The "China Initiative" A US government national-security program, created to address economic espionage, disproportionately targeted Asian Americans and academic communities for administrative errors and harmed academic freedom and open science. THE NUMBERS Known Cases 77 Known Impacted Individuals 162 Days Lasted 1,210 Explore the China Initiative What is it? Timeline of Events Impacted Persons Webinars What is the "China Initiative"? The "China Initiative" refers to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) effort that was launched under the Trump Administration in November 2018. Its original aim was to combat economic espionage and theft of intellectual property that the U.S. government believed was being conducted by Chinese entities, including individuals and organizations with ties to the Chinese government. However, the “China Initiative” resulted in four major concerns: 1. Racial Profiling: The initiative led to racial profiling and the unfair targeting of Asian Americans. Individuals of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, faced increased scrutiny or suspicion based on their ethnicity rather than any evidence of wrongdoing. 2. Stigmatization: The initiative perpetuated stereotypes and stigmatization of Asian Americans, making them feel like they are under suspicion or not fully trusted solely because of their heritage. 3. Impact on Scientific Collaboration: The initiative created a chilling effect on scientific collaboration between U.S. and Chinese researchers, hindering legitimate collaborative efforts and harming US leadership in science and technology. 4. Government Overreach. The initiative was overly broad, allowed abuse and misuse of authority by some law enforcement agents, and caused severe damage to the career, finance, and reputation of innocent individuals and their families. The “China Initiative” ended officially in February 2022 under the Biden Administration, but the harms it inflicted on targeted individuals and the broader AAPI community remain. Timeline of Major Events Nov 1, 2018 U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session launched the China Initiative to combat national security threats and economic espionage emanating from the People’s Republic of China. Without a definition of what constitutes a China Initiative case, it drifted to profile and stigmatize Asian Americans and individuals of Asian descent, creating severe damage and a chilling effect on scientific collaboration and harming U.S. leadership in science and technology. 1. DOJ launched China Initiative Read more Dec 7, 2018 A month after the launch of the China Initiative, a group of community leaders met with a senior FBI official and representatives at the FBI headquarters in Washington DC to convey concerns raised within the Chinese American community about the role of bias in its investigations, among other issues, in a futile attempt to establish a continuing dialogue to address the concerns. 2. Attempted Dialogue with FBI Failed Read more Apr 19, 2019 Headlined by “How Not to Cure Cancer – The U.S. is purging Chinese scientists in a New Red Scare,” investigative reports emerged on FBI and NIH nationwide activities targeting individuals of Asian descent, especially biomedical researchers in the Houston area. 3. Media Reports on Purge by NIH and FBI Read more Aug 21, 2019 Kansas University Professor Feng “Franklin” Tao became the first academic and scientist of Chinese origin to be indicted in August 2019. He was followed by Professors Anming Hu and Gang Chen, Researcher Dr. Qing Wang, New York Police Department Officer Baimadajie Angwang, a group of five STEM researchers and students from China, and others. The year 2020 saw the injustice inflicted by the government shifting and intensifying its profiling of scientists, most of them of Chinese origin, for “research integrity” in the name of national security. 4. Shift to Profiling Scientists of Chinese Origin Read more Feb 27, 2020 From generation to generation, the Asian Pacific American communities have been resilient in fighting against discrimination and protecting their civil rights. It is a continuing effort that transcends the China Initiative, which again confirms the commitment and determination of the communities from elected officials to organizations and individuals. 5. Communities Respond with Resilience Read more Jan 5, 2021 On January 5, 2021, a coalition of organizations and individuals wrote to President-elect Joe Biden, requesting him to end the China Initiative and take steps to combat racial profiling. Two weeks later, the indictment of MIT Professor Gang Chen ignited the “We Are All Gang Chen” movement. Between September 2020 and June 2021, five organizations partnered to produce a series of five educational webinars to raise nationwide awareness about the China Initiative. 6. Letter to President-Elect Biden to End China Initiative Read more Jun 30, 2021 Following a public campaign led by Maryland State Senator Susan Lee and a coalition in February 2022, Reps. Jamie Raskin and Judy Chu hosted a Democratic Member Roundtable on “Researching while Chinese American: Ethnic Profiling, Chinese American Scientists and a New American Brain Drain” in June 2022. It was the first congressional hearing where the profiling of Chinese American scientists and the damage to American leadership in science and technology were heard. 7. Congressional Roundtable on Racial Profiling Read more Jul 22, 2021 The abrupt dismissal of visa fraud and other charges against five scientists from China in five separate “China Initiative” cases and the FBI reports from the discovery process exposed the weaknesses of the prosecutions, dissension in the FBI’s own ranks, and exaggerated claims of national security risks by the government. 8. Five Visa Fraud Cases Dismissed Read more Sep 8, 2021 A group of 177 Stanford University faculty members sent an open letter to US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, requesting that he terminate the China Initiative. The campaign became national and continued until the end of the China Initiative. More than 3,100 faculty, researchers, and scientists representing over 230 institutions from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico co-signed the letters. 9. Stanford Faculty Starts Nationwide Campaign to End China Initiative Read more Sep 15, 2021 Multiple media reports the China Initiative as unraveling and out of control after cases that were sensationally publicized early on by the government began to be dismissed or acquitted in courts rapidly in a span of several months. 10. The China Initiative Unraveling and Out of Control Read more Dec 2, 2021 On December 2, 2021, MIT Technology Review published two investigative reports on the China Initiative as newly appointed Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen was conducting a review of the initiative. 11. MIT Technology Review Investigative Reports Read more Feb 23, 2022 Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen announced the end of the China Initiative. The 1,210 days of the Initiative were extremely damaging to individuals and their families, as well as the Asian American and scientific communities. The end of the China Initiative is a welcomed start to correct the harms it caused. APA Justice is committed to continue its work to address racial profiling and seek justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American communities. 12. China Initiative Ends Read more BACKGROUND A pattern of racial profiling against Chinese American scientists began to emerge in 2015. In a relatively short time span, four naturalized American citizens in three separate situations were indicted for one of most serious crimes related to espionage and trade secrets that carried heavy penalties in prison terms and fines. These individuals worked in diverse fields - private industry, federal government, and academia respectively. All three cases were subsequently dismissed or dropped without apology or further explanation. This is highly unusual because the Department of Justice (DOJ) prides itself on its mission of prosecuting criminal cases. Conviction rate is a key measure of success and performance. Annual statistical reports show that the overall DOJ conviction rate in all criminal prosecutions has been over 90% every year since 2001. The rate for espionage-related charges is expected to be much higher than average due to its serious nature and impact on the accused. A combination of human mistakes, implicit bias, social stigmatism, explicit prejudice, and racial profiling may explain why some of these innocent individuals were wrongly prosecuted in the first place. However, the damages done to them and their families are undeniably devastating. The legal cost to defend oneself is high, easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars and higher. Reputations and careers built on many years of accomplishments would be forever lost or stalled in an instant, deeming them to become unemployed and unemployable. The emotional shock and fear leave traumatic scars on the individuals and family members for the rest of their lives. In effect, an innocent person, once wrongly accused, can seldom be made whole again. There are other individual victims whose cases were also dismissed or found not guilty. Some agreed to much lesser infractions than the original charges to avoid financial ruins. Our nation loses their talents and contributions to the society when they are forced to leave the country. These cases are almost never reported by the government. This website dedicates one webpage each for impacted individuals, many of them are heroically speaking out and fighting back for justice and fairness. Sherry Chen and Professor Xiaoxing Xi are the raison d'être for APA Justice. If you know of similar cases, please contact us at contact@apajustice.org . Jumpstart your knowledge on The China Initiative A 7-minute video aimed to educate the general public on increasing discrimination faced by Chinese scientists under the Department of Justice's China Initiative and to highlight the many scientific accomplishments they have contributed to U.S. institutions of higher education and research. Watch Interview of Dr. David Ho, Columbia University’s Clyde and Helen Wu Professor of Medicine; Michael A. Szonyi, Director of the Harvard University Fairbank Center; Catherine X. Pan, head of Dorsey & Whitney’s U.S.