Asian American Justice Center

International Leadership Foundation 2009 Gala and Awards Dinner

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:20:02 GMT

International Leadership Foundation 2009 Gala and Awards Dinner
Start Date: 23-Jul-09 6:00 PM
End Time: 23-Jul-09 9:00 PM
Location: Presidential Ballroom at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC 20036
Speaker:

Event Details:

Karen Narasaki, President and Executive Director of the Asian American Justice Center, will be accepting the prestigious Leadership Award.

Each year, the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) recognizes a small number of truly remarkable individuals and organizations to honor at the annual awards dinner. The few selected individuals are chosen not only because of their tremendous professional achievements, but for their dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community as well.

Presidential Ballroom at the Capital Hilton

1001 16th Street NW

Washington, DC 20036

Court must uphold voting safeguards

noemail@advancingequality.org — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

By Terry M. Ao
Sunday, May 3, 2009

Discrimination persists at the polls, so the Supreme Court should not retreat on this issue. We still need special protections for minority voters.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard the case of Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District Number One v. Holder. At issue is Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires certain states with egregious histories of racial discrimination to obtain Justice Department approval before changing their election practices.

Section 5 strives to ensure that these states don't redraw district lines or relocate polling places in ways that make it more difficult for racial and ethnic minorities to exercise their right to vote.

In the states fully covered by Section 5 -- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia -- Asian-American voters continue to experience discrimination.

During the 2008 elections, Asian-Americans had to overcome many barriers at the polls to exercise their right to vote. These obstacles included inadequate language assistance, improper identification checks, poll site confusion, racially biased and poorly trained poll workers, incomplete voter lists and denials of provisional ballots.

And the legacy of discrimination in these states casts a shadow.

Take a look at Texas. The state maintained whites-only primaries until the Supreme Court found them to be unconstitutional in 1944. But voter discrimination did not end there.

After a black candidate almost won a council seat in Austin, the city adopted at-large elections in the 1950s to make sure black voters would be outnumbered by whites.

And, at a recent election committee hearing, Texas state Rep. Betty Brown suggested voters of Asian descent should adopt names that are "easier for Americans to deal with."

For years now, Asian-Americans have been moving in significant numbers beyond their traditional states of California, New York and Hawaii. In two big cities covered by Section 5 -- Atlanta and Houston -- the Asian-American community is burgeoning.

Often they are perceived as "outsiders" and face increased levels of racial tension and discrimination.

Section 5 remains relevant and is needed to help protect the Asian-American voters.

Civil-rights groups like the Asian American Justice Center, the Asian Law Caucus, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, the Asian American Institute and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association have filed an amicus brief in support of Section 5.

It provides an important tool in combating voting discrimination against minority populations and is essential to ensuring access to the polls by all Americans. Without Section 5, discrimination against racial minorities at the polls can be expected to increase.

Terry M. Ao is the director of census and voting programs for the Asian American Justice Center.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/s_623284.html

3-May-09 10:00 AM

Groups Urge Coverage For All Children Under Health Overhaul

noemail@advancingequality.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:45:00 GMT

Five leading civil rights groups have created a partnership urging Congress to pass legislation that provides all children with affordable, quality health insurance by the end of the year, representatives of the groups said Friday at a Capitol Hill briefing.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLA), the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) were joined by Neera Tanden, counselor for health reform in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The panelists said the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that went into effect this month will still leave an estimated five to six million children uninsured. The groups said they will be focusing their grassroots and lobbying efforts on ensuring that national health care legislation is passed this year and covers all children.

“Today is a call to action to keep momentum on health reform,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR president and CEO. “We have to keep the pressure on members of Congress . . . We have to keep moving forward.”

“This is the year to get it done,” said CDF President Marian Wright Edelman. “It’s long overdue.”

Panelists said health care legislation should cover all children and pregnant women, and ensure that the coverage is affordable. The group proposed establishing a national eligibility floor of 300 percent of the federal poverty level, with an affordable buy-in option on a sliding scale for Americans above that level.

The coalition also said children and pregnant women must have access to comprehensive benefits with emphasis on prevention, early detection, appropriate post-partum coverage, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services, among other things. American minority groups especially lack access to proper health care services, panelists said.

