Over 40 AANHPI community groups staging an historic Unity March, June 25

The AANHPI communities have been staging ad hoc marches for the last two years. 

Some of the United State's best known nonprofit organizations serving the diverse Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities are putting aside cultural, linguistic and geographic differences in a demonstration of unity. 

The first-ever Unity March will take place on June 25, 2022, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the shadow of the Washington Monument and in view of the White House  

“The goal is to galvanize Asian Americans and allies across multiple issues, and educate folks about the issues that our communities face — not only as Asian Americans but as people of color, as LGBTQ folks, as folks with disabilities,” Tiffany Chang, a Unity March spokesperson. told NBC.

“Asian American communities have been disproportionately plagued by widespread violence, racism and xenophobia that runs rampant across American society,” she said.  “It’s time for our nation’s leaders to stop offering band-aid solutions to longstanding systemic issues by advancing adequate, sustainable policies that drive long-term positive impact for our communities.” 

R&B/Pop artist Thuy, award-winning producer and trans rights advocate Geena Rocero, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, and NYC-based hate crime survivor Esther Lee are among the speakers who will join more than 40 nonprofits—including Asian American Advancing Justice – AAJC, Gold House, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund—in urging AAPI communities and their allies to advance the Unity March Equity Platform. 

“It’s an honor for me to be able to be a part of this momentous event. Thank you to the organizers for bringing together our community. I’m so proud to be Vietnamese American and to come from immigrant parents who have taught me to be resilient and to use my voice to advocate for what’s right and what I’m passionate about,” said Thuy, R&B/Pop artist.

“I am a very proud transgender Filipina," added said Geena Rocero, award-winning producer, trans rights activist and model. "I find my power rooted in the resilience of my ancestors and my lived experience. It is a huge honor to be in community – to be with family – for this historic Unity March.” 

The Unity March is the first call to action to fight against systemic oppression and the systems that stand in the way of full participation by all, states a press release. 

"We march because we believe every single person in the country must have a voice in our local, state, and federal governments. And, that a fair society and economy values and protects workers, asserting all workers’ rights to dignity and security regardless of industry, citizenship, and/or employment status. We exist to tell our own diverse and authentic stories and disrupt harmful narratives," the statement continued.

The Equity Platform put forth by March organizers serves as a critical stepping stone to ensuring equitable representation and rights for all. 

Unity March, and multicultural partners representing the intersection of Asian American,  LGBTQ+, Muslim, disability communities, Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latinx, and Arab communities, will be uniting to demand progress toward achieving its Equity Platform, which calls for:

• Full Participation in Democracy, meaning a pathway to citizenship for undocumented members and long-term visa holders, access to voting and civic power for traditionally disenfranchised citizens, especially people of color and historically under-resourced communities.
• ‍Racial and Economic Justice, including holding the public and private sectors accountable for investing in workers’ rights and providing equal access to financial empowerment for small businesses, entrepreneurs of color, and women.
• ‍Cultural Equity and Media Representation, that promotes more diverse, authentic narratives and fights harmful stereotypes so we can create culturally dynamic, equitable and inclusive schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. 

The United March Host Committee Members are:

• Asian American Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC)
• Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
• Gold House
• Indian American Impact Project
• National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
• OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates
• Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)

For more information:

WHO: For a full list of Unity March Organization Partners, visit www.UnityMarch.com.

WHAT: The Unity March will be held on June 25, 2022, 

WHEN: The March will start at 12 p.m. ET 

WHERE: The National Mall in Washington, D.C. between 4th Street and 7th Street.

Acknowledging that the event iss being held in unprecedented times, Unity March organizations have implemented Covid-19 guidelines.

“The truth is, when we are not safe, we cannot advance towards the promise of a more perfect union, where racial and economic justice, cultural equity, and full participation in democracy is possible,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director at APIAVote, “The Unity March will push for change that allows all people equitable access to these opportunities to thrive.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: In keeping with Edge guidelines of calling people what they call themselves, in this article, we use the genderless "x" in place of the gender-specific "o" or "a" in naming some communities. For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

AAPI leaders voice support for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson gave remarks after being introduced by President Joe Biden and
 Vice President Kamala Harris.