-China practice; and Frank Wu, President of Queens College and a Serica Initiative board member, among others. Watch Impacted Persons According to the Department of Justice and two investigative reports by the MIT Technology Review, the “China Initiative” had 77 known cases involving 162 individuals (one of them an entity). Twenty three (23) cases are identified as “Research Integrity” involving academics, researchers, and scientists. Academic Cases Other/Non-China Initiative Cases Read More Item One Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Read More Item Two Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Read More Item Three Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Chili Onions Pepperoni Mushrooms Olives Cheese Sort by Read More Item One Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Read More Item Two Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Read More Item Three Subtitle Goes Here Date File Date: This is a paragraph. Click to edit and add your own text. Add any information you want to share with users. Change the font, size or scale to get the look you want. Chili Onions Pepperoni Mushrooms Olives Cheese Sort by On December 2, 2021, MIT Technology Review published The US crackdown on Chinese economic espionage is a mess. We have the data to show it . According to the report, the US government’s China Initiative sought to protect national security. In the most comprehensive analysis of cases to date, MIT Technology Review reveals how far it has strayed from its goals. Among its major findings are: The DOJ has neither officially defined the China Initiative nor explained what leads it to label a case as part of the initiative The initiative’s focus increasingly has moved away from economic espionage and hacking cases to “research integrity” issues, such as failures to fully disclose foreign affiliations on forms A significant number of research integrity cases have been dropped or dismissed Only about a quarter of people and institutions charged under the China Initiative have been convicted Many cases have little or no obvious connection to national security or the theft of trade secrets Nearly 90% of the defendants charged under the initiative are of Chinese heritage Although new activity appears to have slowed since Donald Trump lost the 2020 US presidential election, prosecutions and new cases continue under the Biden administration The Department of Justice does not list all cases believed to be part of the China Initiative on its webpage and has deleted others linked to the project. Two days after MIT Technology Review requested comment from the DOJ regarding the initiative, the department made significant changes to its own list of cases, adding some and deleting 39 defendants previously connected to the China Initiative from its website. This included several instances where the government had announced prosecutions with great fanfare, only for the cases to fail —including one that was dismissed by a judge after a mistrial. The MIT Technology Review database of 77 "China Initiative" cases is posted online and can be used for interactive analysis. It draws primarily on the press releases that have been added to the DOJ’s China Initiative webpage over the last three years, including those recently removed from its public pages. The MIT Technology Review supplemented this information with court records and interviews with defense attorneys, defendants’ family members, collaborating researchers, former US prosecutors, civil rights advocates, lawmakers, and outside scholars who have studied the initiative. APA Justice provided assistance to verify and validate the 77 "China Initiative" cases before the removal of some cases by DOJ. MIT Technology Review provides a second full report titled We built a database to understand the China Initiative. Then the government changed its records on how the database was built, what DOJ changed in its online report, and how the database is organized, including a statement on transparency and conflict-of-interest. 11/01/2018 - 02/23/2022 1,210 DAYS Endorsers of Stanford Letter Stanford University: 177 University of California Berkeley: 214 Temple University: 167 Princeton University: 198 University of Michigan: 430 Southern Illinois University Faculty Senate: 53 Yale University: 192 University of California Irvine: 92 University of Pennsylvania: 168 Baylor College of Medicine: 219 APA Justice nationwide campaign: 1,209 Total: 3,119 Number of institutions APA Justice nationwide campaign: 231 + Stanford University + University of California Berkeley + Temple University + Princeton University + University of Michigan + Southern Illinois University + Yale University + University of California Irvine + University of Pennsylvania + Baylor College of Medicine Number of states + territories States: 50 + District of Columbia + Puerto Rico Change.org supporters: 244 See University Responses to the China Initiative. On February 23, 2022, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Matthew G. Olsen, announced the end of the “China Initiative,” a program that was meant to address economic espionage but morphed into disproportionately targeting Asian Americans and academic communities for administrative errors and harming academic freedom and open science. While we disagree with Mr. Olsen’s self-assessment that the DOJ did not find racial bias in “China Initiative” cases, we welcome the end of the ill-conceived initiative and DOJ’s openness to listen and respond to community concerns. CHINA INITIATIVE ENDS On December 2, 2021, MIT Technology Review published The US crackdown on Chinese economic espionage is a mess. We have the data to show it . Read full report China Initiative Analysis MIT Technology Review Cases charged under the China Initiative by year Impacted Persons According to the Department of Justice and two investigative reports by the MIT Technology Review, the “China Initiative” had 77 known cases involving 162 individuals (one of them an entity). Twenty three (23) cases are identified as “Research Integrity” involving academics, researchers, and scientists. Find detailed information on Impacted Persons on this page .

Newsletter - #358 Vincent Wang Speech; Maggie Lewis & Pat Eddington Remarks; Trump "Compact" Rejected; + #358 Vincent Wang Speech; Maggie Lewis & Pat Eddington Remarks; Trump "Compact" Rejected; + In This Issue #358 · Vincent Wang's Acceptance Speech · Remarks and Updates by Professor Margaret Lewis · Remarks and Updates from Pat Eddington · Universities Reject Trump's "Compact" · News and Activities for the Communities Vincent Wang's Acceptance Speech Wenkui “Vincent” Wang 王文奎 , Co-Organizer of APA Justice, was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame at a ceremony and reception held at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, on October 9, 2025. He was recognized for his leadership in the Ohio Chinese American Association, the Asian American Coalition of Ohio, and the APA Justice Task Force.Below is his acceptance speech in its entirety:"Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, Ohio Civil Rights Commission. It is a profound honor to stand here today at the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame ceremony along with my fellow Hall of Fame inductees."This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to countless people who have stood shoulder to shoulder in the long unfinished struggle for equal rights and justice for all. "Our story as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is woven deeply into American history - a story of perseverance, contribution, and courage. "From the Chinese laborers who built the transcontinental railroad to the Japanese American soldiers who served in the most decorated unit in US history, and to the scientists and engineers who transformed modern physics and led the treatment breakthroughs in HIV disease and revolutionize artificial intelligence technologies, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped shape this nation in every field."Yet, throughout history, our communities have often been seen through the lens of suspicion, painted as perpetual foreigners and threat in our own land, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty."We remember the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. And now the renewed use of Red Scare tactics that cast Chinese Americans as spies without evidence."From the so-called Chinese initiative that unfairly targeted scientists to Ohio House Bill number one and Senate bill number 88, which would bar ownership by certain immigrant groups, dividing our communities and questioning our loyalty to this nation."But we are part of America - its past, its present, and its future."We have always believed in the promise of this country, liberty and justice for all. When our community stood up, we did not stand alone. "We reached out to allies in civil society, to civil rights groups, to faith communities and government, all who believe in the fairness and due process for all Americans. Together, we help bring an end to the controversial China Initiative program."Today we continue to fight Ohio House Bill One and Senate Bill 88. And we have hope that as more Ohioans learn about the truth about these bills, more will stand with us to stop these bills and many other bills targeting immigrants and the minority groups. "Because when people understand what is at stake, they choose fairness over fear. These moments remind us that equality is not self-sustaining. It demands vigilance, courage and solidarity."That is why we need to continue to organize, continue to speak up and to build broad coalition with communities of every background, black, white, Latino, indigenous, and all who share our belief that equal rights, equal opportunity and justice for all."We must also empower our own community to get involved, to serve and to vote. Every ballot cast, every conversation started, every young person who decides to lead brings us one step closer to the America we believe in - a nation where immigrants are valued, where diversity is celebrated, and where everyone has a fair chance of opportunity."Today, I accept this honor not for myself alone, but for everyone who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustices. For those who choose hope over fear, trust over suspicion, and bridges over walls. Together, we'll continue to defend civil rights for all, defend immigrant rights, and strengthen the democratic ideals that binds us all as a nation, as one people. "Thank you so much."Watch the 2025 induction ceremony honoring Vincent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UTMds014Nc (7:43) Remarks and Updates by Professor Margaret Lewis Professor Margaret "Maggie" Lewis 's research focuses on China and Taiwan with an emphasis on criminal justice and human rights as well as on legal issues in the U.S.