Advocating for a Pathway to Citizenship for All Sign the petition: Vice President Kamala Harris and Congressional Democrats can and must provide a pathway to citizenship immediately – We won’t take no for an answer. This is the year we will win citizenship for millions. Sign the petition: Vice President Kamala Harris and Congressional Democrats can and must provide a pathway to citizenship immediately. 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: 400 YOUTH WALKED OUT OF 6 CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOLS TODAY TO DEMAND #CITIZENSHIP4ALL!Immigrant youth ORGANIZED and ROLLED OUT to demand @SenatorDurbin deliver citizenship to their families in #BBB. It’s your move, Senator. Will you listen to our city’s youth? pic.twitter.com/5b9939VPNz— HANA Center #Citizenship4All! (@HANACenter) December 15, 2021 With your support, we can continue pressuring electeds on their promise of forming a pathway to #Citizenship4All for undocumented immigrants. https://t.co/phYHgwHsj3— AdvancingJustice|Chi (@AAAJ_Chicago) December 28, 2021 We echo our call to @VP Harris, @SenSchumer , @SpeakerPelosi and Democratic leaders that we must ignore the parliamentarian. Be BOLD and KEEP YOUR PROMISE – CREATE A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR ALL NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/j0lfhkX022— Adhikaar (@adhikaar) December 17, 2021
Advocate for Your Community Through Redistricting Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP): “Dao Vang, who handles redistricting outreach for Hmong Innovating Politics in South Sacramento, hopes that the city’s Hmong population and other AAPI communities in the area can one day be unified under one district, as well. “There’s a lot of Hmong folks, not just in the Detroit Boulevard area,” Dao Vang said, adding that there are similar split neighborhoods along Interstate 5 and elsewhere in districts 7 and 8. “I think they don’t share really similar values and really similar interests. Folks in the Pocket, economically, they’re just really different,” Vang said.” ICYMI: District lines have divided communities of color and diluted our voting power. We can change that. Nobody knows our communities better than the people who live in them. In a CapRadio article reported by Sarah Mizes-Tan, community advocates from Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) and Detroit Boulevard Neighborhood Association, and our ride-or-die 4 Sacramento Deputy Director illustrate some of the 3(!)-decades-long frustrations from misshapen district boundaries that split a mostly Hmong and Latine neighborhood.. With a neighborhood split into 2 districts, organizing for city services that benefit working-class immigrant communities has been sidelined by differing values and interests of wealthier residents. One neighborhood association member said “we kind of felt sometimes like we were left waiting, like that’s the last thing they’ll handle.” District lines not only determine which city council member will represent a neighborhood, but also which neighborhoods will be voting together in future elections. With the lines of power being redrawn, we’re coming together for fair districting which sets the foundation for the next 10 years.. Visit your city’s website and get to know how local lines are being redrawn. Don’t like drafted districts? Speak on behalf of your community thru public comment. https://www.capradio.org/…/this-south-sacramento…/ Give your feedback on Raleigh's local redistricting at the City of Raleigh's public listening sessions! You'll have the opportunity to learn about redistricting in Raleigh, as well as comment on the maps.Learn more about ways to provide input here: https://t.co/ZQX5hO8UHA pic.twitter.com/XsBQTFZbFd— NCAAT (@ncaatogether) December 8, 2021 The three judge panel admitted that the Republican maps are “incompatible with democratic principles and subject our state to ridicule” but still upheld the maps. The NC Supreme court will now decide.#ncpol #FairMapsNC #NCredistrictingtrial #gerrymandering pic.twitter.com/MtyQY7MSAI— NCAAT (@ncaatogether) January 13, 2022
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).