President Biden announced Friday that he is nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer and received the support of AAPI community advocates.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) issued the following statement:

“I am thrilled at President Biden’s choice of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman justice on the Supreme Court! Over her long career, Judge Jackson has demonstrated a true commitment to public service and justice, qualities which have already led to her being confirmed by a strong bipartisan vote to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. As a lawyer on the US Sentencing Committee, a public defender, and an experienced Federal judge, Judge Jackson brings an important perspective to the court that will be essential for protecting the rights of all Americans.

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and member organizations issued the following statements after President Biden announced Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his pick for the Supreme Court of the United States.

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for making history as the first Black woman nominated to be a Supreme Court Justice, and we applaud President Biden for this selection.

“Our coalition has long held that the work of racial and gender justice cannot be viewed as a zero sum game for communities of color. When the highest court in the land moves one step closer to reflecting the diversity of the country, that is a win for all of us,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of NCAPA. “With the Supreme Court taking up so many cases of importance to our community members, ensuring another diverse perspective is now more critical than ever.”

Priya Purandare, Executive Director, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) commented:

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is exceptionally well qualified to serve on our nation’s highest court. Women and persons of color—including AAPIs—continue to be underrepresented on our courts. If confirmed, we will have four women justices and the most diverse Supreme Court in history. We applaud President Biden’s commitment to creating a judiciary that reflects our nation and we urge the Senate quickly to confirm Judge Jackson.”

Madalene Mielke, President & CEO of Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) commented:

“APAICS applauds President Biden for keeping his promise to diversify the leadership in our country by nominating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. We understand better than anyone that, oftentimes, qualified women of color are overlooked for leadership positions. It is critical that we continue to create a pipeline to elevate individuals that can represent our country and the diversity within it.”

Juliet K. Choi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) stated:

“We are encouraged that President Biden has followed through with his campaign promise to nominate a Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Diversity and representation at the apex of our nation’s institutions is critical to making underserved communities like ours heard, and we celebrate the work that the Administration has, and will continue to progress equity and justice.”

Hope Atuel, CEO of Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) said:

“The Asian Real Estate Association of America congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for attaining the rare distinction of a Supreme Court Justice nomination, and for being the first Black woman in history to receive this honor.

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s extensive resume and experience in the field make her a highly qualified candidate, and we extend our support and trust to her to uphold the founding doctrine of our country. As proud Americans, the AAPI community benefits from any justice that follows the American ideals of liberty and justice for all.”

Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA) added:

“The Supreme Court is not truly reflective of the country it serves, which is why this nomination is so incredibly important. The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will shatter a historic barrier and hopefully set a precedent for the proper inclusion of people of color in government.”

Anjuli Amin, Ph.D., President of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) said:

“The Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on their historic nomination to the Supreme Court. This nomination is a critical step towards uplifting all communities of color. It comes at a crucial point in our fight for justice and in ensuring the Supreme Court becomes a more accurate reflection of the diversity present within our country.”

David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) commented:

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is an excellent nominee for the Supreme Court, with unimpeachable credentials. Rather than ask why Judge Jackson has been nominated above other candidates, we should be asking why they have been passed over previously for consideration. When President Biden was campaigning, he promised to nominate a Black woman so that the court would look more like America. Swift confirmation of Judge Jackson will move us in that direction.

Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) added:

“SALDEF congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her nomination. Today’s nomination is a historic sign of progress for our country. The elevation of a Black woman to the Supreme Court is a signal that America’s highest institutions can be inclusive of persons of all backgrounds and all experiences. Judge Jackson is an experienced legal advocate and we urge the Senate to confirm her to the bench.”

Mona R. Shah, Executive Director of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA) stated:

“The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA) congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her well deserved nomination to be a Supreme Court Justice. SABA also praises the Biden Administration for this historic and needed choice.”

Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) commented:

“The nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is absolutely historic. Judge Jackson is one of the most qualified candidates in the country and we welcome her nomination as a huge step for representation and equality for all communities including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Supreme Court today faces fundamental questions regarding our democracy and our right to vote, therefore it is of the utmost importance we have Supreme Court justices who understand the unique circumstances of our diverse nation. We see promise in Judge Jackson’s ability to do this.”

Jeffrey B. Caballero, Executive Director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) said:

“AAPCHO commends President Biden for nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. Diversity and representation are critical to understanding and addressing institutional, systemic, and structural barriers that perpetuate our nation’s inequities. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s expertise and lived experience will provide the court with an important perspective as it considers the most critical legal questions facing the nation. AAPCHO and our member community health centers urge the Senate to quickly confirm Judge Jackson.”