-China relationship. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the National Committee on United States-China Relations Board of Directors, for which she is also a Public Intellectual Program fellow. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on October 6, 2025, she returned to update us on her activities and share her perspectives on the C100-USCET-APA Justice webinar series and how organizations and communities might work together. Maggie opened her talk by joining others in thanking Mike German for his continued leadership after “retirement,” humorously noting that figures like Jeremy Wu and Steven Pei show retirement rarely means disengagement. She then paid tribute to her mentor, the late Professor Jerry Cohen —calling him a titan of Chinese law who built bridges and human connections. His passing at 95, she said, was deeply felt, but his influence lives on in the collaborative spirit of those he inspired: “The work continues because Jerry would want nothing less.”Acknowledging today’s discouraging geopolitical climate, Maggie encouraged perseverance and optimism, wishing attendees “中秋快乐” (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival) and adding a lighthearted note about finding joy in the new “happy Taylor Swift” album.She then discussed her current work with the U.S.–China Education Trust (USCET) and academics such as David M. Lampton and Jessica Chen Weiss , emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchange—especially increasing the number of American graduate students studying and conducting research in China. While Chinese students continue to arrive in the U.S. in large numbers, American participation in China has dwindled to a “trickle.” Graduate-level fieldwork and archival access have become increasingly difficult compared with the relative openness of the 1990s and early 2000s.Maggie stressed that firsthand experience in China provides irreplaceable understanding, contrasting it with the growing reliance on data scraping and satellite imagery in China studies. Without human interaction, she warned, the “texture” and empathy that shaped earlier generations of scholars risk being lost. She reaffirmed her commitment—and that of her colleagues—to keeping people physically crossing borders.She also highlighted new teaching developments: Seton Hall University will soon offer its first course on Asian Americans, which she will teach. The course, framed around law, geopolitics, and identity, will cover topics such as the China Initiative (versions 1.0 to 2.0), transnational repression, birthright citizenship, and technology issues like TikTok. Citing models such as Fordham University’s “Asian Americans and the Law” course by Tom Lee and Judge Denny Chin , she expressed hope that these subjects will spread more widely across law schools. Maggie agreed with Gisela Perez Kusakawa that fostering a new generation of lawyers—civil rights, employment, immigration, and others—who are civically engaged and pro bono-oriented is vital.As a “realistic optimist,” Maggie acknowledged that structural tensions in U.S.–China relations will persist. The goal, she said, is to navigate them intelligently and adapt as conditions evolve.She then updated the group on the National Science Foundation’s SECURE initiative (“Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem”), for which she serves on the advisory board of the University of Washington’s main center. The program seeks to integrate research security across disciplines rather than treat it as isolated issues. Initially focused on STEM, these policies now affect the social sciences and humanities as well—restricting, for example, the ability of some state university scholars to use research funds for China-related work.The SECURE network includes partners such as the Hoover Institution, Texas A&M, Emory University, and Northeastern. Maggie also noted that restrictive research and educational policies are emerging at the state level, including in Florida, Texas, and Indiana, where universities like Purdue and Indiana University are adopting tighter research security measures.She concluded by warning that while universities must protect themselves legally, overbroad or reactive policies risk unfairly targeting individuals and accelerating an unnecessary decoupling from China—something that would harm research, education, and mutual understanding alike.A summary of the October 6 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Remarks and Updates from Pat Eddington Pat Eddington is Senior Fellow of Homeland Security and Civil Liberties at Cato Institute. He served nearly a decade at the CIA and later as a senior policy adviser on Capitol Hill, where he worked extensively on intelligence oversight, surveillance, and drone policy. He is a prolific writer and commentator, committed to advancing government transparency, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring accountability in national security policy. During the APA Justice monthly meeting on October 6, Pat returned to update us on his latest activities and current affairs of our nation.Pat introduced his new book, The Triumph of Fear: Domestic Surveillance and Political Repression from McKinley through Eisenhower , which includes analysis through 2023. He shared details about its launch in April and a discount for purchase, joking about the high pricing typical of academic publishers but noting that the paperback is affordable. It is available at Georgetown University Press . Pat’s central message was a stark warning about what he called the existential threat posed by the current “Trump 2.0 regime,” which he said has deliberately fostered a climate of fear and political intimidation that endangers the rule of law and the “very survival of the Republic.” He condemned recent attacks on the judiciary and inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Stephen Miller as part of a campaign to erode democratic norms.At Cato, Pat works with the Criminal Justice and Constitutional Studies teams to file amicus briefs—often in partnership with the ACLU—challenging unconstitutional government actions. He warned about the unprecedented use of Title 32 authority to deploy Red State National Guard units into Democratic-led areas, describing it as a serious abuse of power. Oregon’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit is ongoing, but he expressed skepticism due to the Supreme Court’s frequent reliance on the “shadow docket” to uphold executive overreach.While noting limited tools available to state leaders, Pat praised governors such as Gavin Newsom and J.B. Pritzker for resisting these measures. He also discussed the government shutdown’s impact on federal law enforcement, pointing out that ICE, FBI, DEA, and other agents are working without pay. Ironically, he suggested, the resulting attrition could be a peaceful way to slow down domestic political repression operations.Pat stressed that regardless of politics, Congress must uphold existing laws like the Affordable Care Act and use the appropriations process as its last nonviolent means of checking executive power. He urged Democrats to act decisively—cutting or restricting funding for unauthorized National Guard deployments and aggressive ICE actions—to prevent the nation from sliding into “truly dangerous territory.”He echoed Governor Pritzker’s warning that National Guard deployments are “pretextual,” meant less for law enforcement than for normalizing troops in civilian settings—possibly as a precursor to using them in “election integrity” operations. Pat cited the appointment of election denier Heather Honey to a DHS election security role as further evidence of politicized control over federal institutions.Concluding on a somber note, Pat said he is “deeply fearful for the future of the country.” The crisis, he argued, stems from a century-long accumulation of unchecked presidential power, congressional passivity, and judicial deference—adding, “unfortunately, this is where it’s brought us.”A summary of the October 6 APA Justice monthly meeting is being prepared at this time. Universities Reject Trump's "Compact" According to CNN , Insight Into Academia , Los Angeles Times , Washington Post , and multiple media reports, the Trump administration’s latest attempt to reshape higher education through federal leverage has drawn significant backlash, as five major universities—MIT, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and University of Virginia (UVA)—have rejected a proposed “compact” offering preferential funding in exchange for sweeping ideological and policy changes. Sent on October 1, 2025, to nine prominent universities, including Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, University of Texas (UT) Austin, and Arizona, the compact would require institutions to eliminate consideration of sex and ethnicity in admissions, cap international enrollment at 15%, freeze tuition for five years, and redefine gender “according to biological function.” It would also mandate ideological balance on campus, assessments of faculty viewpoints, and reforms to “units that punish conservative ideas.” Signatories would gain priority for federal grants and direct access to White House events.The proposal is part of a broader White House push to exert unprecedented control over universities—long targets in Trump’s cultural and political agenda. University leaders who declined the offer cited threats to core academic values. USC’s interim president Beong-Soo Kim warned the compact would “undermine free inquiry and academic excellence,” while MIT’s Sally Kornbluth said it would “restrict freedom of expression.” Brown President Christina Paxson noted it would “undermine the autonomy of Brown’s governance,” and Penn’s J. Larry Jameson emphasized alignment on some issues but “substantive concerns” overall. UVA Interim President Paul Mahoney wrote, "a contractual arrangement predicating assessment on anything other than merit will undermine the integrity of vital, sometimes lifesaving, research and further erode confidence in American higher education.”Other universities remain undecided or cautious. Vanderbilt and Arizona are reviewing the proposal; Dartmouth reaffirmed its commitment to self-governance; and UT Austin expressed openness to collaboration.More than 30 major higher education associations jointly condemned the Trump administration’s proposed Compact, warning that it represents unprecedented federal overreach threatening academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and innovation, and urged the administration to withdraw it. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/10/20 USCET: Building a Career in US-China Relations2025/10/23 C100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative: Asian American Women in the Law2025/11/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/11/20 Cook County Circuit Court Hearing2025/11/25 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Elaine ChaoVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. 2025/10/16 Inaugural Webinar on "Bridging Nations" We extend our sincere thanks to Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch , Governor Gary Locke , and Professor Jessica Chen Weiss for leading an engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking webinar on “ Bridging Nations: People-to-People Exchange in U.S.–China Relations ” held on October 16, 2025. The Committee of 100, U.S.-China Education Trust, and APA Justice co-hosted the event.A video recording will be available soon. This event marked the first in our ongoing webinar series exploring key dimensions of U.S.–China relations and rights for the Asian Pacific American communities. The Winter webinar is tentatively scheduled for mid-January of 2026—stay tuned for details. 3. USCET: Building a Career in US-China Relations and Internship Opportunities WHAT: Building a Career in US-China Relations WHEN: October 20, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm ET WHERE: In person event: Lindner Family Commons, Elliott School of International Affairs, Washington, D.C. HOSTS: The U.S.-China Education Trust, the Black China Caucus, the U.S.-China Business Council, and the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy DESCRIPTION: A panel discussion featuring early and mid-career professionals working on U.S.-China relations in the consulting, think tanks, corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, all drawing upon their China expertise. Panelists will share their experiences, offer practical advice on how to break into the field, and reflect on the skills that have helped them succeed. This event is a unique opportunity for upcoming professionals to hear about various career paths in the U.S.-China field and network with young professionals who share similar interests and passions. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/4ovVGY9 *****USCET is now welcoming applications for its spring 2026 internship!Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students are welcome to apply. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about U.S.-China relations and cross-cultural dialogue. Interns gain hands-on experience working in a dynamic nonprofit environment dedicated to fostering mutual understanding between the United States and China.The interns work a hybrid and part-time schedule with a time commitment of a minimum of 20 hours per week. The position includes a stipend or academic credit. We encourage all eligible students to apply. Submit your application by November 14, 2025, to employmenta@uscet.org . Click here to learn more about our internship opportunities and application process: https://uscet.org/internships/ # # # 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 October 20, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #279 Briefing to Oppose China Initiative Bill; AASF Forum with NIH; Xiaoxing Xi Interview+ #279 Briefing to Oppose China Initiative Bill; AASF Forum with NIH; Xiaoxing Xi Interview+ In This Issue #279 · CAPAC, Impacted Professors, and Asian American Leaders Oppose China Initiative Legislation · AASF Forum with the National Institutes of Health · MIT Science Policy Review Interview with Dr. Xiaoxing Xi · News and Activities for the Communities CAPAC, Impacted Professors, and Asian American Leaders Oppose China Initiative Legislation During the APA Justice monthly meeting on September 9 , 2024, Joanna YangQing Derman , Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), reported that a congressional briefing and press conference will be held on Capitol Hill.On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 4:00p.m. ET, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) will join victims of the discriminatory and now defunct China Initiative and leaders of Asian American advocacy organizations for a press conference ahead of the House floor vote on H.R. 1398 - Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2024. WHAT: CAPAC, Victims of China Initiative, and Asian American Leaders Host Press Conference Opposing China Initiative WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 4:00 pm ET – 4:45 pm ET WHO: · CAPAC Chair Judy Chu · CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Mark Takano · Prof Gang Chen · Prof Anming Hu · Prof Franklin Tao · Gisela Perez Kusakawa – AASF · Other speakers may join WHERE: House Triangle, U.S. Capitol, Washington DC AASF Forum with the National Institutes of Health On September 19, 2024, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) will host an online forum with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Speakers will include NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli who will give opening remarks and NIH Principal Deputy Director, Dr. Lawrence Tabak who will give a presentation.This is the first public event after Dr. Bertagnolli issued a statement of support for Asian American, Asian immigrant and Asian research colleagues on August 15. "NIH greatly values our relationship with Asian researchers and recognizes their extraordinary contributions to advancing science," the statement said. "We are working with stakeholder groups, universities and academic professional organizations to take actions that repair our relationships with these valued members of the research community."The online event is open to the public. Register to attend the Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/3ZgGNzp MIT Science Policy Review Interview with Dr. Xiaoxing Xi On August 27, 2024, MIT Science Policy Review published an extensive interview with Dr. Xiaoxing Xi , Chinese American physicist and the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Physics at Temple University. Born in China, Dr. Xi moved to the United States in 1989 and has since become a naturalized U.S. citizen. In May of 2015, Dr. Xi was arrested at gunpoint by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for alleged espionage. He was placed on administrative leave and barred from accessing his lab. Four months later, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped all charges against him. Since then, Dr. Xi has launched a campaign against racial profiling in science, testifying before Congress and speaking at universities and conferences.The American Physical Society recognized Dr. Xi’s tireless advocacy by awarding him the Andrei Sakharov Prize in 2020. MIT Science Policy Review spoke with Dr. Xi about the ramifications of being wrongfully accused of espionage, historic parallels in Christopher Nolan ’s movie Oppenheimer, the government’s increasing hostility towards Chinese academics, and what patriotism means to him.The interview was organized in three parts: 1. "Advocacy has become part of my research portfolio." Dr. Xi filed a lawsuit in 2017 challenging his 2015 wrongful arrest, claiming unconstitutional evidence and discriminatory targeting of Chinese American scientists. After an initial dismissal, Dr. Xi won an appeal, allowing the case to proceed to the discovery stage. The process is ongoing without a clear timeline. His research has suffered, shrinking from nine projects to one, due to fear of government scrutiny. Xi now devotes significant time to advocacy, addressing racial profiling of Chinese American scientists. He speaks widely to raise awareness, aiming to impact U.S. policies and protect the scientific community from similar injustices. 2. Finding parallels in Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer explores the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer , his role in the development of the atomic bomb, and the repercussions of his association with the Communist Party, which nearly destroyed his career. The movie raises broader issues of science policy, such as open scientific exchange versus political compartmentalization. Dr. Xi found similarities between Oppenheimer’s situation and his own experience of false espionage accusations, particularly regarding political shifts that lead to the prosecution of once-celebrated individuals. Both cases involved the authorities disregarding evidence to serve political motives. While Oppenheimer's case occurred during McCarthyism, today, the fear of China has led to a wave of investigations against Chinese American scientists. Dr. Xi argues that false accusations and racial profiling continue, with both their cases and Oppenheimer's serving as examples of systemic injustices. Despite Oppenheimer sparking discussions on nuclear policy, the issue of false espionage accusations has not received comparable attention, possibly due to the global stakes of nuclear issues overshadowing individual injustices. 3. Science in the crossfire of geopolitical tension. The China Initiative, launched by DOJ in 2018, aimed to address national security threats from China, focusing on theft of trade secrets and espionage. By 2019, it began targeting academics, accusing them of espionage for routine practices like writing recommendation letters or participating in Chinese grant reviews. Nearly 38% of cases involved failure to disclose ties to Chinese universities. The program was officially ended in 2022 due to criticism of racial profiling and ineffectiveness. The Initiative negatively impacted academia, discouraging collaboration with Chinese-born scientists. Dr. Xi argues that increasing scientific literacy within agencies like the DOJ or FBI would not resolve the core issue, as the fundamental belief that Chinese scholars are spies drives these prosecutions. The real issue is a flawed theory that considers Chinese academics as "nontraditional collectors" of information for China, leading to unjust charges based on non-disclosure. Geopolitical tensions, fueled by anti-China sentiment in U.S. politics, make life difficult for Chinese-descended scientists. Laws like the CHIPS and Science Act further restrict collaboration with China. Dr. Xi compares the current situation to the mistreatment of Japanese Americans during WWII and emphasizes the need for highlighting these injustices.Read the MIT Science Policy Review interview: https://bit.ly/3XgtFHN Additional Reading Materials 1. Chapter 10 - Asian Americans as “the Perpetual Foreigner” under Scrutiny by Frank H. Wu 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. 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. The Cambridge Handbook of Race and Surveillance , pp. 190 - 222DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108241304.010[Opens in a new window] Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023 2. Chapter 6 - New Red Scare: The China Initiative by Steven Pei, Jeremy Wu, and Alex Liang The FBI has a long history of surveillance of ethnic Chinese scientists in the United States. McCarthyism, the Economic Espionage Act, and more recently the China Initiative were initiatives adversely impacting Chinese and Chinese Americans living in the U.S. The stereotypes of Asian and Chinese scientists as “disloyal” stem from the perpetual foreigner trope. The key here is that most of them were U.S. citizens. They are as much an American as any other American, yet their “loyalty” is perceived as less trustworthy. This stereotype has harmful, life-altering consequences. Communicated Stereotypes at Work by Anastacia Kurylo (Editor, Contributor), Yifeng Hu (Editor, Contributor), Wilfredo Alvarez (Contributor), & 29 moreASIN ‏ : B0CSK2PGY3Lexington Books (May 15, 2024) News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events:2024/09/10 Congressional Briefing and Press Conference on the “China Initiative” & Asian American Civil Right2024/09/10-12 Chronicle Festival: The Road Ahead to 20352024/09/12 AA4D: Nobel Laureates and Scientists for Democracy 2024/09/15 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/09/19 1990 Teachers Workshop: Asian American Identity2024/09/19 AASF Public Forum with the National Institutes of Health2024/09/19-20 AANHPI Unity Summit2024/09/22 Rep. Gene Wu's Town Hall Meeting2024/09/25 C100: State of Chinese American Survey 2024 2024/09/26 White House Initiative AA& NHPI Policy SummitThe Community Calendar has moved. Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. WHIAANHPI Announces Innovator Challenge to Combat Hate and Promote Healthy Communities The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Secretary (OS), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA), in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), is creating a rapid response national competition for 501(c)3 community based organizations to identify community-driven efforts to raise greater awareness of hate crimes and address the health consequences, including mental health, of communities burdened by bullying, hate and bias. Desired outcomes include the development of community-driven strategies and application of data-driven tools to combat bullying, hate, and bias to promote healthier communities.The Challenge.gov fund has $325,000 available for up to four (4) awards through this competition. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations may submit a maximum five (5) page proposal through Challenge.gov .Submission Period Opens: Friday, September 6, 2024, 9:00 AM ETSubmission Period Closes: Sunday, September 15, 2024, 11:59 PM ETLearn more and submit your proposal: https://bit.ly/3MDFJy2 3. San Francisco Interim Fire Chief Sandra Tong According to multiple media reports, San Francisco Mayor London Breed appointed and swore in Interim Chief Sandra Tong on September 3, 2024, with the Chinatown native becoming the department’s first Chinese American leader as it continues searching for a permanent successor to outgoing Chief Jeanine Nicholson following her retirement last month. The San Francisco Fire Commission said it unanimously supported Tong’s appointment. Tong spent the last five years serving on Nicholson’s command staff, most recently working as the deputy chief of emergency medical services and community paramedicine. She was born and raised in Chinatown and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sino-Soviet Relations from UC Berkeley, as well as a doctorate in organizational psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.Tong has 35 years of experience working in emergency-medical services. Back View PDF September 10, 2024 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

2. Fair Housing Rights & Alien Land Laws: Challenges and Advocacy for the Asian American Community 2024-2025 Alien Land Laws Tuesday, March 4, 2025 The second installment of the Alien Land Law Webinar Series examined how nationality-based homeownership restrictions are affecting real estate professionals and homebuyers—especially within the Chinese American community. With new laws limiting property ownership based on nationality, real estate professionals and advocates are stepping up to challenge these discriminatory policies. This webinar provided critical insights into how these restrictions are reshaping the housing landscape and what we can do to fight back. The webinar covered: Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act – Understand the legal protections in place to combat discrimination. How These Laws Affect Asian Homebuyers & Real Estate Professionals – Hear real-world impacts from industry experts. Community & Legal Advocacy in Action – Learn how grassroots efforts and legal challenges are pushing back and how you can get involved. This webinar was for real estate professionals, homeowners, prospective buyers, community leaders, and advocacy groups looking to stay informed and take action. Stay ahead of these evolving legal challenges by exploring Committee of 100’s interactive map , which tracks ongoing land ownership exclusion laws, and APA Justice’s Alien Land Bills webpage, where you’ll find the latest updates on lawsuits and policy developments. Together, we can stand up for fair housing rights and fight back against discrimination. 20250304 SecondWebinar3.jpg Previous Item Next Item

Newsletter - #375 2/2 Meeting; GAO on Agency Safeguards; Unjust Alex Pretti Death; ICE Targets Hmongs;+ #375 2/2 Meeting; GAO on Agency Safeguards; Unjust Alex Pretti Death; ICE Targets Hmongs;+ In This Issue #375 · 2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting · GAO: Agencies Should Assess Safeguards Against Discrimination · Alex Pretti: Another U.S. Citizen Shot Dead in Minneapolis · Hmong Americans Among ICE Targets · News and Activities for the Communities 2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting The next APA Justice monthly meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, starting at 1:55 pm ET. Rep. Judy Chu , Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, will deliver a New Year of the Fire Horse message and a review of 2025 via video, in addition to updates from: · Judith Teruya , Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) · Joanna YangQing Derman , Program Director, Advancing Justice | AAJC · Gisela Perez Kusakawa , Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) We are honored by and welcome the following confirmed distinguished speakers: · Frank Wu , President, Queen’s College, City University of New York · Rosie Levine , Executive Director, US-China Education Trust · Elizabeth Rao , daughter of Dr. Jane Wu, and Attorney Tom Geoghegan , Despres, Schwartz, & Geoghegan, Ltd. The virtual monthly meeting is by invitation only. It is closed to the press. If you wish to join, either one time or for future meetings, please contact one of the Co-Organizers of APA Justice - Vincent Wang 王文奎 and Jeremy Wu 胡善庆 - or send a message to contact@apajustice.org . ***** The deadline for signing the coalition letter by faculty members to support justice & honor the memory of Dr. Jane Wu is January 29, 2026, 12 pm ET. Effective January 1, 2026, Dr. Steven Pei has stepped down from his role as Co-Organizer of APA Justice. As a result, Dr. Pei no longer represents APA Justice. Please direct all APA Justice matters to Jeremy Wu and Vincent Wang, Co-Organizers. We thank Dr. Pei for his dedicated