Anti-Racial Profiling
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 Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security.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 Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security.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.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Denounces President Trump’s Attempt to Invoke the Archaic Alien Enemies Act of 1798
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a network of four independent Asian American civil rights organizations, applauds the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for temporarily blocking President Trump's attempt to invoke the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), an archaic and discriminatory law incompatible with our nation's foundational principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Rejects Racist Proposed Bill to Block Issuance of Student Visas to Chinese Nationals
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), releases the following statement condemning the introduction of the Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act (“Stop CCP VISAs”) Act by Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va).
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Calls Out President Trump’s Attacks on Communities of Color in Remarks in Joint Session to Congress
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, President Trump delivered his first remarks to a joint session of Congress since taking office six weeks ago. In his speech, the President addressed what he and his administration consider “progress” and outlined his racist and xenophobic vision for America’s future. The President’s speech, which was full of baseless claims, downplayed the harm his administration has already caused to marginalized communities, including Asian Americans, and painted a chilling picture of what is to come.
Advancing Justice | AAJC Signs On To Letter Commending Efforts to Recognize Fred Korematsu as Civil Rights Hero
Dear Representative Takano, Senator Hirono, and Senator Duckworth,
We the undersigned 77 organizations write in strong support of your efforts to recognize Fred Korematsu’s legacy as a civil rights hero. Accordingly, we offer our endorsement and support for the reintroduction of the following legislation in the 119th Congress: (1) Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act; (2) Recognizing the importance of establishing a national "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution"; (3) Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act.
Trump Attempt to Blame Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies on Washington, D.C. Plane Crash Called Reprehensible by Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a military United States Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan International Airport, tragically leaving no survivors from either craft. As families mourn and community members come together to search for answers, Trump callously used his podium time exploiting this horrific tragedy to perpetuate lies and discriminate against vulnerable communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), the First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a legislative package to honor the life of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Washington, DC – More than 65 civil rights, labor, health, and other organizations, led by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and Military Reform Coalition, are calling Pete Hegseth “wholly unfit” to become the next Secretary of Defense.
In a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of today’s confirmation hearing for Hegseth, the groups outline concerns about his suitability for the role, citing a troubling history of misogyny, sexual harassment, and hostility against a diverse and inclusive military.
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.