John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice – AAJC) stated:

“The Supreme Court needs to serve and reflect the diversity of America, and we celebrate the nomination of a woman of color, and the first black woman, to the highest court in the land. We need justices on the Supreme Court who have a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under the law, understand the lived experiences of communities of color, and who will ensure the civil rights of all communities are protected.”

Kenrick I. Ross, Executive Director of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) said:

“NQAPIA applauds the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Along with being eminently qualified for this role, the nominee will bring a unique perspective to issues heard before the court in a moment when the basic rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Asians and Pacific Islanders and other marginalized groups are being decided. We applaud President Biden in taking this historic step, and for moving at such a rapid pace to have all levels of the judicial system better reflect the true diversity of America”

Marielle A. Reataza, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA) added:

“We wholly support President Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Supreme Court Justice. The next Justice is filling a seat during a time in which Americans are aching for representation and seeking guidance on how to move forward. We believe that she is well-qualified and poised for this role. Congratulations, Judge Jackson!”

Sung Yeon Choimorrow, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) stated:

“NAPAWF is thrilled to celebrate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the highest court in the land. She is an exceptional jurist with a breadth of experience and a demonstrated pattern of excellence over the course of her accomplished career. Judge Jackson’s historical nomination is a meaningful step to ensuring that the highest court in the land is closer to reflecting the diversity of our country and NAPAWF.”

Tavae Samuelu, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) stated:

“EPIC celebrates the nomination of Judge Jackson. It’s incumbent upon us to ensure that though she is the first, she cannot be the last. This is a step toward correcting the longstanding exclusion of Black women from seats of power.”

Alvina Yeh, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO commented:

“We congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her nomination to the United States Supreme Court. As the high court’s first former public defender, Jackson brings with her invaluable experiences and perspectives from issues impacting the most vulnerable members of our community. While serving on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, she successfully helped to reduce the recommended penalties for nonviolent drug offenders, demonstrating her commitment to reform the criminal legal system. Jackson’s confirmation would strengthen the progressive and women’s voice on the court, which is critical when attacks to abortion access, worker protections, and civil rights are being contested across the nation. We call for a swift confirmation for Judge Jackson!”

Becky Belcore, Co-Director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) added:

“Recognizing the diversity of communities and experiences in the United States is a vital step towards creating more equitable systems and reducing harm. It is imperative and urgent that our judicial systems, including and especially the highest court, reflect, recognize, and center the communities their decisions will most impact.”

Seema Agnani, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) said:

“National CAPACD congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her well-deserved Supreme Court nomination. We are proud to witness the first Black woman nominated to the highest legal institution in our country, and we are encouraged by the Biden Administration’s commitment to appoint leaders who reflect the diversity—and determine the futures—of the communities they serve. We urge the Administration to swiftly confirm Judge Jackson as the Supreme Court faces critical decisions that will determine whether we, as a country, move toward equity and racial justice.”

Rod Lew, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership (APPEAL) commented:

“President Biden’s SCOTUS nomination marks a historic day. This is a step forward for racial and gender justice. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s experience and knowledge will have positive impacts for communities of color for generations to come.”

Additionally, A.B. Cruz III, acting president of NAPABA released the following statement:

“NAPABA congratulates Judge Jackson on her historic nomination to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a brilliant legal scholar and is well qualified to serve on the Court. President Biden’s promise to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court underscores his commitment to diversifying our judiciary. Notably, women and persons of color, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, continue to be underrepresented on our courts.""

DAY OF ACTION: The United States began making anti-Asian laws as early as 1790

Why today, March 26, of all days? Why is the AAPI community asking all Americans to reflect and act on this day?

On March 26, 1790, the Naturalization Act was signed into law, prohibiting non-white people from becoming citizens of the United States. Over 200 years later, Asians in the U.S. are still suffering from the effects of the racism our country was founded upon. Asian elders are being physically assaulted in the streets. Asian American children are afraid to go back to school. We are still grieving the murders of 6 Asian women in a racially-motivated killing spree in Atlanta last week.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Views From the Edge will be posting #StopAsianHate throughout the day.

Trump, GOP leaders condemned for use of "China virus" for the pandemic

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

Donald Trump continues to link COVID-19 to China and Chinese people.

Several Republicans, including Donald Trump, are being criticized for labeling the coronavirus the “China virus” raising the level of anti-Asian fears.