service over the past few years and wish him continued success in the future. GAO: Agencies Should Assess Safeguards Against Discrimination On January 22, 2026, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released Report 26-107544, “ Research Security: Agencies Should Assess Safeguards Against Discrimination ,” in response to concerns raised by members of Congress regarding potential discrimination in federal agencies' research security reviews. The report examines whether federal agencies ensure that their research security processes are free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. While efforts to counter improper foreign influence are essential to protecting taxpayer-funded research, universities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders have warned that these initiatives risk disproportionately targeting certain demographic groups—particularly scientists of Chinese or Asian descent. GAO identified five core safeguards necessary to prevent discrimination in research security processes: · Transparent improper foreign influence review processes. · Collection and use of demographic data to assess agency processes. · Multiple levels of review in improper foreign influence reviews. · Training agency staff in nondiscrimination practices. · Leadership commitment to nondiscrimination. GAO assessed the implementation of these safeguards across five federal agencies—DOD, DOE, NASA, NIH, and NSF—which provided the largest share of extramural federal research funding in FY 2023 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023). The report concludes that agencies must balance the need to protect federally funded research from improper foreign influence with their legal and ethical obligation to ensure nondiscrimination. Systematic assessment of safeguards, GAO found, is essential to providing meaningful assurance that discriminatory practices do not occur. GAO also issued seven formal recommendations to improve transparency, documentation, and oversight of nondiscrimination safeguards. These recommendations are publicly posted, tracked online, and will be updated as agencies take action to implement them. GAO Contact: Hilary Benedict , Acting Director, Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics, at benedicth@gao.gov GAO Report: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107544 APA Justice will continue to analyze the findings and provide updates on the implementation and implications of this report. Alex Pretti: Another U.S. Citizen Shot Dead in Minneapolis According to multiple media reports, the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti , a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, during a federal immigration enforcement action on January 24, 2026 has become a major national story, prompting protests, legal action, and bipartisan calls for accountability. Pretti was shot multiple times by two U.S. Border Patrol agents in south Minneapolis as he filmed and attempted to assist a woman during an enforcement operation. Pretti’s death occurred 17 days after Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent. A third, non-fatal shooting involved a man wounded in the leg on January 14. The shooting locations for Good and Pretti in Minneapolis were about one mile apart. Federal authorities initially claimed that Pretti “approached” agents with a handgun. However, widely circulated video footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that he was holding a phone—not a weapon—and was attempting to help another person when he was tackled and killed. Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit, had no criminal history, and was widely described by family, neighbors, and colleagues as compassionate and deeply committed to caring for others, particularly veterans. Public response has been swift and substantial. A GoFundMe campaign established for Pretti’s family surpassed $1 million within days, reflecting widespread outrage and community support . Editorial coverage has also been sharply critical. A Washington Post editorial framed Pretti’s death as emblematic of broader concerns about the overreach and expanding role of federal immigration enforcement in U.S. cities and the erosion of civil liberties during the Trump administration’s second term, underscoring inconsistencies in official accounts and the urgent need for transparency and independent review. The Military.com profile further highlighted Pretti’s character and service, focusing on his work as a VA nurse and his concern about immigration enforcement practices. The report noted that local law enforcement leaders rejected the federal narrative of events and called for a cooperative, independent investigation to establish what occurred. Amid conflicting accounts and concerns that federal authorities restricted state investigators’ access to the scene, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , joined by state and local officials, filed a lawsuit to preserve all evidence related to the killing. A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order barring the Department of Homeland Security and its components from altering or destroying evidence. The lawsuit has intensified national scrutiny of federal law-enforcement accountability and reinforced public demands for a full, independent investigation. Members of Congress from both parties have also responded forcefully. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) described the incident as “incredibly disturbing” and called for a joint federal-state investigation, warning that the credibility of ICE and DHS is at stake. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) urged a “thorough and impartial investigation,” while Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) emphasized that immigration agents “do not have carte blanche” in the use of force. On the Democratic side, Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) accused federal authorities of a potential cover-up, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned that DHS funding could face opposition absent comprehensive oversight. Several House members, including Representatives Michael McCaul and Andrew Garbarino , have called for hearings and formal review of immigration enforcement practices. O n January 27, 2026, the Trump administration announced that Tom Homan was going to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations in the state as Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and several other Border Patrol agents are expected to move out of Minneapolis. Bovino has been stripped of his title “commander at large” of the Border Patrol and will return to his former job as chief patrol agent along part of the U.S.-Mexico border, where he is expected to retire soon. Two agents were put on administrative leave. Within hours of Pretti’s death, Bovino asserted that Pretti “wanted to … massacre law enforcement,” while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that Pretti was “brandishing” a weapon and acting “violently” toward officers. Neither provided supporting evidence, and their statements were contradicted by available video footage. A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd M. Lyons , to personally appear in court and warned of possible contempt proceedings, citing ICE’s repeated failure to comply with court-ordered bond hearings for detained immigrants. Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz said the agency has repeatedly flouted dozens of court orders, including by extending detentions or transferring detainees out of state despite explicit judicial directives. Calling the situation “extraordinary,” Schiltz said lesser measures had failed, setting up a potential confrontation between the federal judiciary and the Trump administration amid a surge of ICE enforcement in the Minneapolis region that has overwhelmed local courts and drawn sharp judicial criticism of the government’s conduct. Taken together, the public reaction, legal action, and congressional response underscore the national significance of Alex Pretti’s tragic death—and the rapidly growing demand for accountability, transparency, and clear limits on federal law-enforcement authority. Hmong Americans Among ICE Targets According to NBC News on January 21, 2026, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her , the city’s first Hmong and Asian American mayor, said it was “heartbreaking” to witness recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, including the arrest of Hmong American U.S. citizen ChongLy Scott Thao and the fatal shooting of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good , during a separate operation. Speaking to KARE just days after taking office, Her said, “Nobody ever comes into an office and within the third day of being in office there’s an ICE shooting,” adding that moments like this define leadership: “This is the moment in which you are asked to lead, and so you step up and you lead.” St. Paul is home to the nation’s largest urban Hmong population, and Her said the incidents have deeply shaken that community. Her described watching video of Thao being removed from his home in freezing conditions as particularly disturbing, noting her personal connection to the family. “It was heartbreaking to watch somebody get dragged out of their home,” she said. “I don’t know how anybody looking at that could ever justify the treatment of another human being that way.” Thao’s family said federal agents did not present a warrant or ask for identification and disputed DHS claims that the operation targeted suspected sex offenders living at the residence. Her said she has since received “firsthand, personal accounts” from constituents describing aggressive enforcement tactics, including agents “going door to door” and “targeting you by the way that you look and the way that you sound.” The clash has escalated into lawsuits by Minnesota cities and the state to halt federal deployments, followed by Justice Department subpoenas of state and local leaders—developments that