Advocating for AAPI Data Disaggregation Nationwide AAPIs have the biggest wealth gap of any ethnic group in the US. Disaggregating AAPI data is essential in helping to address the needs of underserved groups within our communities. We applaud @GovKathyHochul for signing this bill into law. https://t.co/0KZx6xg2xS— APIAVote | #StopAsianHate (@APIAVote) December 31, 2021 N.Y. enacts ‘groundbreaking’ law to change how Asian American populations are counted Gov. Kathy Hochul quietly signed a bill last week requiring state agencies to separate data among different Asian ethnic groups. State agencies in New York will now be required to break down data for individual ethnic groups under the Asian American Pacific Islander umbrella. A bill signed last week by Gov. Kathy Hochul mandates that any state department collecting information about ethnicity or ancestry will have to use different categories for each major Asian group, including the Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Laotian, Cambodian, Bangladeshi and Hmong communities, which the bill names. The same will be done for individual Pacific Islander groups, including Native Hawaiians, Guamanians, Chamorros and Samoans. Civil rights organizations have advocated for such action for decades, saying there is a lack of understanding about lower-income, minority Asians whose data is often lumped together with that of higher-earning groups. Coalition for Asian American Children and Families – Victory After Over a Decade of Advocacy: Asian American Pacific Islander Community Commends NY Governor Kathy Hochul for Signing Data Disaggregation into Law: Data disaggregation is just the first step for accurate representation of Asian American, especially Southeast Asian, issues. https://t.co/nMcjkmXvni— Demand Cuomo #PardonJamesNow ! Links in bio (@MekongNYC) December 24, 2021 NBC ASIAN AMERICA: White House adds new initiative for Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian visibility – As communities slowly recover from the pandemic’s devastation, advocates hope the new initiative will help with data disaggregation and language access for federal programs. “Asians and Pacific Islanders are not a monolith. Our health data should reflect the breadth of ancestries present in our City’s API communities, so we may better understand and address health inequities.” https://www1.nyc.gov/…/dohmh-releases-api-report.page
Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint Commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders DECEMBER 20, 2021 WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint the following leaders as commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: The Commission will advise the President on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The Commission is also charged with advising the President on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States. Today, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders was officially launched! We look forward to the important work ahead with Co-Chairs Katherine Tai and Xavier Becerra, and Executive Director Krystal Ka'ai.➡️ https://t.co/5o9xMC0NFg pic.twitter.com/AKgN1Ssfwu— Advancing Justice | AAJC (@AAAJ_AAJC) December 9, 2021 Advancing Justice – AAJC Statement in Response to White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Washington, D.C. — December 9, 2021 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (Advancing Justice | AAJC) responds to the official launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). John C. Yang, Advancing Justice – AAJC president and executive director states: “We are excited to begin working WHIAANHPI to ensure coordination between government agencies, national groups, and community organizations. Advancing Justice – AAJC also applauds the selection of WHIAANHPI’s co-chairs Katherine Tai, the first woman of color to head the Office of U.S. Trade Representative, and Xavier Becerra, a former Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus member and ally to the Asian American community. With longtime Asian American rights champion and civil rights advocate Krystal Ka’ai as the Executive Director, we are confident that WHIAANHPI will fulfill its mission to better serve the AANHPI community.” Today’s official launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders marks an historic moment of representation and belonging for the AAPI community. Congratulations to Co-Chairs, @AmbassadorTai and @SecBecerra for their leadership. pic.twitter.com/DQqU7J2dGl— The Asian American Foundation (@taaforg) December 9, 2021 Today is the official launch of @WHIAANHPI!We look forward to working with Co-Chairs @AmbassadorTai & @SecBecerra and Executive Director Krystal Ka'ai to continue our shared goals of uplifting our communities and protecting our civil rights.Read more:https://t.co/4t7PhRxwDX— APIAVote | #StopAsianHate (@APIAVote) December 9, 2021 We are thrilled that @POTUS has launched the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)! Thank you to @NCAPAtweets for working with @WhiteHouse and @HHSgov on this important initiative. @SEARAC statement: https://t.co/fm3Lo8RUAd— SEARAC (@SEARAC) December 9, 2021 NCAPA Coalition Celebrates the Launch of WHIAANHPI: Washington, D.C.