AAJC Deputy Director Vincent A. Eng said 12 percent of Asian American children are uninsured, for example, and one third of the Asian American community is limited English proficient. In addition, the American Indian youth suicide rate is three times the national average while the infant mortality rate is approximately 40 percent, according to Jacqueline Johnson Pata, executive director of the NCAI.

The groups also said Congress must create a simple and equitable health care system so the American people can understand how to achieve coverage. Health care overhaul should eliminate unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy and employ automatic enrollment, they said.

Panelists also said a new health care system should treat all American children equally, regardless of their economic situation or location.

“There are not two classes of children,” Edelman said.

“Our children are our children no matter what state they are in,” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP. “Coverage must be affordable.”

While the new partnership is advocating for full coverage of children and pregnant women, panelists said the ideal legislation would cover all Americans.

“Parents who aren’t covered don’t cover their children,” Tanden said. “We need to cover every child in America, but we also need to cover every American.”

By Melissa Attias, CQ Staff

Source: CQ HealthBeat News

17-Apr-09 4:45 PM

Math gets political as 2010 Census nears

noemail@advancingequality.org — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Efforts launched to count shifting minority groups

By Jesse Washington, Associated Press | March 18, 2009

What seems like a simple question - How many Hispanics are living in the United States? - has become surprisingly complex as the 2010 Census approaches.

Hispanics and other minorities have historically been undercounted in the once-a-decade survey. Advocacy groups are now launching their traditional efforts to ensure an accurate count, but a variety of factors have created new problems for the painting of America's official portrait.

Activists and government officials say fears about immigration enforcement and government snooping are making people more reluctant to share their information.

The economic meltdown and Bush administration budget cuts have slowed funding for the census. Millions of laid-off renters and foreclosed homeowners are on the move.

There are more immigrants here, speaking more languages, than ever before. Some of those immigrants may not know what a census is, or may come from countries where such information is used against rather than for the people.

"This country is just much more complex now, on many different levels," said Terry Ao, director of census and voting programs for the Asian American Justice Center.

The 2000 Census counted 35,305,818 Hispanics in the United States. Hispanic groups estimate that several million more were missed. In 2007, the most recent year available, the Hispanic population had grown to an estimated 44,852,816.

The Constitution mandates that every 10 years, each person living in the country - regardless of citizenship or immigration status - must be counted.

The census results are used to draw congressional districts and allocate hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding for schools, roads and other services. The data also trickle down to state and local governments for determining everything from the size of hospitals to the placement of bus stops.

On a more emotional level, the census is the measure of our nation, a literal definition of what we are. That can touch nerves left raw by the simmering immigration debate.

Anti-immigration groups don't object to an accurate count, which may provide fuel for their arguments. But they are opposed to the past practice of suspending immigration raids while the census is being conducted. And they have major objections to counting non-citizens when drawing congressional districts.

Steven Camarota, director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies, called the practice "an assault on the 'one man, one vote' idea."

"It transfers political power to the citizens who live in districts with high numbers of illegal aliens," he said. "If you live in Southern California, your vote counts a great deal more than if you live in Michigan or somewhere with lower immigration."

Meanwhile, interest groups point out that everyone suffers if undercounting leads to less funding for schools, roads, or hospitals.

18-Mar-09 11:00 AM

Wall Street Journal Views: Karen K. Narasaki

noemail@advancingequality.org — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/01/20/views-karen-k-narasaki/

21-Jan-09 10:00 AM

It Hurts Our Nation’s Ability to Combat Employment Discrimination!

noemail@advancingequality.org — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:00:00 GMT

During Senate committee proceedings, Senator Alexander introduced and passed an amendment to the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill that would severely restrict the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) ability to fully investigate and pursue civil actions against employers that have English-only policies in the workplace and are using these policies in a discriminatory manner.

This provision sets a dangerous precedent of eroding the ability to enforce anti-discrimination laws. A significant number of these cases demonstrate that the EEOC was pursuing employers who had no legitimate business reasons for enforcing English-only policies. Many employers were abridging more fundamental rights in the workplace such as forbidding employees from speaking their native language during breaks.

While the Senate included this provision in their CJS appropriations bill, the provision did not pass in the House. We must call upon Members in the House CJS Subcommittee to push their fellow lawmakers to remove this harmful provision from the final bill in negotiations.