underscore intensifying tensions over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and federal-local authority. Read the NBC News report: https://nbcnews.to/4qKFS5g News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2026/01/29-30 The Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations2026/02/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting 2026/02/03 The Equity Pulse with Frank Wu 2026/02/17 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative "Personal Marketing and Mentorship" 2026/03/02 APA Justice Monthly Meeting Visit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative "Personal Marketing and Mentorship" WHAT : Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative "Personal Marketing and Mentorship" WHEN : February 17, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET WHERE : Webinar HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator: Peter Young , Committee of 100 Board Member and New York Regional Chair, and Chair of the Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative Speakers : · Raj Gupta , Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors, Johns Hopkins GUPTA-KLINSKY India Institute; Former CEO, Rohm and Hass · Bob Lee , Chairman of the Board, Blue Shield of California · Deb Liu , former President & CEO of Ancestry DESCRIPTION : Throughout the many events C100 has held over the years, one of the observations that comes out repeatedly is the importance of engaging in effective personal marketing, having a strong network inside and outside of the organizations that you are part of, and developing mentors. This event will feature insights from three accomplished panelists who have expertise on this topic from their current professional responsibilities as well as their own personal careers. REGISTRATION : https://c100-2-17-2026.eventbrite.com # # # APA Justice Task Force is a non-partisan platform to build a sustainable ecosystem that addresses racial profiling concerns and to facilitate, inform, and advocate on selected issues related to justice and fairness for the Asian Pacific American community. For more information, please refer to the new APA Justice website under development at www.apajusticetaskforce.org . We value your feedback. Please send your comments to contact@apajustice.org . Back View PDF January 29, 2026 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #31 Registration For 12/02 Webinar; EEOC Webinar #31 Registration For 12/02 Webinar; EEOC Webinar Back View PDF November 28, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

4. Legal Resources and Policy Advocacy - How to Combat Racial Profiling Under the “China Initiative” 2020-2022 China Initiative Wednesday, April 28, 2021 The recent acts of violence and the rise in Anti-Asian hate, along with the government’s heightened scrutiny and racial profiling of scientists and researchers of Asian and Chinese descent, particularly through the Department of Justice’s “China Initiative,” have caused immeasurable harm to the Asian American community, leaving lives in shambles and eroding the health of our democracy. This comprehensive webinar takes a deeper dive into how we can empower impacted persons and the broader Asian American and immigrant community to take action to protect their civil rights and advocate for policy reform. Policy makers, civil rights organizations, and the academic community will share their insights on topics including policy and advocacy engagement, access to available legal resources, and building narratives to lift up the voices of impacted people and combat xenophobia. 20210428 Webinar4ChinaInitative1.png 20210428 Webinar4ChinaInitative2.png Previous Item Next Item

Newsletter - #97 DOJ Changed Report; Trial Dates; Yale/Princeton/Stanford/SIU News; Happy Thanksgiving #97 DOJ Changed Report; Trial Dates; Yale/Princeton/Stanford/SIU News; Happy Thanksgiving Back View PDF November 22, 2021 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #20 10/05 Monthly Meeting; WSJ Report On The Tao Case; UMich Webinar #20 10/05 Monthly Meeting; WSJ Report On The Tao Case; UMich Webinar Back View PDF October 2, 2020 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Congressional Actions Track Congress's statements and actions for the AAPI community. Our watchlist contains all of the most pertinent issues and legislations to the Asian American community. Check it out Our Watchlist See organizations', scientists', and community groups' statements and responses to AAPI issues. Explore Community Responses Texas House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 552 Read More CAPAC Issues Messaging Guidance on Anti-Asian Hate Read More Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act Introduced Read More House Resolution Condemns All Forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment Related to COVID-19 Read More Senator Warner Letter to FBI Director Wray Read More House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff Statement on Racial Profiling Read More

Newsletter - #145 AAU Meeting; 9/12 Monthly Meeting; NSF Request for Comment; Prof Xi's Appeal; FOIA #145 AAU Meeting; 9/12 Monthly Meeting; NSF Request for Comment; Prof Xi's Appeal; FOIA Back View PDF September 15, 2022 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter

Newsletter - #357 Vincent Wang Honored; 10/16 Webinar; Mike German Remarks/Impacts; NSF Politicization+ #357 Vincent Wang Honored; 10/16 Webinar; Mike German Remarks/Impacts; NSF Politicization+ In This Issue #357 · Vincent Wang Inducted into Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame · Reminder: 10/16 Webinar "Bridging Nations" · Mike German's Remarks and Impacts over Time · Politicization at the National Science Foundation · News and Activities for the Communities Vincent Wang Inducted into Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Wenkui “Vincent” Wang 王文奎 , Co-Organizer of APA Justice, was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame at a ceremony and reception held at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, on October 9, 2025.The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame honors exceptional Ohioans recognized as pioneers in advancing human and civil rights, equality, and inclusion. Inductees are individuals who have made significant contributions to civil rights, cultural awareness, and understanding in pursuit of a more just society. Their achievements are officially recorded in Ohio’s history. This year’s class includes eight distinguished honorees.In accepting the honor, Vincent stated: “I am deeply humbled and honored to be inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame, alongside seven extraordinary individuals who have devoted their lives to advancing civil and human rights in their communities. I accept this honor not for myself alone, but for everyone who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice—for those who choose hope over fear,trust over suspicion,and bridges over walls. Together, we will continue to defend civil rights, advance immigrant rights, and strengthen the democratic ideals that bind us as one people. My deepest gratitude to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, my fellow honorees, and all who continue to fight for a more just and inclusive Ohio—and America.” APA Justice congratulates Vincent on this distinguished recognition and his continued leadership in advancing civil and human rights.Watch the 2025 induction ceremony honoring Vincent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_jrtGze7nM (7:44) Reminder: 10/16 Webinar "Bridging Nations" Join APA Justice, Committee of 100, and the US-China Education Trust on Thursday October 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET for an expansive discussion of "Bridging Nations: People-to-People Exchange in U.S.-China Relations" with two distinguished Asian American ambassadors -- Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch and Governor Gary Locke – whose personal journeys and family histories bridge both nations. They will be joined in dialogue by Jessica Chen Weiss , David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS.Register to attend the webinar by scanning the QR code above or clicking this link: https://bit.ly/20251016Webinar Mike German's Remarks and Impacts over Time On October 6, 2025, Mike German , Retired Fellow, Liberty & National Security, Brennan Center for Justice spoke at the APA Justice monthly meeting to reflect on his career and share his insightful thoughts.Mike opened by thanking APA Justice, Gisela Perez Kusakawa and Pat Eddington , noting with humor that his retirement “is not an obituary” and that he remains available to help.Reflecting on his career in the FBI, Mike described his years working undercover to infiltrate white nationalist networks. He emphasized that white nationalism is not a fringe ideology, as it is often portrayed, but rather a foundational force in American history that continues to influence society today. While his focus as an agent had been to stop people plotting violence, trafficking illegal weapons, and manufacturing explosives, the experience revealed to him how deeply these extremist ideologies are woven into the history of the United States—and how prevalent it still is.He observed that it has become easier to express such views openly in recent years. Mike left the FBI in 2004 after witnessing how the Global War on Terrorism was scapegoating Muslim Americans as a generalized threat. He recognized how easily those same FBI investigative methods could be turned against other communities. He had already seen a lot of targeting of the Asian American community in that process, particularly during the first Trump administration, when the China Initiative made such targeting more explicit. Mike was very pleased to be introduced to Jeremy and APA Justice, and so many of you. He already knew Gisella and Joanne. He shared how meaningful it was to connect with all of us who were ready to respond constructively. Together, we created a webinar series that educated