—NCAPA issued the following statement after the administration announced the official launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Initiative’s new Co-Chairs Katherine Tai and Xavier Becerra. The Initiative will be housed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Sign On to Join AAPI Orgs Fighting for Voting Rights Join AAPI organizations around the country in sending a clear message to the U.S. Senate that voting rights are fundamental to a healthy democracy and must be protected. Call on the Senate to proceed and pass H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. Sign on here! We are in a moment where we need to show up to protect the right to vote. The Senate has an opportunity to vote on landmark civil rights legislation, but we need your help. We’re asking every Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander organization that believes in our democracy to sign onto this letter. Today, the House passed the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. We support legislation that makes it easier to vote and restores critical protections of the Voting Rights Act, including for language equity. The Senate must now act to #FightforVotingRights. pic.twitter.com/AHpPnWN1YT— National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (@NAPABA) January 13, 2022 STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance Urges Biden Administration for Action on Federal Voting Rights Legislation Ahead of Georgia Speeches, Midterms AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement: “Voting rights is the pillar of our democracy. AAPI Victory Alliance stands with fellow advocates in urging the Biden administration to shepherd across the finish line federal legislation that will protect the right to vote as we head into midterms, and beyond. As AAPIs were responsible for the highest increase in electoral engagement than any other in the 2020 election, voting rights stands at the central core of our newfound electoral empowerment. It is our sincere hope that, beyond advocacy and vocal support, President Biden and Vice President Harris will today outline a concrete plan of action for protecting the most bedrock American rights: the right to vote in free, fair, and secure elections that are not tainted by partisan manipulation.” “Voting rights is a national issue and, at this very moment, those rights are at stake. In Georgia, where Biden and Harris will speak today, after constituents decisively voted for new leadership in 2020, Republicans in the legislature decided that they could not win on the merits of their ideas alone. Instead, extremist lawmakers passed a voter suppression law that simply cuts out the electorate they know won’t vote for them. Georgia is far from the only state overtly acting against the ideals of democracy.” “Ahead of the speeches, and in lieu of fanfare, we urge President Biden to give us a plan of action to protect and expand the right to vote. The Senate must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act; the fate of our democracy depends on it.” Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta: We urge President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to come up with a concrete plan to pass federal voting laws immediately. We need action now! Phi Nguyen, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, addressed the President and vice president, saying, “We beg you to stay in Washington tomorrow because we don’t need you here in Georgia. We need legislation that will ensure that our democracy accurately reflects the growing diversity of this state and of this country. Mr. President and Madam Vice President, we beg you to ground that plane the same way that we continue to beg you to ground the planes of so many of our community members who are being deported because we still lack a pathway to citizenship.” Whether it’s language access, long lines, voter intimidation, or being unable to vote during working hours, we all require and deserve the right to safely and knowledgeably vote in each election.The #FreedomtoVoteAct and #JohnLewisVotingRightsAct are pivotal first steps. (2/3) pic.twitter.com/O2lj28ebq0— VAYLA New Orleans (@VAYLANOLA) January 13, 2022
Calling on Congress to Deliver a Permanent Pathway to Citizenship Asian Americans Advancing Justice Urges Congress to Commit to a Pathway to Citizenship and Visa Recapture After Parliamentarian Recommendations (December 17, 2021) Asian Americans Advancing Justice is extremely disheartened by the Parliamentarian guidance further blocking relief for millions of undocumented community members. We will not stop fighting until Congress delivers a permanent pathway to citizenship. Asian Americans Advancing Justice is extremely disheartened by the Parliamentarian guidance further blocking relief for millions of undocumented community members. We will not stop fighting until Congress delivers a permanent pathway to citizenship.https://t.co/YG0mqmUrps pic.twitter.com/1nfkgLkeTF— Advancing Justice | AAJC (@AAAJ_AAJC) December 17, 2021 Adhikaar along with Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP) releases the following statement urging the Senate to disregard the Parliamentarian and provide green cards to millions: “This third rejection by the Parliamentarian clearly shows that she has no intention of approving any form of immigration relief to be included in the Build Back Better Act, despite very clear and significant budgetary impact. Senators must not allow a non-elected Senate staffer to subvert the will of the people via a purely advisory opinion. Senators must fulfill their duties to our communities and legislate what is right. The only way to do this is by including permanent residency in the Build Back Better Act.” Read their full statement here! HANA Center and Undocumented Community Members Respond to the Parliamentarian’s Third Recommendation: “This Changes Nothing. Vice President Harris, Disregard the Parliamentarian!” Read their full statement here! VietLead stands with Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania and New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia in their call to include a pathway to citizenship in the budget reconciliation. Read more here: Pennsylvania Families call on Vice President Harris and Senate to Include a Pathway to Citizenship in Budget Reconciliation.
