Supreme Court to hear case questioning "birthright citizenship."

Hannah Lu in front the United States Supreme Court Building.

Get ready, because the Supreme Court is about to dive into the ultimate constitutional cage match. Today, the nine Justices will hear oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara, the case that could officially end birthright citizenship as we know it.

Here’s the skinny: Day one of his second term, Trump signed an executive order saying, "If your parents aren't citizens or green card holders, you don’t get a US passport just for being born here." It’s been winding through the courts ever since, but now it’s hitting the big stage.

The daughter of immigrants from Taiwan, Cecillia Wang, the National Legal Director of the ACLU, is presenting the oral arguments to the Supreme Court on today (April 1) defending birthright citizenship in Trump v. Barbara. She is arguing on behalf of challengers, including the ACLU , Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and NAACP LDF,

As of March 30, 2026, every lower court that has considered challenges to President Trump's January 2025 executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship has ruled it unconstitutional. These courts have consistently found that the order violates the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. 

Key lower court rulings

1. US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit: A divided panel in Trump v. Washington ruled Trump's executive order invalid, stating it "contradicts the plain language of the Fourteenth Amendment." ruling the 1898 Supreme Court decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark guarantee citizenship to almost everyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.

2. US District Court for the District of New Hampshire: Judge Joseph N. Laplante issued a preliminary injunction and provisionally certified a nationwide class of babies born on or after February 20, 2025, who would be denied citizenship under the order.
District Courts in Washington State and Maryland: Federal judges in these states also entered injunctions blocking the order early in the litigation process.

While lower courts have blocked the order on its merits, the Supreme Court tried to assuage Trump's anger by issuing a procedural ruling in June 2025 (Trump v. CASA, Inc.) that curtailed the use of "universal" or nationwide injunctions by district courts. This temporarily allowed the order to take effect in states that had not challenged it, but it did not address the constitutionality of the order itself.

This isn't just a legal tweak; it’s a full-on identity crisis for the country. If the Court sides with the administration, it rewrites the rules for millions of families. If they toss it, it’s a massive blow to the "America First" legal agenda.

The ACLU's Cecilia Wang will defend birthright citizenship in front of the Supreme Court.

Predicting SCOTUS

I've given up any hope that the six conservative justices will find a spine to make a ruling based on precedent and the Constitution instead of bending over backwards  and twisting rational thinking in order to give Trump what he wants.

However, while the 6-3 conservative majority has frequently backed the Trump administration's broad executive powers, their commitment to originalism and textualism — the idea that the law means exactly what it says — could actually be the administration's undoing here.

Lower court judges — including many Republican appointees—have uniformly blocked the order, calling it a direct violation of the 14th Amendment. If the conservative justices follow their own logic on "original meaning," the administration faces a very uphill battle to get five votes for a total reinterpretation of citizenship.

The conservative bloc has handed Trump wins on deportations and ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS). However, those cases focused on statutes (laws passed by Congress) where the President has massive leeway.

The difference is that birthright citizenship is a Constitutional right. Overturning United States v. Wong Kim Ark would be a much heavier lift than just approving a new border policy.

View from the edge

If SCOTUS rules against birthright citizenship an estimated 255,000 children born in the U.S. each year could be denied citizenship if the order is upheld. Projections suggest this could add 4.8 million non-citizen children to the population by 2045.

Many Asian families arrive on professional visas and wait decades for green cards. Under this order, children born during that long wait could be rendered "stateless" or left in legal limbo, denied Social Security numbers and the basic "right to have rights." Immigrants with J-1 visas who have children born while working in the US as nurses, teachers, oil workers or crews of ships would be in the same predicament.

If a generation of our children is denied citizenship, they lose the right to vote and run for office. It’s a direct hit to the growing political power of the AAPI community.
Affected children could face "irreparable harm," including vulnerability to deportation, loss of access to critical health care and nutrition, and legal "statelessness."

SCOTUS is expected to rule on the case in June. The Supreme Court's decision will determine what the United States will be like on its 250th birthday. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

DreamWorks’ 'Forgotten Island' trailer drops, sparking excitement among Filipino Americans

Best friends face a dilemma in "Forgotten Island" which draws on Philippine mythology.

