Asian American Justice Center http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rss Asian American Justice Center http://www.advancingequality.org/tresources/en/images/icons/tendenci34x15.gif http://www.advancingequality.org Copyright 2010 Asian American Justice Center Tendenci Association Software by Schipul - The Web Marketing Company en-us noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:07:22 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/299/ WASHINGTON — AAJC applauds the Tri-Caucus, including Rep. Mike Honda of California, for taking leadership in requesting that the Department of Justice assess the strength of the federal law protecting the confidentiality of census responses. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chairman Honda and the chairwomen of the Congressional Black Caucus (Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y.) wrote Attorney General Eric Holder in September at the urging of AAJC, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, and National Congress of American Indians – all partners in a national collaborative census campaign. Recognizing that the communities the Tri-Caucus represents are the most often missed and hardest to count in the decennial census, they asked Holder to determine whether the privacy protections for individual census responses afforded by the law (Title 13) trumped all other federal... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/299/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/296/ Asian Media Plan Improves on 2000 Plan, But Gaps Remain WASHINGTON — A fair and accurate census is one of the most pressing civil rights issues facing our nation because it directly affects equal representation and equal access to important governmental resources. Because Asian communities are among the most likely to be missed in the census count, it is imperative that the 2010 Census communications campaign include measures to effectively reach our hard to count communities Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, told a House committee today. In evaluating the Census Bureau’s media outreach campaign, Narasaki commended it for undertaking a much more extensive approach aimed at Asian American communities than it did in 2000. The Bureau’s national media buy is augmented with smaller buys in 53 local markets covering 13 Asian languages for 17 Asian subgroup communities and does not follow a “one size fits... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/296/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/295/ NAPABA AND AAJC APPLAUD NOMINATION OF GOODWIN H. LIU TO THE FEDERAL APPELLATE COURT Washington, D.C. – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) applauded today the decision of President Barack Obama to nominate University of California Berkeley School of Law Associate Dean and Professor Goodwin H. Liu to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Professor Liu joins Judge Denny Chin, nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals to the Second Circuit, as the second Asian Pacific American federal appellate court nomination by the President. Currently, there are no Asian Pacific American judges among the approximately 175 active federal appellate court jurists nationwide. “Professor Liu is an exceptional attorney who is well-respected by lawyers across the ideological spectrum,” said Joseph J. Centeno, president of NAPABA. “Professor Liu also will bring much-needed diversity to... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/295/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/291/ WASHINGTON — In leading the effort to ensure that Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians are accurately counted in the upcoming census, the Asian American Justice Center and its partners launched a Web site to serve as a clearinghouse for census materials aimed at AAPI communities. Part of the Fill in Our Future campaign, www.fillinourfuture.org provides information translated into 25 languages, public service announcements, videos, brochures and educational materials to help with community outreach. The site brings all the information to a central location so that communities across the country can readily access, download and use the information for census outreach without duplicating efforts, thereby reaching even more AAPIs before Census Day, April 1. At www.fillinourfuture.org one can find: questions asked on the census form, frequently asked questions; the impact on your family and your community; confidentiality of responses, details about questions... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/291/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/290/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Tina Matsuoka (202) 775-9555 Feb. 11, 2010 (202) 465-6041 (Mobile) AAJC Contact: Vincent A. Eng (202) 296-2300, ext. 121 (703) 981-6636 (Mobile) Asian Pacific American Leaders Pleased with Senate Hearing for Federal Court Judicial Nominee Lucy H. Koh WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate took the first step toward confirming the Honorable Lucy H. Koh to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Koh was nominated on January 20, 2010 and is the fifth Asian Pacific American nominated to the federal bench by President Obama. “Judge Koh is a uniquely qualified nominee with a wealth of experience as a jurist,” said Joseph J. Centeno, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “Her confirmation will be historic for the Asian Pacific American community to which she has been so committed throughout her career. We recognized Judge... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/290/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/287/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AAJC Contact: Nicole Duran 202-296-2300 ext. 144 Feb. 1, 2010 ICAN Contact: Quyen Vuong 408-509-8788 ALA Contact: Jacquelyn K. Maruhashi 408-287-9710 Asian American Groups Thank Census Bureau for Corrected Census 2010 Translation Census Bureau Addresses Groups’ Concerns Regarding Vietnamese Translation of the words “Census” and “Enumerator” WASHINGTON — Asian American groups are pleased with Census Bureau Director Robert Groves’ decision to swiftly address their concerns regarding the troublesome Vietnamese translation of the words “census” and “enumerator” in the bureau’s literature and forms for the upcoming Census. Earlier this month, leaders from the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the International Children Assistance Network (ICAN) and the Asian Law... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/287/ noemail@advancingequality.org Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/282/ Asian American Justice Center Will Continue to Work With the President and Congress to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year WASHINGTON — Statement of Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, on President Obama’s State of the Union address: We want to applaud President Obama for calling on Congress to pass health-care reform, a jobs bill and legislation to end the don’t ask, don’t tell military policy. We also note that he called for continued work to reform our immigration system this year. In his address, President Obama made clear his ongoing commitment to immigration reform noting we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system - to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation. We need strong leadership from the president to get workable legislation this year. As is the case with... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/282/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/277/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Brian Wang (202) 775-9555 Jan. 22, 2010 AAJC Contact: Vincent A. Eng (202) 296-2300, ext. 121 (703) 981-6636 (Mobile) Asian Pacific American Leaders Applaud the Appointment of Donna M. Ryu and Young B. Kim as Federal Magistrate Judges WASHINGTON – On January 21, Young B. Kim was appointed to serve as a federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, making him the second Asian Pacific American to be appointed to such a position within the last 10 days. Kim’s appointment to serve as a federal magistrate judge comes on the heels of the appointment of Donna M. Ryu to serve as a federal magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Prior to these appointments, there had never been a Korean American federal magistrate judge in U.S. history. Kim will also be the first Asian Pacific American federal judge in... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/277/ noemail@advancingequality.org Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/276/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Brian Wang (202) 775-9555 Jan. 20, 2010 AAJC Contact: Vincent A. Eng (202) 296-2300, ext. 121 (703) 981-6636 (Mobile) Two Asian Pacific American Judges Nominated to Federal District Court WASHINGTON – Today, The Honorable Edward M. Chen and The Honorable Lucy H. Koh were nominated by President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. “Judge Chen and Judge Koh are committed members of the legal community with strong reputations for fairness, impartiality and integrity,” said Joseph J. Centeno, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “Both nominees are outstanding choices to be the first Asian Pacific American Article III Judges in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.” If confirmed by the Senate as Article III federal judges, Judge Chen and Judge Koh would serve lifetime appointments. Judge Chen... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/276/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/273/ Jan. 13, 2010 Contact: Nicole Duran Tel: 202-296-2300 ext. 144 Email: nduran@advancingequality.org www.advancingequality.org Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Demand Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year Asian Americans Organize Second Major National Week of Action WASHINGTON, D.C. – Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country are flexing their political muscle in conjunction with the re-launch of the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign this week. They will attend town hall meetings, hold prayer vigils, participate in Reform Immigration FOR America rallies and demand Congress pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. “Immigration reform is a defining issue for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. “The right legislation legalizes millions in our communities, reunites thousands of families, and signals... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/273/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/271/ WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama said he will re-nominate the Honorable Edward M. Chen to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California when the Senate reconvenes. Obama first nominated Judge Chen Aug. 7. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved him Oct. 15, thereby putting his nomination before the full Senate. Because his nomination was not acted upon before Congress adjourned for recess, Obama must re-nominate Judge Chen, and others, in accordance with Senate rules. “Judge Chen has a demonstrated record as a balanced, fair and unbiased jurist through his faithful service as a U.S. magistrate judge for nearly nine years,” said Joseph J. Centeno, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “Judge Chen has a strong and well-deserved reputation for integrity and we look forward to his prompt confirmation by the Senate.” Judge Chen has been a federal magistrate judge for the Northern District of... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/271/ noemail@advancingequality.org Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/270/ WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to pass H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The following is a statement by Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. “The Asian American Justice Center thanks Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his fellow Senators for bringing health-care reform one step closer to reality with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) on Thursday. Health-care reform has the potential to significantly advance the health of the Asian American community. As Congress moves forward to merging together select provisions of the Senate and House health-care reform bills into one bill for the President’s signature and enactment, we hope to see key features from H.R. 3590 in final health-care reform. To address the serious health trends within the Asian American and other racial and ethnic communities, the Senate bill has set forth... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/270/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/269/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Brian Wang (202) 725-7044 December 24, 2009 AAJC Contact: Vincent A. Eng (703) 981-6636 Dolly M. Gee Becomes the First Chinese American Woman Confirmed to be a United States District Court Judge WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate unanimously confirmed Dolly M. Gee to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Los Angeles), making her the first Chinese American female to serve as an Article III Judge. Article III Judgeships are lifetime presidential appointments. “We congratulate Ms. Gee on her historic achievement,” said Tina R. Matsuoka, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Ms. Gee is a role model for all lawyers, but especially for Asian Pacific American and female lawyers, because of her commitment to excellence in the law and her dedication to community service.” “AAJC and NAPABA are proud to have recommended Ms. Gee for this seat and to have worked with the Obama Administration,... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/269/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:45:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/267/ BROAD, DIVERSE COALITION KEEPS PROMISE: COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL BEFORE CHRISTMAS CIR-ASAP Outlines a Progressive Vision and Workable Solution WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) took the first real step toward fixing our broken immigration system. Months in the making, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 addresses the concerns of the Asian American and other immigrant communities, reunites families, restores fairness to our labor markets, recognizes the contributions of immigrant workers and families and helps get the economy back on track. “We commend Rep. Gutierrez for his leadership and believe his legislation provides the right framework for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. “It is more imperative than ever that we fix this broken system in a way that helps to strengthen... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/267/ noemail@advancingequality.org Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/263/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Brian Wang (202) 775-9555 Dec. 11, 2009 AAJC Contact: Nicole Duran (202) 296-2300, ext. 144 Judge Denny Chin Unanimously Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee WASHINGTON – Thursday the nomination of Judge Denny Chin for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by unanimous consent. His nomination will now proceed to the full Senate. “Judge Denny Chin is a distinguished and well-respected jurist who has the intellect, integrity and temperament to serve admirably as an Appeals Court judge,” said Tina Matsuoka, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “Judge Chin will make distinct and lasting contributions to the Appellate Court bench.” Judge Chin has several high-level supporters including former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, himself a former prosecutor, former... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/263/ noemail@advancingequality.org Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/260/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA: Brian Wang (202) 775-9555 Dec. 1, 2009 AAJC: Nicole Duran (202) 296-2300, ext. 144 ASIAN AMERICAN LEADERS APPLAUD JACQUELINE NGUYEN’S HISTORIC CONFIRMATION WASHINGTON — Another racial hurdle was cleared today when the Senate confirmed Jacqueline H. Nguyen to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, making her the first Vietnamese American Article III judge. Judge Nguyen has made history and we congratulate her,” said Joseph J. Centeno National Asian Pacific American Bar Association president. “She has an excellent record with the California Superior Court and we are confident that she will serve as an outstanding District Court judge.” The Senate approved Judge Nguyen this afternoon by a vote of 97-0. Judge Nguyen will also be the first Asian Pacific American female Article III judge in California history. Article III judgeships are lifetime presidential appointments. ... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/260/ noemail@advancingequality.org Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/256/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Tina Matsuoka (202) 775-9555 Nov. 19, 2009 AAJC Contact: Nicole Duran (202) 296-2300, ext. 144 APA Leaders Pleased with Progress on Chin Nomination to Appellate Court WASHINGTON—With Asian Pacific American leaders providing key testimony, the Senate Judiciary Committee moved Judge Denny Chin’s federal Appellate Court nomination forward Wednesday. Judge Chin is a distinguished leader in the legal community and has a strong record as a District Court judge,” said Tina Matsuoka, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association executive director. “He has the experience, intellect, integrity and temperament to serve admirably as a federal appellate court judge. “We look forward to a speedy confirmation,” Matsuoka added. While presiding over the hearing, New York Sen. Charles Schumer noted that, if confirmed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/256/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/258/ Asian Americans Nationwide Participate in Rep. Gutierrez Town Hall WASHINGTON — Last night more than 60,000 people, including a large Asian American contingent, reaffirmed their commitment to immigration reform by joining lawmakers for a tele-town hall briefing on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The Asian American Justice Center, in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress, and National Korean American Service & Education Consortium, organized dozens of house parties in concert with the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign, which coordinated the event. Faith, law enforcement, labor, civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups all came together via the Campaign to make the briefing a success. “Last night is just the most recent indication that Asian Americans recognize the importance and urgency of comprehensive immigration reform,” said Ronald Lee, senior staff attorney of AAJC’s... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/258/ noemail@advancingequality.org Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/255/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NAPABA Contact: Tina Matsuoka (202) 775-9555 November 18, 2009 AAJC Contact: Nicole Duran (202) 296-2300, ext. 144 NAPABA AND AAJC PROVIDE TESTIMONY AT CONFIRMATION HEARING OF FIRST ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN APPELLATE COURT JUDGE NOMINATED IN 14 YEARS WASHINGTON– The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) provided testimony today at the federal judicial confirmation hearing of The Honorable Denny Chin, who has been nominated to be a Circuit Court Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. If confirmed, Judge Chin would be the first active Asian Pacific American federal appellate court judge since Judge A. Wallace Tashima of the Ninth Circuit took senior status over five years ago. Moreover, it is has been almost 14 years since an Asian Pacific American has been nominated to the federal appellate court. In testimony, both organizations gave their... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/255/ noemail@advancingequality.org Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/254/ AAJC WELCOMES INTRODUCTION OF MILITARY FAMILIES ACT Menendez Legislation Would Give Green Cards to Troops’ Immediate Family Members WASHINGTON — Leaders of the Asian American Justice Center thanked Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) for reintroducing legislation that would allow military personnel’s immediate family members to become permanent residents of the United States. This legislation provides much-deserved relief to legal immigrants who serve honorably in our Armed Forces, yet do not automatically earn residency status for their loved ones. It is a travesty that someone can fight, and even die, for this country, yet his wife, father or daughter cannot become a U.S. citizen, said AAJC senior staff attorney Ronald Lee. That Sen. Menendez even has to introduce this bill is a sad commentary on our broken and out-dated immigration system. It is bad enough that millions of legal immigrants are separated from their loved ones because of visa application backlogs and other... http://www.advancingequality.org/en/rel/254/ noemail@advancingequality.org Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:00:00 GMT