Coming Together to Fight for Justice for Christian Hall Asian Americans United (12/30/2021) – Today is the anniversary of Christian Hall’s death. He was 19 when he called 911 for help during a mental health crisis. He was shot by the Pennsylvania State Troopers, who were responding to his call for help. Today, communities are coming together to mourn and to honor Christians life. Please find a vigil near you and get involved by going to justiceforchristianhall.com. JUSTICE FOR CHRISTIAN HALL – TAKE ACTION NOW Our mission is to fight for justice for Christian Hall by inspiring and promoting impactful police reform that includes strategized medical responses, instead of law enforcement responses, to mental health calls for help. These are some of the most critical issues we will face through the power of civic engagement. Join our community of activists and allies as we work towards a better and more just world for all marginalized people.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act NCAPA Statement on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill – Washington, DC— The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), National Director, Gregg Orton issued the following statement after the Senate voted 69-30 to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The bill makes key investments in public transit, broadband access, environmental remediation, and more. “The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) applauds the passage of President Biden’s historic infrastructure bill. As this legislation advances, we are hopeful this bill will strengthen communities across the country, especially those who’ve been impacted the hardest by the pandemic. “From our coalition’s previous meetings with President Biden, the Administration has been incredibly receptive to the needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. Whether it’s broadband access, electrifying transportation to reduce the negative impact on the climate, or securing our power grid, these important investments have the ability to drastically improve the lives of every American, especially in disadvantaged communities. We urge the Administration to commit these investments, and others laid out in the bill, to underserved AANHPI communities as well as the millions in disadvantaged communities across the country.” APIAVote Applauds Senate’s Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill – Washington, DC – Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, issued the following statement after the United States Senate overwhelmingly passed the Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan infrastructure spending bill to expand the nation’s broadband, rebuild roads and bridges, and more. “The Senate’s passage of the Investment and Jobs Act today, otherwise known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill, is a great step for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities all across the country. Many communities of color, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, live in neighborhoods with crumbling roads and bridges, aging public transportation, environmental crises, and more. This bill makes historic investments into reversing course and re-building our nation’s infrastructure, all while creating thousands of jobs and improving the localities in which we live. “Additionally, we are pleased with this bill’s historic investments into broadband. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many in our community had to start working from home, going to school online, and getting healthcare through telehealth services. It is even how many in our communities registered to vote, apply for absentee ballots, and learn about candidates and the issues –– especially for those with limited English proficiency. As a result, the importance of reliable high-speed internet is arguably more important now than ever, and so is the importance of closing the digital divide existing in AAPI communities. The Investment and Jobs Act will invest $65 billion to ensure this divide is closed, and our communities no longer face unacceptable barriers to success in the modern world. “The Senate’s passage of this bill is not only a historic investment into our country’s infrastructure, but it is also an example of how members of both parties can come together and work for the people. In a highly polarized political climate, AAPIs want a government that produces results for our communities. We urge the House of Representatives to promptly pass this legislation, and show that our government remains able to deliver for our communities.” OCA Applauds Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Washington, D.C. — OCA-Asian Pacific Advocates, a national member-driven organization dedicated to empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, applauded the U.S. Senate on Tuesday following passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “Communities of color–including millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders–have been burdened by pollution, aging public transportation, and lack of reliable access to broadband service for more than a generation,” said OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. “This bipartisan legislation includes much-needed investments in our infrastructure that will support AAPI families and grow our economy in a way that benefits everyone.” “We are pleased that the package contains historic levels of funding for broadband infrastructure, which will help to provide affordable high-speed internet to underserved communities,” said OCA Deputy Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “Many AAPIs–and particularly Pacific Islanders–still face unacceptable barriers to access, depriving them of key education, health and socioeconomic opportunities. Today’s vote is a critical step forward to closing the digital divide, and we urge the House to swiftly take up the Senate bill.”