policymakers, journalists, and the public about discriminatory practices within federal law enforcement.Mike said one of the most significant outcomes of that series was its impact on the media. In 2017 and 2018, coverage of alleged “China Initiative” cases was not very nuanced. When the FBI made an arrest, it was written in sensational terms, adopting the government’s accusations uncritically—before, months or even years later, it was discovered that the evidence was not nearly as strong as claimed, or had been mischaracterized. Through the webinars, the community helped reporters and scholars understand the broader context, which led to more nuanced, skeptical, and fairer coverage. We started to see that shift in the media. That change, Mike said, helped everyone and strengthened the quality of public discussion. It fueled better scholarship, and we were involved in identifying problems with the system.Mike credited the Asian American community’s remarkable organization and capacity for collective action as a central reason for this success. Having worked with many communities targeted by government programs, he noted that this one is unique in its resources, professionalism, and connections at high levels of government. He encouraged the group to extend that strength outward—supporting other communities who may now face similar injustices. He highlighted CAPAC and Judith’s collaborative work with the Congressional Black Caucus and others as examples of solidarity, stressing that “ultimately, it’s all the same issue.” Drawing on lessons from his undercover work, Mike reflected that the use of racial grievance to divide society is a powerful and enduring tool. If one community can be scapegoated, any can. He urged everyone to stay vigilant, to help others before they are directly targeted, and to recognize how division is used to weaken all of us.Although this is an old lesson, we, unfortunately, have to learn over and over again across generations. Mike said he is encouraged by the community’s strong organizational spirit and leadership. Looking ahead, Mike expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming webinar series co-organized by APA Justice, the Committee of 100 (C100), and the US-China Education Trust (USCET). He said the new series continues the essential work of promoting understanding in an era when media is fragmented and misinformation can easily amplify through narrow portals without understanding the nature of the threats that exist—or how those threats can be sensationalized and manipulated.Mike urged policymakers to focus on genuine threats rather than policies that harm innocent and productive individuals who are contributing to our society. Mike also invited participants to connect with organizations in Latino, Black, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, offering to help make introductions so that knowledge and resources can be shared across movements. Mike closed by reaffirming his commitment to the cause:“Let’s keep working together. Keep up the good work… and if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”***** The webinar series on the China Initiative (2020-2021) Beginning in September 2020, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, APA Justice Task Force, APAPA, the Brennan Center for Justice, and United Chinese Americans (UCA) hosted a series of five webinars examining the civil rights and national security implications of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “China Initiative.”The series explored how this initiative—launched under the guise of countering economic espionage—disproportionately targeted Chinese American and Chinese immigrant scientists, often conflating legitimate academic collaboration with national security threats. Drawing historical parallels from the Chinese Exclusion Act to modern racial profiling, the webinars highlighted how recurring cycles of suspicion and xenophobia continue to harm Asian American communities and undermine U.S. democratic and scientific values.Featuring voices from civil rights organizations, academia, science, and law, the series aimed to raise public awareness, promote accountability, and foster dialogue toward protecting both civil liberties and national security. 1. 2020/09/30 The Human and Scientific Costs of The "China Initiative" ( YouTube 1:00:15) · Moderator: Mike German . Panelists: Steven Chu 朱棣文 , Margaret Lewis 陸梅吉 , John Yang 杨重远 2. 2020/12/02 Policy Needs for U.S. Science and Scientists ( YouTube 1:13:35) · Moderator: Mike German . Panelists: Alice S. Huang 黄诗厚 , Neal Lane , Sarina Neote , Xiaoxing Xi 郗小星 3. 2021/02/24 Building Coalition Against “China Initiative” Discrimination: Fighting racial targeting of Asian Americans and communities of color, past & present ( YouTube 1:16:13) · Moderator: Faiza Patel. Keynote: Judy Chu 赵美心. Panelists: Karen Korematsu , Becky Monroe , Leslie Wong 4. 2021/04/28 Legal Resources and Policy Advocacy: How to Combat Racial Profiling Under the “China Initiative" ( YouTube 1:05:36) · Moderator: Mike German . Panelists: Susan Lee 李凤迁 , Patrick Toomey , Frank Wu 吴华扬 , John Yang 杨重远 5. 2021/06/23 The Mistrial of Professor Anming Hu under the "China Initiative” ( YouTube 1 :12:52) · Moderator: Mike German . Keynote: Ted Lieu 刘云平 , Susan Lee 李凤迁 . Panelists: Phil Lomonaco , Guiyou Huang 黄桂友 , Margaret Lewis 陸梅吉 Politicization at the National Science Foundation On September 19, 2025, Science reported that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is held captive as Trump directives have undermined a 75-year history of independence and threaten the agency's vaunted track record for excellence.NSF, long regarded as the U.S. government’s most independent science agency, has seen its autonomy erode sharply under the Trump administration, according to scientists, former officials, and internal records. Once guided by peer-reviewed merit, NSF’s funding and priorities are now increasingly directed by White House political appointees and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which reportedly gives “thumbs-up or -down” to vetted research proposals.A hallmark example came when NSF abruptly cut its Graduate Research Fellowship program in half—then restored it only after “direct intervention” from the White House. The White House has ordered the $9 billion agency to abandon long-running programs, terminate more than 2000 grants, and reverse decisions on what to fund next based on the administration’s political agenda, which excludes DEI efforts, climate change research, and even mathematics institutes like UCLA's Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM), whose grants were suspended after the DOJ accused UCLA of antisemitism—later overturned by a federal judge.NSF is also making radical changes in its daily operations, including sharply reducing its reliance on top academic scientists on loan from their institutions and realigning the agency’s entire grantmaking apparatus to conform to Trump’s priorities.Critics say the administration’s agenda—focused on AI, quantum science, and industrial partnerships while defunding DEI and climate initiatives—marks a departure from NSF’s founding mission to fund “the best ideas across all fields.” As one former NSF official warned, “This administration doesn’t buy the idea that the government’s investment in basic research buys us anything useful.”Internal morale has plummeted. Senior leaders, including computing director Gregory Hager and former director Sethuraman Panchanathan , resigned over political interference. NSF is also eliminating most of its rotator scientists, a move seen as consolidating control and silencing independent scientific judgment.Several programs illustrate the shift: · The Carpentries, a nonprofit training underrepresented coders, was told to strip DEI language from its NSF proposal or lose funding. · A $75 million AI project was restructured to include Nvidia, aligning with Trump’s industrial priorities. · A New Mexico water initiative lost out after tailoring its proposal to avoid DEI language but still not meeting “NSF priorities.” Observers fear the reorganization will replace scientific leadership with political oversight, echoing what one former official compared to “Soviet-style political commissars.” Many warn that the cumulative effect of small changes could permanently redirect the agency’s mission away from open, merit-based science toward politically filtered research serving executive priorities. News and Activities for the Communities 1. APA Justice Community Calendar Upcoming Events: 2025/10/16 Bridging Nations: The Power of People-to-People Exchange in U.S.-China Relations2025/10/23 C100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative: Asian American Women in the Law2025/11/03 APA Justice Monthly Meeting2025/11/20 Cook County Circuit Court Hearing2025/11/25 Committee of 100 Conversations – “Recollections, Pioneers and Heroes” with Elaine ChaoVisit https://bit.ly/3XD61qV for event details. 2. C100 Conversations: Elaine Chao 赵小兰 WHAT : Conversations, Recollections, Pioneers and Heros: Elaine Chao 赵小兰 WHEN : November 25, 2025, 6:00 pm ET WHERE : Online event HOST : Committee of 100 Moderator: Peter Young , Chair of the Conversations Initiative and Committee of 100 New York Regional Chair and Board Member Speaker : Elaine Chao , 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor and 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation DESCRIPTION : Secretary Elaine Chao is the first Asian-Pacific American woman to serve in the President’s cabinet in American history. She has been confirmed to two cabinet positions by the United States Senate on a strong bipartisan basis: U. S. Secretary of Labor and U. S. Secretary of Transportation. She will reflect on her remarkable journey as an immigrant, trailblazer, and leader at the highest levels of government, and her insights on leadership, resilience, and service to the nation. REGISTRATION : https://bit.ly/48ozpXq # # # 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 October 14, 2025 Previous Newsletter Next Newsletter