The internet just got a little louder, and for Filipino Americans, a whole lot more familiar. 

DreamWorks Animation released the official trailer for Forgotten Island on March 25, 2026, and it’s not just the animation that’s turning heads—it’s the jeepneys, the balisongs, and the unmistakable silhouette of a Manananggal soaring across the screen.

For a community that has long waited for its moment in the mainstream animation spotlight, this isn't just a movie; it’s a cultural milestone. Directed by Joel Crawford and FilAm animator Januel Mercado, the film is a love letter to Philippine folklore wrapped in a story about the one thing that binds the diaspora together: the bittersweet pain of leaving home.

“I was so excited. You have no idea. We were in the Philippines in 2019, and my mom was trying to scare us about all these stories. I literally grew up on them. I get to share a piece of my childhood in this work and with the world,” said Wilson (aka H.E.R.).

Soberano added, “It’s been a long-time dream of mine to be able to be in a project that really represented the Philippines in a very accurate way, but at the same time, is universal enough for people to be able to relate to.” She added, “To have Filipino culture showcased by a major studio is very exciting.”

"It Hits Different"

The excitement isn’t just about seeing familiar sights; it’s about hearing familiar voices. The film features a powerhouse cast led by Grammy-winner H.E.R. (voicing Jo) and Liza Soberano (voicing Raissa), who is making a name for herself in Hollywood and gaining the attention of producers and casting agents.

Wilson, who already has a Best Song Oscar for "Fight For You" in 2021) a Bay Area native, didn't hold back on what the feature film means for her and the Filipino American community.

"I’ve always wanted to be part of a project that showcases Filipinos and Filipino culture on a global scale," she told press at the trailer launch. "Growing up Filipino and Black... and always being loud and proud... but going other places and not necessarily seeing the representation... to see it in a film, it just hits different. It’s honestly so magical.

Liza Soberano, left, and H.E.R. provide the voices of the best friends in 'Forgotten Island.'

The film’s co-director, Januel Mercado, emphasized that while the creatures are fantastical, the heart of the story is grounded in the very real Filipino experience of separation best exemplfied by poor economic conditions forcing millions of Filipinos to seek employment in other countries. 

"We really thought about what the impact and value of those loved ones in your life is and how they contribute to the life you have and the person you become," Mercado explained.

A 'Who’s Who' of Filipino talent

It’s not just the leads. The credits read like a dream roster of Filipino excellence:

Lea Salonga as the Dreaded Manananggal (yes, the Disney Legend and beloved Broadway star) is playing the monster, and we are here for it).

Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), Dolly de Leon, (Triangle of Sadness), comedian Jo Koy (Easter Sunday), and Amielynn Abellera rounding out the supporting cast.

The feature is still in production, and the producers have been rather coy about the music. Speculation is that a yet-to-be announced song will feature either Salonga or H.E.R., or both of the stars.

        FYI: Click here to view trailer of 'Forgotten Island''

Social media has been buzzing since the trailer dropped. One fan on Threads summed up the collective mood: "Filipino culture portrayed in a way that feels real... not just the visuals or the representation, it's the story about identity, roots, & what it means to grow up between cultures. As a third culture kid, this one feels personal."

Here’s what’s echoing across the feeds:

Liza Soberano (the voice of Raissa) set the tone early, sharing her excitement on Instagram: "So beyond grateful and honored to be a part of this beautiful film... A dream come true to bring a story rooted in Filipino culture to the big screen with DreamWorks!"

The A’tin (SB19’s fandom) have turned the comment sections into a digital rally. One high-profile fan account posted: "DreamWorks, the vision is right there. We need SB19 on this soundtrack. The world needs to hear the P-pop sound on the Forgotten Island!"

Filipino-American creators are getting emotional over the visuals. As one TikTok culture commentator put it: "Seeing a literal jeepney in a high-budget DreamWorks movie feels like a fever dream in the best way possible. This isn't just a movie; it's a 'we were here' moment."