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Advancing Justice – AAJC Applauds House Vote on John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act WASHINGTON, DC — August 24, 2021 ― Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC applauds the U.S. House of Representatives passage of H.R. 4 – the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Civil rights groups like Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC are calling for widespread support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to now pass the Senate. John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC issues the following statement: “Our vote is our voice, and our voice is our power. The passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is the first step to counter discriminatory voting laws – a move that was made previously more difficult last month by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brnovich v. DNC. We need to restore and modernize essential provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were gutted in the Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act does exactly that by addressing the changing needs of America’s diverse population, of significant importance to the fast-growing Asian American community who need essential provisions such as increased language access and removal of other discriminatory barriers to voting. The Voting Rights Act has a long history of support across the political spectrum, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act should have the same when it moves to the Senate.” Read more about the Voting Rights Advancement act here – Support H.R. 4, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act – Government Accountability Project Read APIAVote’s statement on the House Passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act here: https://www.apiavote.org/press/HousePassesHR4 “It is disappointing that 56 years after the Voting Rights of 1965 became the law of the land that this legislation is necessary. After being gutted by two recent Supreme Court decisions, including Shelby v. Holder and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee, state legislatures across the country have passed laws making it harder to vote – especially for historically marginalized communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” “Nationally, AAPI voters had the largest increase in turnout among all racial groups between the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Despite the risks of the pandemic and growing hate incidents, AAPI voters showed up – thanks in large part to measures that expanded access to the polls. We know 73 percent of AAPI voters cast their ballots early or by mail in the 2020 election. We also know the demand for in-language materials was extraordinarily high in our communities. And without federal action now, AAPI voters may not have these options in the future.” BREAKING: The House just passed #HR4 – the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This legislation fills a distinct and critical role in protecting the freedom to vote and ensuring elections are safe and accessible. The Senate MUST swiftly take action. #RestoreTheVRA pic.twitter.com/4ivESnxuIT — The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 24, 2021 READ: We joined 200 groups in calling on the House to pass #HR4 – the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Voting discrimination after Shelby County is pervasive, persistent & adaptive – and that’s why this bill is critically important. #RestoreTheVRA https://t.co/kBZ3xeDQL8 pic.twitter.com/0ZwziRNrFR — Advancing Justice | AAJC (@AAAJ_AAJC) August 24, 2021
U.S. Senate and House Budget Resolution HANA CENTER – “On August 24, 2021, the US House of Representative passes the budget resolution, a $3.5 billion budget resolution that included a pathway to citizenship for dreamers, farmworkers, TPS holders and essential workers. Now that both the Senate and the House have passed the resolution, we’re closer than we’ve ever been to a path to citizenship!” “The fight isn’t over yet. Even if they passed the resolution with funds set aside for a pathway, they will now start writing the bill. In the coming weeks, they will decide who will be covered and who will not. Congress also could decide to use this fund for constructing “smart fences” and militarizing our border.” ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE – “We are one step closer to a pathway to citizenship and clearing the family immigration backlog! Asian Americans Advancing Justice celebrates as the House Judiciary Committee passed out of committee last night the immigration legislation in the FY 22 Budget Reconciliation Package that included:” A pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, essential workers, and farmworkers Provisions to begin clearing the family and employee-based visa backlogs Provisions to provide green cards to diversity visa program lottery winners who were not able to receive them due to the former administration’s immigration bans, including 3,800 Afghan recipients “Over 100,000 Asian undocumented immigrants, approximately 15,000 Nepali TPS holders, and tens of thousands of Asian Americans on nonimmigrant visas could benefit under these provisions. We thank the tireless advocacy from undocumented youth, organizers, and communities across the country that has led to the inclusion of key measures in the most promising legislative vehicle to begin transforming our deeply flawed immigration system.” Read their full statement here. Asian American Civil Rights Organizations Calls Passage of Senate Budget Resolution a Historic Step for Immigrant Rights – Washington, D.C.