/19 DNC Convention, AAPI Briefing & Reception, Chicago, IL2024/09/01 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall MeetingThe Community Calendar has moved. Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Book Chapter: "Asian Americans as 'the Perpetual Foreigner' under Scrutiny" A chapter titled "Asian Americans as 'the Perpetual Foreigner' under Scrutiny," authored by Frank Wu, was in a book "Race and Surveillance" published by the Cambridge University Press in 2023. Frank Wu is President of Queen's College, The City University of New York.Asian Americans play a prominent role in the state surveillance story, because Asian Americans play an ambiguous role in both international relations and domestic race relations.4 Although people of Asian descent have been arriving in the Americas since before the Civil War – Asian soldiers fighting on both sides of the internecine conflict – Asian immigrants and their American-born descendants, whatever their formal status and however assimilated, have been portrayed as “sojourners” only temporarily resident in the United States and likely to return to a homeland to which they have remained stealthily loyal. The persistent theme has been that Asians are inassimilable into American society, whether by biology, culture, or their own collective choices. The assumption that it is contradictory to be both Asian and American has been used, explicitly and implicitly, to justify discrimination against Asian Americans.For more information and to order the book, visit: https://bit.ly/3XWMD8t 3. Delaware SB 297 Passed Both State House and Senate According to LegiScan , Delaware Senate Bill (SB) 297 passed the State Senate on a vote of 21-0 on May 21, 2024, and the State House on a vote of 40-0 with one abstention on June 26, 2024. According to AsAmNews , Delaware will become the seventh state to require Asian American history if the bill is signed by the Delaware Governor John Carney . Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend , Senator Laura Sturgeon , Representative Sophie Philips , and Representative Bill Bush sponsored SB 297.Delaware joins Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, and Wisconsin in passing legislation regarding Asian American history in classrooms.Read the LegiScan summary: https://bit.ly/4d13vPz . Read the AsAmNews report: https://bit.ly/3W3nxSL Back View PDF July 17, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #136 New Legislations; Update and Town Hall on Anti-Asian Hate Crimes; NIH Dialogue; More #136 New Legislations; Update and Town Hall on Anti-Asian Hate Crimes; NIH Dialogue; More Back View PDF August 11, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter