Civil Rights & National Security/Anti-Profiling
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 Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security.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.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Condemns President Trump’s Executive Order Rescinding Language Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency
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[WASHINGTON, DC] – Asian Americans Advancing Justice vehemently condemns the recently issued Executive Order by President Trump mandating English as the official U.S. language, which represents another deeply troubling and racist attack on immigrant communities.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a network of four independent Asian American civil rights organizations, releases the following statement:
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.
Amidst President Trump’s Two-Day Assault of Executive Orders, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Reiterates Community Support
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Immediately upon taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders (“E.O.”) and proclamations, several of which threaten the immigration status, civil rights and human rights of Asian Americans and other communities. Additionally, the President rescinded a number of prior executive efforts to advance and protect equity, access to truth and ability to participate in civic engagement. Of the numerous rescissions and in a direct denial of our communities, President Trump rescinded E.O.