Film enthusiasts are also leaning into the technical pedigree. One popular YouTube film essayist noted: "Januel Mercado coming off 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' to helm this? Expect the animation to be experimental, vibrant, and absolutely top-tier. Forgotten Island is the one to watch in 2026."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Trump bogeys as millions of Americans take to the streets in protest

While millions of Americans gathered for "No Kings" protests to voice their concerns about the Donald Trump regime’s policies, Donald Trump went golfing near Mar-a-Lago.

Organizers of the No Kings rallies and marches that took place Saturday say almost 8 million people, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, expressed their anger and frustration at Trump and at the same time celebrated the growing number of like-minded Americans. Organizers of the events say about 8 million people joined the No Kings movement.

The flagship rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, became a focal point for the national movement, drawing over 100,000 participants to the State Capitol. Prominent Asian American leaders and Minnesota lawmakers joined the list of speakers expressing  their concerns during the event.

• St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her: Mayor Her, who took office in early 2026 following her November 2025 election victory, emphasized the importance of community presence. She stated, "As your mayor, I will always show up... how we show up for people—in every corner of our city—matters". During debates, she has also criticized "performative" political stands that use taxpayer dollars without "moving the needle" on critical issues like gun control.

• US Representative Ilhan Omar: Speaking at the St. Paul rally, Congressmember  Omar told the crowd, "We do not cower to bullies," as she addressed the administration's "authoritarian" policies.

Here is the view from the edge in key local hubs:

San Francisco Bay Area: "Human Banners" and rapid response

The Bay Area was a focal point for the movement, with more than 60 events across the region.

Market Street: Organizers estimate 100,000 joined the march from the Bay to City Hall down the city's main street, Market Street to listen to speakers.

Ocean Beach: Demonstrators in San Francisco formed a massive "human banner" to protest the administration's policies.

San Jose: Thousands gathered downtown to speak out against intensified immigration raids. Organizers highlighted that for many Asian American families, the threat of ICE arrests at courts and check-ins has reached a tipping point, turning quiet concern into a public demand for safety.

Community Message: Leaders emphasized that the AAPI community cannot "sit on the sidelines" while federal agents invade neighborhoods.

Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley: Protecting the neighborhood

In Southern California, the protest energy was deeply rooted in local immigrant neighborhoods.

SGV Hubs: Rallies swept through Monterey Park, Alhambra, and Pasadena, areas with high AAPI populations.

Mandarin-Language Support: Local organizers noted that the "unbearable" nature of recent federal raids has forced a shift toward communal defense, including the creation of new Mandarin-language family support networks to document enforcement activities.

Long Beach: A major gathering at Bixby Park saw residents protesting the deployment of National Guard troops and the use of militarized enforcement in their streets. 

New York City: Times Square and solidarity

In NYC, thousands of demonstrators from across the Tri-State area packed into Times Square and major intersections. [9, 10]

Economic & Social Issues: Protesters linked the "No Kings" message to broader concerns, including the rising cost of living and the ongoing war in Iran.

AAPI Advocacy: National groups like Stop AAPI Hate were visible partners, arguing that the administration’s "mass deportation agenda" is an attack on the civil rights of all Americans.

San Diego: Standing Against Detention

Further south, an estimated 40,000 people met in downtown San Diego, with additional rallies in Escondido and Carlsbad.

Focus on Detention: Many AAPI participants joined to protest the treatment of detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Center and the sharp increase in local ICE arrests.

AANHPI voices from the "No Kings" Movement

In other parts of the country, AAPI officials took part in the demonstrations. Asian American demonstrators joined millions to protest the war in Iran and the rising cost of living. Some activists emphasized that the "No Kings" movement is a necessary step toward defending their neighbors and ensuring an America where all individuals have the opportunity to prosper.

Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu : “In this city of champions, in this city of immigrants and workers, in this hub of the universe and cradle of liberty, for the last 250 years and counting, in Boston, every day is no king’s day,” Wu told the demonstration attended by about 200,000.

New Jersey US Sen. AndyKim: The Korean American introduced his mother to the crowd at a No Kings event in Camden, N.J. “I wanted her to come here because I wanted her to see what it is that we’re trying to fight for,” he said.

US Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois stated: “There are no kings in America. Only gilded men we can topple again and again.”

Texas state Rep. Gene Wu: The state lawmaker was one of the organizers of the No Kings event in Austin, the state capitol. The event reflected a broader sense of frustration — not just with immigration raids, but also with issues like Medicaid cuts and the state's proposed THC ban. "We are happy to support Texans who have simply had enough," Wu said.

View from the Edge

While millions of people expressed their anger and frustration against Trump and hundreds of soldiers and sailors have been injured in an undeclared and unapproved ward in Iran, he spent the day at his golf course in Florida.

Since returning to office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has maintained a frequent golfing schedule:

Days Golfed: As of March 28, 2026, Trump has visited golf clubs 101 days out of his first 433 days in office.

Percentage of Term: This represents approximately 23.3% of his presidency spent at golf properties.

Total Cost to Taxpayers: Estimates indicate these outings have cost American taxpayers at least $110.6 million since his 2025 inauguration.

Cost Breakdown: Each trip to Mar-a-Lago is estimated to cost roughly $3.4 million in travel and security expenses.

And like the Epstein Files and his college grades, Trump's golf score remains undisclosed.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

AAPI voices rise as Twin Cities become Graound Zero for 'No Kings' movement

 

The AAPI community isn’t just watching from the sidelines—it’s leading the charge. As the third national "No Kings" day of action approaches this Saturday, March 28, 2026, the movement to oppose authoritarian overreach and corruption has found its heartbeat in the Midwest.

For the first time, St. Paul, Minnesota, will serve as the nationwide flagship for the protests. While the movement anticipates over 3,000 local events across all 50 states, all eyes are on the Twin Cities, where the AAPI community is mobilizing at historic levels to protect their neighbors from what they describe as "authoritarian attacks".

Why the Twin Cities?

Organizers like Stop AAPI Hate and the Minnesota 50501 movement have highlighted a sharp rise in federal militarization in Minnesota. "With masked ICE agents invading our neighborhoods and ripping our families apart, there’s too much at stake for AAPI communities to sit on the sidelines," the coalition stated.

The flagship rally at the Minnesota State Capitol is expected to draw over 80,000 people, featuring a heavy AAPI presence from the local Hmong and Vietnamese communities who are directly impacted by recent immigration enforcement escalations.

Thereare plenty of reasons to join the events from  the way American democracy is being torn apart bit by bit, the US' dwindling standings in the international community,the mass pardons for the Jan. 6 insurrectionists,  the moral decay permeating throughout society best exemplified by the coverup surrounding the Epstein files and the way the regime encourages the division of the America by lies and hate.

Here the key reasons for AAPI participation

Protection of Immigrant Families: AAPI organizations like Stop AAPI Hate are highlighting the direct threat posed by "masked ICE agents" invading neighborhoods and "ripping families apart".

Opposition to "Authoritarian" Policies: The movement seeks to reject the "Trump regime's authoritarian attacks" on democracy and freedoms, specifically protesting mass deportation raids and militarized force.

Addressing Economic Concerns: Recent polling shows a strong majority of AAPI adults view the current administration as harmful to their economic well-being, specifically regarding high costs of living and healthcare.

Protecting Civil Rights: The events serve as a platform to speak out against restrictive voting laws, such as the "SAVE Act," and other attempts to limit free speech and constitutional rights.

St. Paul & Minneapolis Action Schedule

The flagship event on Saturday includes three major marches converging on the Capitol:

• 12:00 PM: Marches Begin
  • Harriet Island Regional Park: 1.5-mile march.
  • St. Paul College: 0.9-mile march.
  • Western Sculpture Park: 0.7-mile march.
• 1:00 PM: Pre-Rally Music featuring Bruce Springsteen and Joan Baez.
• 2:00 PM: Main Program at the Capitol Mall with Senator Bernie Sanders and AAPI leader and state officials like Kaohly Her, St. Paul's first Hmong mayor.

