Fact Sheet
This factsheet shows the importance of federal financial aid, a source of funding for 70% of Asian American undergraduate students. Click the download link below to view and learn more.
In the early 20th century, approximately 15 states implemented laws primarily designed to discourage Asian immigrants from settling permanently in the U.S. by restricting land ownership and leasing rights. Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security. Last legislative session in Michigan, H.B. 4283 was introduced by State Representative Gina Johnsen as one of these discriminatory land laws, and later died in committee.
In the early 20th century, approximately 15 states—including Texas—implemented laws primarily designed to discourage Asian immigrants from settling permanently in the U.S. by restricting land ownership and leasing rights. Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security. Recently legislative efforts in Texas have revived land laws in the modern context. In January 2025, Rep.
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump issued more than a dozen Executive Orders (EOs) that seek to sow fear in immigrant communities. These orders seek to militarize our borders and immigration enforcement more broadly, massively expand the existing deportation and detention machinery, punish organizations that care for immigrants as well as local governments that prioritize protecting their residents, and misinterpret the U.S. Constitution and immigration laws.
This is not the first time Texas has considered a state “alien land law.” Just last year, State Senator Lois Kolkhost (R) introduced S.B. 147, which is often cited as one of the first examples of modern land laws, introduced in response to what certain lawmakers perceived to be threats to the U.S. electrical grid. Prior to that, Texas has previously passed three versions of alien land laws in 1891, 1892, and 1921, the last of which was only formally repealed by the Texas state legislature in 1965.
This guide is for education stakeholders and policymakers as they consider introducing legislation to mandate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in K-12 curricula. Due to each state’s varying political, social, and educational contexts, it is strongly recommended that stakeholders determine the existing infrastructure and opportunities for changing the curriculum prior to using legislation as a pathway for implementing AAPI history.
The 2022 National Poll of Asian American Non-Voters and Voters interviewed 2,800 Asian American citizens about the mid-term elections.
The Advancing Justice - AAJC Messaging Guidance fact sheet provides key information for politicians, political candidates, journalists, and more on how to discuss national security concerns without China-bashing or vilifying Asian Americans.
(Updated 6/26/2025)