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)
ADHIKAAR – Sign This Petition: Redesignate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status! READ AND SIGN THE PETITION HERE Adhikaar – Nepal remains unsafe for return due to the continuing effects of the 2015 earthquake along with the current impacts of COVID-19 and recent flooding. There are approximately 10,160 Nepali TPS holders, but currently, TPS only applies to those who have been in the United States until June 24, 2015. This is why we request for redesignation of TPS for Nepal. The Department of Homeland Security must redesignate Nepal, which could allow anyone who has fled conditions back home in Nepal and come to the United States until now, to apply for TPS (meaning 36,795+ additional people could be eligible for TPS if we win redesignation). Not only is Nepal unsafe for return due to the continuing effects of a devastating earthquake, the ongoing political instability, and catastrophic flooding in 2017 have widened the cracks in Nepal’s infrastructure, leaving the country vulnerable to economic, political, and societal shocks. After nearly 10 years of political turmoil after the overthrow of absolute monarchy, Nepal had finally managed to adopt a new constitution in 2015; however, Nepal has seen four different governments in the six years since then, and the instability continues – just on July 12, 2021, the Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the reinstatement of the parliament and the change of government after months of infighting between various political parties. Just this May, while some countries were on their way to COVID-19 recovery, Nepal hit its peak infection rate. The lack of health resources like beds and oxygen tanks has further exacerbated the issue. Health officials reported an incredible daily positivity rate of 50 percent, with infections rising from 150 people per day to over 9,300 per day in one month. Additionally, more recent flooding extreme monsoon rains and landslides across the country have displaced entire communities. Redesignation would not just benefit TPS holders, it would also benefit U.S. citizens and the United States as a whole. Extending TPS to thousands of Nepalis also protects thousands of U.S.-citizen children of Nepali TPS holders and prevents family separation. Current Nepali TPS holders have worked on the frontlines during the pandemic as doctors, nurses, health aides, grocery store clerks, restaurant workers, and package delivery personnel, keeping our country running, safe and healthy. The humanitarian crisis in Nepal persists, and there is no possibility for these hardworking, essential Nepali immigrants to safely return at this time. Nepal is in no condition to receive the return of over 36,000 Nepalis and their families living in the United States. DHS Secretary Mayorkas must redesignate Nepal for TPS and extend vital humanitarian protection to those who need it. In addition to Nepal, we encourage DHS to conduct a review for redesignation of all other countries currently with TPS protections.
VAYLA: Disaggregated Data Is Racial Equity VAYLA New Orleans – “Other” is Not My Identity. Disaggregated data is essential to identifying the complex needs of ALL communities, as well as providing much needed visibility to the underserved and often overlooked. We stand with you! If you stand with us too, help us reach 200 signatures by signing and sharing the petition at change.org/OtherIsNotMyIdentity: Where there is culture, there are the people it lives through, all playing their individual part in the orchestra. From Gumbo to Yakamein, brass bands to slick jazz, our very Louisianian identity has been weaved from diversity. Is there anything more Louisianian than celebrating our culture and everything Louisiana? When it comes to data collection and dissemination, Louisiana does not celebrate or acknowledge our diversity. Data is only broken down into three categories: White, Black, and Other, erasing the countless contributions of non-Black/non-White communities, as well as the needs of each of those communities. The language of “other” is a microcosm of the hierarchical narrative that reigns in our country and leaves communities more susceptible to the dehumanization and violence that disenfranchisement creates. Though often unseen and underappreciated, we all deserve to have our voices amplified among the proverbial choir. One of the most significant ways to achieve this is by capturing, processing, and using disaggregated data in our state’s policy creation and decision-making. We are not “Other,” we are contributing citizens of this melting pot state. Help us gain recognition and representation for all of our diverse citizens, sign on to and share this petition! Diversity should be celebrated—not shunned! By acknowledging all the threads that create Louisiana, we create a strong, vibrant, and economically viable state for all of us to celebrate. When researching election results using the Louisiana Secretary of State website, racial demographics are broken down into three categories: White, Black, and Other. Although White and Black people make up the majority of Louisiana residents, all of the racial groups under the umbrella term of “other” each have their own rightful place in our communities, with their own unique values and concerns derived from the upbringing their respective cultures cultivated in them. Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing racial groups in America, and have made major contributions to the cultural ethos of Louisiana, yet are seldom considered a vital target demographic for legislative and political campaigns. Their contributions must be recognized with specific data, as well as the contributions of other non-White/non-Black racial groups. Blanketing these communities under one category perpetuates a level of ambiguity and erasure that makes tracking/analyzing their voices and concerns more difficult than that of our White and Black voters. With data comes visibility, with visibility comes resources, with resources comes influence, and with influence comes participation and inclusion. Ultimately, with data comes protection. With the rise in Asian American violence, propelled by ignorance and fear, it is now more crucial than ever that we lift up our Asian American community and provide them with the visibility and priority every community deserves as their civil right. Through action today, we may hope to prevent any future acts of hate not only for Asian Americans, but for all. To start, each group should be categorized under the same racial identity chosen in their voter registration, and the public election results should reflect a more holistic analysis of voter demographics in Louisiana. Diversity should be celebrated—not shunned! Help us gain recognition and representation for all of our diverse citizens, sign on to and share this petition! Read VAYLA’s Press Release here: https://vayla-no.org/update/aapi-rising-other-is-not-my-identity-press-release/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by VAYLA New Orleans (@vaylano)