—August 12, 2020— “Yesterday, the Senate budget resolution passed along party lines and included increased funding for education, climate change, healthcare, childcare, economic aid for families, and a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants. It now moves to the House to take up the budget resolution.” Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five independent Asian American civil rights organizations, releases the following statement: “Eleven million undocumented immigrants, including 1.7 million undocumented Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants, deserve a pathway to citizenship now. Citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers provides a foundation to improve the lives of millions of people, their families, and their communities. With the Senate passage of the budget resolution, we’re one step closer to offering citizenship to millions of people who came here as children, arrived fleeing war and disaster, or help us care for one another as first responders, caregivers, food system workers, and so much more. With a pathway to citizenship, our friends, neighbors, and co-workers can get the help they need to pull through the pandemic, live without fear of being separated from their loved ones, access better education and job opportunities, start new businesses, and exercise their right to vote – embracing what it means to live a full life in the place you call home. We call on the House to swiftly pass the resolution. Relief for millions of immigrants is long overdue.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Advancing Justice | AAJC (@advancingjustice_aajc)
Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) Joint Statement: Southeast Asian Americans Unite in Solidarity and Demand Justice for Soobleej Kaub Hawj Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) has issued a joint statement to demand justice for the murder of Soobleej Kaub Hawj on June 28, 2021, at the hands of officers while fleeing the Lava Fire in California. Moreover, we demand that Siskiyou County officials and the Board of Supervisors end their discriminatory water ordinance and invest in resources to build meaningful relationships with Hmong and SEA communities. Read the full joint statement that was signed by 11 community partners and TAKE ACTION! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hmong Innovating Politics (@hipcalifornia)
Demand That President Biden and DHS Lift Sanctions on Laos and Cambodia Learn more and sign here: http://bit.ly/2021VisaSanctionsPetition “In order to #StopAsianHate, we have to hold to account the way the government enacts anti-Asian violence through deportation. Anti-Asian violence isn’t just between individuals, it’s ingrained in how our country is governed. #seafreedom #stopseadeportation.” Join the Coalition of Asian American Leaders and their partners with the Southeast Asian Deportation Defense Network (SEADDN) in calling for urgent action to end the deportation of Southeast Asian families by signing this petition demanding that visa sanctions against Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos be removed. Sign this petition to demand that President Biden and DHS Secretary Mayorkas lift all visa sanctions: There is currently one immigration ban still in effect from the Trump Administration – the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) visa sanctions against Laos that prevent all forms of immigration to the United States from that country. The DHS sanctions keep war torn families apart and perpetuate violence against refugees and immigrants. Between 2016 and 2019, DHS placed visa sanctions on Laos, Cambodia, Eritrea, and Burundi, and other primarily Southeast Asian and African countries because they refused to bow to pressure from the Trump Administration to fully accept deportations. Over 2,000 Southeast Asian refugees have been deported from the United States since 1998. After Donald Trump’s election, deportations of Southeast Asians drastically increased, with Cambodian removals seeing a 279% increase between 2017 and 2018. The removals are the direct result of visa sanctions placed on these countries by the Department of Homeland Security. Despite the change in presidency, these harmful sanctions are still being implemented by the State Department on the behest of DHS. This has devastated communities who have survived U.S. backed wars, violence, and genocide and face poverty, incarceration, and now, deportation while living in this country. Despite public requests for the Biden Administration to lift the sanctions, they remain in place. These Trump era bullying tactics and efforts to deport refugees and immigrants must be stopped, and President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas must not continue to implement Trumpian policies that perpetuate violence against our communities. Join us and demand President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas lift all DHS visa sanctions, end harm against refugees and immigrants through these sanctions, and allow Laotian families to reunite. Sign the petition today and demand an end to this injustice.