TELL THEM: By preventing the government from seeking action against employers who have "English-only" policies, this provision cripples the ability of our nation to effectively prevent employment discrimination. This provision serves to only deepen barriers and propose a harmful solution to workplace discrimination.

The Alexander "English-Only" Amendment hobbles government effectiveness and accountability and its ability to properly prosecute employment discrimination.

The CJS bill is in conference from November 5-16. Please contact conferees now and urge them to strike the Alexander English-only amendment from the final CJS bill. Call the following numbers to urge Members to remove the English-Only provision!

Alan Mollahan (WV)	(202) 225-4172
Chaka Fattah (PA)	(202) 225-4001
C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (MD)	(202) 225-3061
Adam Schiff (CA)	(202) 225-4167
Rosa L. Delauro (CT)	(202) 225-3661
David E. Price (NC)	(202) 225-1784
David Obey (WI), Ex Officio	(202) 225-3365

For questions or additional information please contact Pang Houa Moua at pmoua@advancingequality.org or (202) 296-2300 x122.

2-Nov-07 10:00 AM

You Can Help Immigrant Students Today!

noemail@advancingequality.org — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:00:00 GMT

CALL NOW to Urge Your Senators to Vote for the DREAM Act!

With a possible Senate vote on the DREAM Act as early as Wednesday, anti-immigrant groups are already flooding the Senate phones with their hateful messages. We need your help now more than ever to remind our elected officials that we should give talented youth a chance to contribute to this country!

TELL SENATORS TO VOTE FOR S. 2205 THE DREAM ACT!

Last week, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) re-introduced the DREAM Act as a new stand-alone bill, S. 2205. There are an estimated 65,000 students who graduate from high school every year without legal immigration status, including many Asian Americans. These students face a daily fear of deportation from the only country they know and many difficulties pursuing higher education or military service.

If made into law, the DREAM Act would apply to individuals brought to the U.S. at least five years ago as children, who have grown up here, and who have remained in school and out of trouble. They could get a green card six years after graduating from high school if during that time they continue on to college or serve in the military.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be directly connected to your Senators' offices. We must call more often and be louder than the anti-immigrant groups. Call now to urge both your Senators to support the DREAM Act!

23-Oct-07 5:00 PM

Calls Needed Today to Protect Families!

noemail@advancingequality.org — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:00:00 GMT

Urge Your Senators to Vote for the Following Amendments!

The current immigration bill being considered by the Senate contains provisions that severely limit the ability of families to be reunited. The following amendments will help America keep its promise to promote family values.

Menendez-Hagel Amendment

• The current Senate immigration bill will clear only part of the family-based backlog. United States citizens who submitted applications for adult children or siblings after May 1, 2005, the “cut- off date,” will lose their place in line and be punished for playing by the rules.

• The Menendez-Hagel amendment would change the “cut-off” date for legal immigrant applicants from May 1, 2005 to January 1, 2007 – the same “cut-off date” set for the legalization of undocumented immigrants.

Clinton-Hagel-Menendez Amendment

• Current immigration law and the current Senate immigration bill limit the number of green cards available to spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to 87,900 per year. This has resulted in a backlog of over 1 million family members who wait five or more years.

• The Clinton-Hagel-Menendez amendment will re-categorize spouses and children of LPRs as “immediate relatives,” thereby eliminating the cap on the number of visas available to these family members, allowing permanent residents of the U.S. to reunite with their spouses and minor children.

Dodd-Menendez Amendment

• The current Senate immigration bill would set an annual cap for green cards for parents of U.S. citizens at 40,000 (less than half the current annual average number of green cards issued to these parents). It would also create a new family visitor visa program that only allows parents of U.S. citizens and spouses and minor children of immigrants going through the legalization process to visit for 30 days per year and includes overly harsh collective penalties for overstaying.

• The Dodd-Menendez amendment would increase the annual cap of green cards from 40,000 to 90,000 for parents. It would also extend the duration of the family visitor visa from 30 days to 180 days and make the visa renewable for three years in order to make it easier for families to remain together for a longer period. Additionally, it would make penalties levied on individuals who overstay their visa only applicable to that individual and not collectively applied to their fellow citizens.