AAPI participation across major cities

While St. Paul is the epicenter, AAPI activists are making their presence felt in other major hubs:

Los Angeles & San Francisco: Over 320 events are planned in California, with massive turnouts expected at L.A. City Hall and San Francisco's Embarcadero Plaza. AAPI groups here are focusing on defending the right to unionize and ending "police crimes" in immigrant neighborhoods.

Chicago: AAPI members of the Coalition Against the Trump Agenda will march to defend reproductive rights and expand immigrant protections.

Atlanta: Thousands will gather at Memorial Drive Greenway for a 7-mile march to the Georgia State Capitol, emphasizing the fight against anti-Asian hate and foreign policy escalations.

New York City: Dozens of events are being staged throughout the city Saturday and Sunday. The main No Kings “mass march” will step off in Midtown at 2 p.m. Saturday, according to organizers. Demonstrators are expected to gather at Seventh Avenue and Central Park South. Organizers say it’s expected to wrap up around 4 p.m.

        FYI: To find a "No Kings" event near you, click here.

This is the third "No Kings" protest since Trump has taken office and is expected to be the largest drawing millions of Americans into the streets to protest the Trump regime's immigration and economic policies and worsening international relations, including the ongoing war against Iran.

The message from the AAPI community is clear: this country belongs to the people, not to kings or tyrants.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Shocker: CBS lays off prominent FilAm journalist Elaine Quijano

Elaline Quijano

In a move that has sent shockwaves through newsrooms across the country, Elaine Quijano— the trailblazing Filipino American journalist who famously broke the glass ceiling as the first Asian American to moderate a national debate—has been purged from CBS News.

This wasn’t a standard corporate "restructuring"; it was a massacre. Under the new regime of Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and the Skydance-Paramount merger, the layoffs of Quijano and Houston-based reporter Karen Hua represent a calculated erasure of the very voices that once made the network a standard for inclusion.

Quijano, 52, wasn’t just a face on the screen; she was a pillar of Filipino American history and a role model for dozens of AANHPI journalists. She has been with CBS since 2010 and prior to joining the network she was a reporters for CNN.

In 2016, she stood on the debate stage between Mike Pence and Tim Kaine, proving to every Pinoy kid watching that we belonged at the highest levels of American discourse. Before being sidelined by the network’s "anti-woke" pivot, she was a workhorse, anchoring CBSN Red & Blue and reporting from the White House.

But don't expect her to stay silent. Following the lead of other AAPI heavyweights like Justin MacFarlane, who recently jumped to the independent MeidasTouch network for "some independence," Quijano is reportedly eyeing the independent media space.

 The trend is clear: as corporate newsrooms turn right, the talent that built them is taking their audiences to platforms where they don't have to self-censor for a billionaire's agenda.

Community shocked

The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and veteran newsmen aren't taking this sitting down. In a blistering response, the AAJA expressed "deep concern" over the loss of AANHPI leadership, noting that these cuts—which also saw the shuttering of the network's Race and Culture Unit—disproportionately silence underrepresented voices when they are needed most.

The optics of firing two high-profile AAPI women during a "conservative takeover" are, to put it mildly, disastrous, says AAJA in a statement. The organization expressed "deep concern" over the loss of AANHPI leadership, noting that these cuts disproportionately silence underrepresented voices at a time when they are needed most.

Social media has been flooded with tributes. Former colleagues described Quijano as a "mentor" and the "gold standard" for journalists of color. One fellow reporter noted, "Losing Elaine isn't just a loss for CBS; it's a loss for the truth."

Critics are pointing directly at the Weiss-Cibrowski leadership. Despite assurances from CBS leadership, the network's vaunted news department, including 60 Minutes, has lost credibility as a fact-based news outlet. By cutting seasoned correspondents like Quijano and environmental reporter Dave Malkoff, the network seems to be clearing the decks for a brand of "new media" that prioritizes ideology over the hard-earned credibility of the old guard.

CBS statement

“We recognize that this is a difficult time for those who will be leaving CBS News. Because these aren’t just names on a list," said the network in a statement to the remaining staff.

“They are talented, committed colleagues who have been critical to our success. We’ll treat them all with care and respect.

“It’s no secret that the news business is changing radically, and that we need to change along with it. New audiences are burgeoning in new places, and we are pressing forward with ambitious plans to grow and invest so that we can be there for them."

This new round of layoff affects 60-70 staff cements the network's catering to conservative views. The "new audiences" apparently means the far-right followers of Trump who prior to  Trump's election didn't watch network news.

The financial fallout

If Weiss thought a "conservative takeover" would save the network's bottom line, the early numbers are a cold shower. Six months into her tenure, CBS News is hitting historic lows.

• Ratings Collapse: CBS Evening News has plummeted below the critical 4 million viewer mark for the first time this century, averaging just 3.83 million viewers.

• Demographic Dive: The advertiser-coveted 25-54 demographic has cratered, dropping as much as 28% for CBS Mornings and 18% for the evening broadcast compared to last year.

• Audience Migration: While CBS loses viewers, rivals at ABC and NBC are seeing their audiences grow, suggesting a mass exodus of viewers who aren't buying the network's new "Trump-friendly" editorial direction.

View from the edge

CBS is owned by Skydance-Paramount headed by David Ellison, son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, one of Trump's biggest supporters.

Ellison's media empire includes: Paramount Pictures, CBS Entertainment Group, broadcasting networks (MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime), streaming services (Paramount+, Pluto TV), and Skydance’s animation, sports, and interactive gaming divisions.

On addition, the Ellisons are in the midst of buying Warner Brothers  Discovery for $110 billion. The deal is undergoing intense federal and state antitrust scrutiny. It is expected to take 6 to 18 months to officially close, pending tapproval by the Trump's regime.

If approved by the FCC, besides CBS, the Ellisons would also get CNN which has sparked intense debate over the control of national information. Lawmakers have specifically raised concerns about potential political influence over news editorial decisions.

Internal morale at CBS is reportedly in a "death spiral" as staffers watch nearly a century of prestige—including the now-shuttered CBS Radio—be dismantled in real-time. For the AANHPI community, the message is loud and clear: at the new CBS, diversity and experience aren't a strength—they are targets.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

UC Berkeley awarded $5 million grant to expand study of AANHPI Christians

CHRISTIANITY TODAY

AANHPI Christians are an often overlooked demographic.

Most Americans still view Asian Americans are Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus or Muslim, adding to the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype that haunts AANHPI.

“Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Christians are the largest religious group," says Ethnic Studies Professor Caroly Chen of University of California, Berkeley.

UC Berkeley's APARRI, part of the Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion, has secured a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to expand the study of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Christian experiences. 

The initiative will fund archival projects, media fellowships, and public lectures to highlight the diversity of AAPI faith communities in American history. 

        FYI: For more details about the APARRI, click here.

The Christian majority among AANHPI is "something that is not commonly known, nor is it a dimension of AAPI life that often is studied in academia,” sys Chen, who serves as the executive director of APARRI and co-director of BCSR.

 “Our goal is to transform and diversify our understanding and knowledge of American Christianity and highlight the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” 

Pew Research Center findings:

According the Pew Research Center, roughly 34% identify as Christian as of 2023. This diverse community includes prominent evangelical, Protestant, and Catholic groups, frequently characterized by distinct first-generation immigrant churches alongside second-generation English-speaking ministries.

Affiliation Breakdown: Asian American Christians are roughly split between Catholics (17%) and Protestants (16%). Among Protestants, approximately 10% identify as born-again or evangelical.

Ethnic Concentration:

• Filipino Americans: Predominantly Catholic (roughly 75%).

• Korean Americans: Predominantly Protestant (roughly 59%), with a high concentration of evangelicals.

• Chinese & Vietnamese Americans: While these groups have high numbers of religiously unaffiliated or Buddhist members, significant Christian minorities exist (roughly 15-30%).

The UC grant and study comes at an important time for exploring American Christianity, when most of the public attention is focused on white Christian nationalism, Chen said. “But in fact, American Christianity is becoming increasingly non-white.”

“On one hand, you have a side that's digging in on a white nativist understanding of American Christianity,” she added. “And then on the other side, you have this growing population of folks who have a very different experience of Christianity, race and nation.” 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Jessica Pegula ousted from Miami Open

Jess Pegula fought hard all the way but frustration mounted as she lost to Elena Rybakina.

The streak is officially a hex. Jessica Pegula (WTA No. 5) just can’t find the code to crack the Elena Rybakina (WTA No. 4) enigma, dropping her fifth straight match to the Kazakh powerhouse in a heartbreaking 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 collapse at the Miami Open quarterfinals.

For a minute there, it looked like the narrative was finally changing. The Korean American tennis veteran came out like a woman possessed, slicing through the first set 6-2 in a cool 35 minutes while Rybakina looked stuck in the mud. But if we’ve learned anything from this rivalry, it’s that Rybakina is never truly out until the handshake.

The wheels started wobbling in the second set. Pegula, 32, had three chances to break at 2-2—moments that likely would have buried the match—but she couldn't convert. The younger Rybakina smelled the hesitation, cranked up the serve (finishing with 15 aces), and never looked back. By the time they reached the third, the momentum had completely flipped.

The frustration was palpable. Pegula, usually the stoic professional, let the emotions fly with a mid-match rant that caught the mics, proving just how much this specific matchup is living rent-free in her head. Despite actually winning more total points (100 to 98), Pegula remains the bridesmaid in this rivalry.

“I’m putting myself right there,” Pegula told media. “I’m ­giving myself the chances and the ­opportunities, I think I have elevated my game, I’ve become a better player. I am definitely challenging them, both of them. That’s kind of all I can ask of myself and hopefully some of the wins will come along.”

Next up, Jess heads to the green clay of the Credit One Charleston Open, where she’ll look to defend her title starting March 30, 2026. It’s just the reset she needs to flush this hard-court hex and find her footing on the dirt.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Miami Open: Pegula carries AAPI torch into the quarterfinals

Korean American Jessica Pegula faces her toughest test today at the Miami Open.

Jessica Pegula isn’t just winning; she’s carrying the torch. After a clinical 6-4, 6-1 demolition of Jaqueline Cristian, the world No. 5 is officially the last Asian American standing in the Miami Open draw, and she’s doing it with the quiet, relentless efficiency that has become her trademark.

Watching Jessie work on the Butch Buchholz court was a masterclass in "The Edge." Playing the best tennis" she has ever played, Pegula represents a specific kind of excellence: grounded, unwavering, and tactically superior. She didn't just win this match; she suffocated it.

Pegula faced zero break points. In a game often defined by momentum swings, she refused to give Cristian even an inch of daylight.

At one point in the second set, Jessie rattled off 10 straight points. That’s not just good tennis; that’s being "in the zone" while everyone else is still checking their watches.

By moving into the quarterfinals, she joins Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only American women to reach five consecutive Miami QFs. That is the kind of air—elite, rare, and hard-earned—that defines a legacy.

Pegula, whose mother is Korean, is the lone Asian American representative left in the heat of Miami.

Next up is a heavy-hitting clash with No. 3-ranked Elena Rybakina today slated for a 10 a.m. EDT start. It’s the veteran composure of Pegula versus the raw power of Rybakina—a true test of whether Jessie’s surgical precision can dismantle one of the tour’s biggest serves. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a developing story. Check back later for results. For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Poll: Trump immigration and economic policies drive AAPI voters back to Democrats

In St. Paul Minnesota, ICE agents broke open a door and detained a Hmong elder in shorts and
 slippers in the middle of winter earlier this year.

As the Donald Trump regime ramps up its enforcement machine, a staggering 73% of AAPI adults now view ICE with pure unfavorability.

The latest dispatch from AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center reveals a community under siege, with reports of AAPI deaths in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody and the separation of families, stomach-churning treatment of detainees—from being denied basic medical care to being held in dehumanizing conditions while awaiting deportation—casting a dark shadow over the community.

A solid 61% of AAPI folks say Trump’s hardline immigration and border policies have done nothing but cause harm, a sentiment that runs much deeper than the 42% seen in the general U.S. population. While the administration beats the drum of "security," the AAPI community sees it for what it is: a direct threat. In fact, 67% of our people believe these deportation tactics have gone way too far, especially when only 2 in 10 AAPI adults actually think rounding up undocumented immigrants should be a top priority for this government.

        FYI: Read the full report from AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center.

Nearly three-quarters of AAPI adults report that the administration’s economic policies have actively hurt their ability to survive, with 8 in 10 feeling the squeeze of a rising cost of living that seems designed to leave us behind.

When ICE agents went to New York City's Chinatown, they were met passersby and
residents rotested their presence.

A massive 76% of AAPI adults believe the administration’s aggressive tariffs have crossed the line, with many fearing these trade barriers will do nothing but drive up the price of the basic goods we need to get through the day. Add to that the 62% who say the White House’s approach to the labor market has actually strangled job creation, and you have a recipe for a community that feels economically abandoned.

A legacy of uncertainty

Roughly 71% of AAPI adults think the administration has been far too quick to use the US military to intervene in other countries and this was before the US and Israel attacked Iran. 

This hawkishness, combined with a bleak economic outlook, has left a legacy of doubt: only 29% of our community believes the next generation will actually have a better life than their parents.

A massive 72% of AAPI adults hold an unfavorable view of Trmp, and that disdain extends down the line. Whether it’s JD Vance at 65% unfavorable, RFK Jr. at 59%, or Marco Rubio at 55%, the verdict from the AAPI community is clear: this leadership doesn't represent us, and it certainly isn't protecting us.

View from the edge

What the findings suggest is that the AAPI voters who had moved rightward in 2024 are re-evaluating their choice for President and moving from the right and undecided ranks back to the progressive and center. 

The survey conducted in February of this year counters the slew of articles and analyses from so-called experts giving the false impression that AAPI communities' slight shift  to the right was permanent. Instead, the recent poll indicates that a significant segment of AAPI voters are persuadable depending on recent developments.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Alex Eala's dream slammed by reality check in Miami Open

Alexandra Eala ranking drops after her loss Monday.

Alexandra Eala's Cinderella run at the Miami Open hit a wall on Monday, March 23, 2026, as she fell to 13th seed Karolína Muchová in the Round of 16.

The "Eala Effect" that captivated the Hard Rock Stadium for a week finally met its match in the clinical precision of Muchová. While the 6-0, 6-2 scoreline looks like a blowout on paper, it was more of a masterclass in experience. Muchová used her signature variety—slices, drop shots, and flat power—to keep the 20-year-old Filipina completely off-balance.

Eala, who had already stunned Grand Slam champions in previous rounds, found herself in a "bagel" set within 22 minutes. She showed her trademark "never-say-die" grit in the second set, finally getting on the board at 0-4, but Muchová never allowed a single break point the entire match.

FYI: The last remaiinng Asian American in the tournament, Jessica Pegula faces Jaqueline Cristian today, 7 p.m EDT.

The Eala Effect

Despite the lopsided score, the atmosphere at the Grandstand was electric. It could have been played in Manila. Even with the lopsided final score, she still left the court to a chorus of cheers.

It absolutely sounded like a home court advantage for Eala. Even when she was down big, the "Laban Alex!" (Fight Alex!) cheers and the waving of Philippine flags were relentless.

The crowd was predominantly Filipino. The Miami area’s large Pinoy community—and those who flew in—turned the stadium into a sea of blue, red, and yellow.

On social media and in the stands, the sentiment was one of "Pinoy Pride" over disappointment. Fans noted her "maturity beyond her years" and focused on her historic run to the fourth round rather than the final match. One fan aptly summed it up: "Reality knocked, but Alex is still a warrior trained at the Nadal Academy; the best is yet to come."

What’s next?

Eala exits after earning roughly $105,720 in prize money, falling from No. 29 to No. 45 in the WTA rankings.

The 20-year old won't have long to dwell on the loss. Eala will have plenty of opportunity to improve her ranking as she heads to the Upper Austria Ladies Linz starting April 6, kicking off her clay-court season at the WTA 500 event.

The Filipina is then likely to take part in both the Madrid and Italian Opens before making her way to Paris for the French Open.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.