NCAPA Weekly Roundup | Nov. 13-20, 2015 - National Council of Asian Pacific Americans

This latest news from NCAPA and our 35 member organizations.

News and Updates

One year after President’s immigration executive action: Today, on the one year anniversary of the President’s immigration executive action announcement, the Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to review the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s decision to block the action. We applauded the Department of Justice’s swift response and renewed our call for comprehensive immigration reform. We also signed on to AAJC’s letter to DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson. The following NCAPA member organizations released statements: SAALT, NAPAWF, and more. Also see the Twitter feeds fromAAJC and NAKASEC for their social media actions and campaigns

NCAPA disappointed by House passage of anti-Syrian refugee bill: Yesterday, the House voted to pass H.R. 4038, the so-called American SAFE Act, which would block all refugees from Syria and Iraq from being resettled in the U.S. We issued a vote recommendation and were disappointed by the decision. Read Kham Moua of OCA’s personal perspective, as well as statements from OCA and SEARAC.

NCAPA outraged by Roanoke mayor’s xenophobic rhetoric: NCAPA and several members (OCA, AAJC, JACL, NAAAP, NAPABA, NAKASEC) called on Roanoke, Virginia Mayor David Bowers to apologize after he used the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII to justify denying Syrian refugees aid. Read NCAPA Policy Manager Kelly Honda’s reflection as a Japanese American here. Today, Mayor Bowers apologized in a special city council meeting. Read AAJC’s response.

NCAPA & NAPABA send letter to Attorney General calling for DOJ investigation into possible profiling of Asian American scientists: In a letter sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, NCAPA, NAPABA and 70+ other organizations, including 16 NCAPA organizations, called for an independent investigation into the possible profiling of Asian American scientists wrongfully accused of espionage. Those wishing to receive news and support the call for investigation can sign up here.

Civil Rights Leader Minoru “Min” Yasui awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom Award for his heroism and commitment to justice. Yasui challenged the military curfew that led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII and took his case to the Supreme Court. NCAPA and several members (JACL, APAICS, NAPABA) were active in the campaign to support his nomination for this award.

NCAPA applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Minority Serving Institutions Fairness Act: Senators Hirono and Cornyn and Representatives Chu and Royce introduced this bill which would provide parity for AANAPISI and allow dual-designation for MSI. NCAPA, SEARAC, APIASF, OCA, and CNHA have endorsed the legislation.

Take Action!

Support as an individual or organization an independent investigation on potential profiling of Asian American scientists: http://bit.ly/supportdojinvestigation

NQAPIA - Demand an End to Profiling:NQAPIA’s campaign against profiling in immigration enforcement is looking for organization sign ons. The Priority Enforcement Program (PEP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s new program for local and national immigration enforcement, promises to profile people based on suspected threat to national security, suspicion of terrorism, and gang affiliation.

NCAPIP: Screen at 23 focuses on the importance of screening for diabetes in the Asian American community, as our communities are at risk for type 2 diabetes at the body mass index of 23.

APIASF: “We Are Not The Same” or #NotTheSame celebrates the unique stories of AAPI students and challenges stereotypes.

Other Announcements

Off the Menu contest: Share your Asian American recipes with CAAM

Appointments Project: Help NCAPA and APAICS identify ideal appointment candidates who are AAPI. Once candidates complete the online application at https://apply.whitehouse.gov/, they should fill out this form, which will go to NCAPA and APAICS: http://goo.gl/forms/8Lnjv3G4oB

NAPABA Pro Bono General Counsel Program: This program provides AAPI organizations pro bono legal advice and counsel that they cannot afford. Get the application for organization and application for attorneys.

SABA North America: Request for Convention Programming Ideas