Obama-Menendez Amendment

• The current Senate immigration bill proposes a merit-based point system to replace the current systems of family-based and employment-based immigration. This system would separate millions of families and inhibit businesses from hiring experts in various fields. This departure from 100 years of immigration tradition has not been tested, and its impact on American families and society is unknown.

• The Obama-Menendez Amendment would “sunset” or repeal the point system after five years of implementation. Congress could then renew the point system or reinstate revised versions of the historically used family-based and employment-based systems – whichever serves the American people best. This amendment would not change the bill’s purpose or substance – but it would safeguard our immigration system and ensure that only the best practices are permanently implemented

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be directly connected to your Senators’ offices. Urge both your Senators to support the Menendez-Hagel, Clinton-Hagel-Menendez, Dodd and Obama-Menendez Amendments today!

4-Jun-07 4:00 PM

Supreme Court Ruling in Ricci v. DeStefano Extremely Disappointing; Asian American Organizations Encourage President Obama to Issue Guidance to Employers to Ensure Equality

noemail@advancingequality.org — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C– The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and its affiliates–the Asian American Institute of Chicago, Ill., Asian Law Caucus of San Francisco, Calif. and Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Los Angeles, Calif.–express disappointment with the United States Supreme Court’s decision in the matter of Ricci v. DeStefano, which imposes a new standard on employers. The basis of the case is the City of New Haven’s decision to refuse certification of the results of a firefighter’s promotion test upon discovering that the test was likely discriminatory. AAJC, its affiliates and eight other organizations filed a friend of the court brief in March in support of DeStefano and the City of New Haven. In a 5-4 decision written by Justice Kennedy, the Supreme Court stated that the City of New Haven lacked sufficient evidence in deciding that the firefighter’s promotion test was discriminatory in operation, despite strong statistical evidence that showed no African American...

U.S. Senate Confirms Harold Koh as Legal Adviser of Department of State

noemail@advancingequality.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, June 25, the U.S. Senate confirmed Yale Law School Dean Harold Koh as the legal adviser of the U.S. Department of State. Koh will head up the department’s legal staff, advising Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on a variety of issues. Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, issued the following statement praising the confirmation.

“Harold Koh’s confirmation as legal adviser to the State Department is not only a great honor for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, but for our country as a whole. We applaud President Obama for his continued commitment to diversity. Koh is the first Asian American to serve in the post of legal adviser and the fourth Asian American appointee under the new administration.

As a leading expert on public and private international law, national security law and human rights, Koh is exceptionally qualified to take on these duties. He’s also a veteran to the Department after having served as an assistant secretary of state during the Clinton administration.

More than 56 Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations across the country pushed for Koh’s confirmation. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who helped champion the confirmation, Koh was confirmed with a 62-35 vote.”

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The Asian American Justice Center is a national organization dedicated to defending and advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans. It works closely with three affiliates – the Asian American Institute in Chicago the Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco, and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles – and nearly 100 community partners in 44 cities, 24 states and the District of Columbia.

Supreme Court Orders Re-Evaluation of English Language Learner Case

noemail@advancingequality.org — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and its affiliates—the Asian American Institute of Chicago, Ill., Asian Law Caucus of San Francisco, Calif. and Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Los Angeles, Calif.—express their disappointment in the United States Supreme Court’s decision in the matter of Horne v. Flores and Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives v. Flores, which involved a challenge against the adequacy of English Language Learner (ELL) programs in an Arizona school district. AAJC, its affiliates, NCLR and 17 other organizations filed a friend of the court brief in March in support of Miriam Flores. In a 5-4 decision delivered by Justice Alito, the Supreme Court ruled the lower courts did not properly consider whether changed circumstances, including the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, since Flores filed the original lawsuit had brought the Nogales Unified School District into compliance with the Equal Education Opportunity...

President Obama and Key Congressional Leaders Discuss Steps to Move Immigration Reform Forward

noemail@advancingequality.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama met with a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to discuss steps for passing comprehensive immigration reform. In response to the meeting, Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, issued the following statement. We commend the President for his leadership on immigration reform and for putting together a path and a timetable to get legislation done by the end of this year or early next year. We believe he sent a clear message to congressional leaders that he is committed to leading and that it is time for the leadership in both parties in the House and Senate to commit to working together to pass workable comprehensive reform that reflects American values about fairness and justice. At today’s meeting, the President appointed Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to lead a group of House and Senate leaders to develop an outline for legislation. We also applaud Senator Robert...

Asian American Organizations Congratulate DREAM Graduates; Urge Congress to Pass DREAM Act

noemail@advancingequality.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C.—The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and its affiliates—the Asian American Institute (AAI) of Chicago, Ill., the Asian Law Caucus (ALC) of San Francisco, Calif. and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) of Los Angeles, Calif.—celebrate the achievements of the high school seniors who are participating today in a national DREAM Graduation ceremony to support the urgent need for the enactment of the Development Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. More than 500 undocumented immigrant students are walking in a special main event ceremony in Washington D.C., while communities across the country are holding events in solidarity. After the national ceremony, DREAM supporters from around the country will meet with their Congressional representatives to push this legislation forward. This event has harnessed tremendous national support that demonstrates the urgent need to pass DREAM now, said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of...

Supreme Court Ruling Preserves Section 5 of Voting Rights Act

noemail@advancingequality.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District Number One v. Holder that leaves in place Section 5, a central provision of the Voting Rights Act that requires a number of states and many local governments to seek federal permission before changing their voting procedures, to deal with the problem of ongoing voting discrimination in covered jurisdictions. Section 5 covers several jurisdictions where politically emerging Asian American populations are located, and was reauthorized by Congress for 25 years in 2006. In an 8-to-1 ruling, the Supreme Court recognizes Section 5’s critical importance in protecting the rights of minority voters from voting discrimination throughout our country, said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. During the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, Congress amassed a mountain of evidence that shows minority voters in the...

U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Deportation Case Weakens Rights of Immigrants

noemail@advancingequality.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C.—The United States Supreme Court on Monday issued a unanimous decision in Nijhawan v. Holder making it easier for immigration officials to deport individuals based on information not specifically determined by a jury or judge in assigning a criminal conviction. In March, the Asian American Justice Center and its affiliates—the Asian American Institute of Chicago, Ill., the Asian Law Caucus of San Francisco, Calif. and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Los Angeles, Calif.—joined the National Council of La Raza and 12 other organizations in filing a friend of the court brief to the Supreme Court in support of petitioner Manoj Nijhawan. We are disappointed that the Supreme Court has decided to eschew the categorical approach, said Vincent A. Eng, deputy director of AAJC. Giving courts the authority to look beyond the facts determined in a criminal conviction undermines individuals’ right to due process and fairness. Nijhawan, who immigrated to the United...

Asian American Organizations Applaud Attorney General's Order to Vacate Ruling Undermining Due Process Rights of Immigrants

noemail@advancingequality.org — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and its affiliates–the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) of Los Angeles, Calif., the Asian Law Caucus (ALC) of San Francisco, Calif. and the Asian American Institute (AAI) of Chicago, Ill.–applaud Attorney General Eric Holder for vacating the decision in Matter of Compean, Bangaly & J-E-C-, a Bush administration decision that eroded noncitizens’ right to competent legal representation in deportation proceedings. By vacating the Compean decision, Attorney General Holder has strengthened safeguards to prevent unjust deportations, said Vincent A. Eng, deputy director of AAJC. Attorney General Holder’s decision represents progress in restoring due process and protecting the rule of law in the American immigration system. Issued by former Attorney General Michael Mukasey on January 7, 2009, the Compean decision ruled that noncitizens do not have a constitutional right to representation by a competent attorney in...

National Asian American Organizations Applaud Congressman Mike Honda and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez on Introduction of the Reuniting Families Act

noemail@advancingequality.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and its affiliates–the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) of Los Angeles, Calif., the Asian Law Caucus of San Francisco, Calif. and the Asian American Institute of Chicago, Ill.–applaud U.S. Representatives Mike Honda (D-Calif.), Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Raul Grijalva (D-Calif.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Susan Davis (D-Calif.), Barney Frank (D-Mass.) Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Laura Richardson (D-Calif.), Gregorial Kilili Camacho Sablan (I-Northern Mariana Islands), Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) for introducing legislation to reform this nation’s family immigration system. The Reuniting Families Act, introduced...

AAJC and MALDEF File Brief in Supreme Court to Protect Right of Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants to Make Informed Legal Decisions

noemail@advancingequality.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) today filed a friend of the court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Jose Padilla in the matter of Padilla v. Commonwealth of Kentucky. The brief was joined by AAJC’s affiliates—the Asian American Institute, Asian Law Caucus, and Asian Pacific American Legal Center—and 14 other organizations. The Court will determine the extent to which non-citizen criminal defendants have a Sixth Amendment right to competent legal advice regarding the immigration consequences, such as mandatory deportation or detention, of accepting a guilty plea. Padilla is a green card holder who has lived in the United States for nearly 40 years and has served in the United States Army. In 2001, he was arrested for marijuana trafficking, an offense categorized as an aggravated felony under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The aggravated felony category covers a broad...

What's New Section

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:47:22 GMT

Ask President Obama about Health Care Reform ACT NOW! Pass Federal Hate Crimes Bill Now! Senate Vote is Coming Soon! A Call to Action: Asian Americans and Immigration Reform ACT TODAY! Urge Your Congress Members to Restore the Family Values of America AAJC Supreme Court Nominations Web page Reuniting Familes Act Materials - Bill Summary - Fact Sheets - And More ACT NOW! Urge Your Congress Members to Support the Reuniting Families Act Health Inequalities in the Asian American Community Fact Sheet Tell Congress You Support Children’s Health Reform AAJC News (Spring 2009 Newsletter) The Truth About Asian Americans and the Census: Debunking the Myths

ACT NOW! Pass Federal Hate Crimes Law Now! Senate Vote is Coming Soon!

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:47:00 GMT

Pass Federal Hate Crimes Law Now! Senate vote is coming soon!

The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) urges you to call upon your Senators to support the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA). This legislation brings much needed uniformity to federal hate crime laws and reflects the growing support for stronger hate crime legislation on the state level. State and federal governments should not tolerate any form of bias-motivated violence. The LLEHCPA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) in the House, and the Matthew Shepard Act was introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in the Senate. On April 29, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1913 by a vote of 249-175. Now it’s time for the Senate to pass this bill.

The LLEHCPA strengthens the ability of the federal, state and local governments to investigate and prosecute hate crimes based on race, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. The bill helps state and local anti-bias efforts by enabling the Justice Department to assist them in the investigation and prosecution of all hate crimes, not just those that prevent the victim from exercising a federally protected right.

Every year, Asian Americans find themselves the victim of a hate crime. Over the years, AAJC has documented hundreds upon hundreds of bias-motivated crimes. It is important to our communities that the federal government be able to address cases that state and local authorities either cannot or will not investigate or prosecute properly. All hate crimes need to be taken seriously because they have a crippling effect on not only the victim, but on whole communities.

Fill out the letter below to tell your Senator to support the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The more support the bill has, the better the chance of passing this landmark legislation and putting an end to hate crimes in America.

Urge Your Senators to Support Hate Crimes Bill Letter

Urge Your Senators to Support Hate Crimes Bill

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:43:46 GMT

Subject: Please Support Hate Crimes Bill

Dear [insert decision maker name here],

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to become a co-sponsor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA).

This legislation will provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies to combat hate crimes and amend federal law to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violent, bias-motivated crimes. In addition, the bill will authorize the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute certain bias-motivated crimes based on the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. Current federal law does not provide authority for involvement in these cases at all.

Every year, Asian Americans find themselves the victim of a hate crime. It is important that the federal government be able to address cases that state and local authorities either cannot or will not investigate or prosecute properly. All hate crimes need to be taken seriously because they have a crippling effect on not only the victim, but on entire communities.

Comprehensive federal hate crime legislation is long overdue. Please cosponsor the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Sincerely,
[your name]

Action Alerts

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:40:41 GMT

Please Click the links below to read each Action Alert. Take action now!

ACT NOW! Pass Federal Hate Crimes Law Now

ACT TODAY! Urge Your Congress Members to Restore the Families Values of America

ACT NOW! Urge Your Congress Members to Support the Reuniting Families Act

Pass Federal Hate Crimes Bill Now!

It Hurts Our Nation’s Ability to Combat Employment Discrimination!

You Can Help Immigrant Students Today!

Calls Needed Today to Protect Families!

Census Publications & Materials

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:28 GMT

To order hardcopies of any of our publications, please e-mail or call Pang Houa Moua at 202-296-2300, x122. Census 2010 Karen Narasaki Census 2010 Portrait of America Video Fact Sheet: Importance of the Census 2010 to Asian Americans Audio from LCCREF, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund and the Asian American Justice Center conference call for online media on the importance of the 2010 Census to minority communities Joint Statement From Reps. Clay and Honda support paid media and outreach to all hard-to-count communities for 2010 Census Fact Sheet: The Truth About Asian Americans and the Census: Debunking the Myths Fact Sheet: Challenges and Concerns Regarding Census 2010: What Ethnic Media Need to Know Testimony on Preparations for the 2010 Decennial Census Survey before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for the United States...

AAJC Petition to Our Elected Officials

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:41:17 GMT

Vincent A. Eng

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:48:56 GMT

Vincent A. Eng is the Deputy Director of the Asian American Justice Center (formerly the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium), a national non-profit and non-partisan organization that works to advance the human and civil rights of Asian Americans through advocacy, public policy, public education, and litigation. Mr. Eng also serves as the Chair of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Committee on Language Rights. At AAJC, Mr. Eng oversees its extensive public policy programs and its litigation efforts. He has filed numerous amicus briefs in the Supreme Court of the United States, including in the University of Michigan affirmative action cases, testified before Congress on civil rights matters, and has participated on various national panels and debates. Mr. Eng has appeared on CSPAN, National Public Radio, and has been quoted by San Francisco Chronicle, The Associated Press, San Jose Mercury, FOX News, Legal Times, The Los Angeles Times, Pioneer Press as well...

Immigration Publications & Materials

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:46:16 GMT

To order hard copies of any of our publications, please e-mail or call Pang Houa Moua at 202-296-2300, x122. A Call to Action: Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: AAJC's brochure on the Asian American perspective on immigration reform, including personal stories and ways to get involved. A Call to Action - Community Toolkit This toolkit was developed to help advocates and community members make an impact through supporting immigration reform. The toolkit contains information about how to get involved in national and local campaigns to support immigration reform. June 9, 2009: Karen K Narasaki speaking at Reuniting Families Act Press Conference June 3, 2009: AAJC Joins Immigrant and Civil Rights Groups to Launch the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign; Campaign Urges President Obama and Congressional Members to Move Forward with Immigration Reform This Year April 30, 2009: Written Testimony of Karen K. Narasaki submitted to U.S. Senate...

Health Law Policy Publications

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:54:40 GMT

National Civil Rights Groups Join Forces on Children's Health Coverage Leading civil rights groups, including the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), have partnered to urge Congress to to realize America’s promise of covering all children, ensuring that the millions of uninsured and underinsured children are not forgotten during the health care reform debate. Spotlight on Asian American Children's Health Announcement: National Civil Rights Groups Join Forces in Call for Action to Strengthen the Health of the Nation’s Children Health Inequalities in the Asian American Community Fact Sheet The Asian American community has long borne the tag of being the model minority, a myth that has contributed to the perception that Asian Americans suffer from few health issues....

AAJC Staff

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:33:09 GMT

Karen K. Narasaki: President and Executive Director Vincent A. Eng: Deputy Director Operations Lucy M. Lee: Director of Operations Lisa Campbell-Thornton: Deputy Director of Administration June A. Jimenez: Director of Development Hannah Stone: Director of Foundation Relations Vacant: Development Associate Programs Aimee J. Baldillo: Director of Programs Terry M. Ao: Director of Census and Voting Programs Alice Dong: Staff Attorney, Health Law Policy Tuyet G. Duong: Senior Staff Attorney, Immigration and Immigrant Rights Program Aarathi Haig: Staff Attorney, Affirmative Action Meredith Higashi: Staff Attorney/NAPABA Law Foundation Partners and In-House Counsel Community Law Fellow Pang Houa Moua: Director of Community Education and Outreach Joshua Packman: Community Education Program Assistant Communications Leonie Campbell-Williams: Director of Communications Jerry Johnson: Web Content Editor The Rights Working Group Margaret Huang: Executive Director ...

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noemail@advancingequality.org — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:36:14 GMT

Objectives:

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Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:08:43 GMT

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Lorem ipsum

2007-08-13T21:36:14Z

Instructor: Instructor

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