Trump reiterated the need to build a US-Mexico border wall to protect Americans from the “China virus” in a tweet: “Going up fast. We need the Wall more than ever!”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and several Republican congress members have also referred to the virus in ethnic terms.

Democratic politicians, including Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Ted Lieu, and presidential candidate Joe Biden, were quick to denounce the xenophobic names.

“A wall won’t stop a virus. Racism won’t stop a virus. Do your job,” Biden tweeted in response.

The World Health Organization this morning (March 11) has officially the spread of COVID-19 a "pandemic." A pandemic is a disease that is spreading in multiple countries around the world at the same time.

Despite a letter from the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, made up of AAPI members of Congress, some GOP lawmakers continue to link the virus to China where it originated. But rather than deter, it seems to have emboldened some Republicans to attach ethnicity to the virus. 

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., for one, sent a news release Sunday that he was requesting information about “Chinese Coronavirus Deaths in Florida.”

Linking the virus appears to have escalated in the last few days with the leader of the House GOP and Trump using or endorsing similar language.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have seen a surge of discriminatory rhetoric and violent attacks against Asian Americans across the country,” iterated Chu in a letter from the Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Even just looking Asian has been enough to incite attackers to hurl insults and accuse individuals of being disease carriers.” 

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a notice that cautions against linking the pathogen to a specific group of people.

"At this time most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, some people are worried about the disease," reads the CDC notice. "Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans. Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease (for example, Chinese Americans and other Asian Americans living in the United States).

"Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem. We can fight stigma and help not hurt others by providing social support. We can communicate the facts that being Chinese or Asian American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), sent a letter to House and Senate leadership to call for unity and publicly denounce the racist and xenophobic attacks on Asian Americans. A link to the letter can be found here:

The NCAPA issued the following statement:

“While we recognize and are grateful for the leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and others in Congress to relieve the fear and anxiety the coronavirus has created for all Americans, it has become clear that Congressional leadership should follow their example and do more. Our country needs unified, visible and strong leadership to address the growing hostile rhetoric against the Asian American community.

"This letter is a call to action from the civil rights community to hold Congress accountable and help bring our country together, while not letting fear and misinformation divide us. We urge House and Senate leadership to lead by example, and resist stoking fear and xenophobia, while taking tangible steps to demonstrate that our country’s leaders are committed to standing against racism.”

“While the rise of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the United States is a legitimate and pressing public health concern, we urge health care providers and all individuals sharing information about the disease to combat misinformation and discrimination that put patients and broader communities at risk," said Jeffrey Caballero, executive director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations.

"We urge common sense, such as following practical safeguards as recommended by the CDC and your local and state public health departments," continued Caballero. "This is a global emergency that should be met with both urgency and also cultural awareness that COVID-19 is not isolated to a single ethnic population. Xenophobic attacks and discrimination towards Asian American communities are unacceptable and will not make our families safer or healthier.”

The Chinese government has also condemned U.S. politicians for using unscientific terms to “stigmatize” the country, reports The Guardian.

“Despite the fact that the WHO [World Health Organization] has officially named this novel type of coronavirus, certain American politician[s], disrespecting science and the WHO decision, jumped at the first chance to stigmatize China and Wuhan with it. We condemn this despicable practice,” said Chinese spokesman Geng Shuang.

AsAm News contributed to this report.

CDC warns against the disease of anti-Asian attacks

I was walking down Broadway on a warm winter day in Oakland. Approaching was a woman and man with those surgical masks on. I thought it was strange that they were wearing ihe masks around the neck instead of covering the nose and mouth.

As we passed each other, they deliberately coughed.

A microagression? or was it a genuine case of itchy throat? I couldn't help but think of the timing -- just as they were passing me. Paranoia is growing because of the coronavirus.

Attacks -- minor, like mine to physical altercations are rising as the coronovirus or COVID-19, becomes more prevalent. Xenophobia against Asians is spreading even faster. It is as if the virus has given people permission to openly display their anti-Asian racism.

Business is drastically down at Chinese restaurants. Tourists are noticeably absent from Chinatown streets. From hard resentful glares from fellow commuters to a resurgence (it never went away) of the "Go-back-to-China," expletives, the fear of the virus and anti-Asian bias is on the rise.

My experience was minor compared to some of the stories around the country. It has gotten so bad that the US Centers for Disease Control, the same federal agency fighting the spread of the virus, felt compelled to issue a notice about anti-Asian acts and statements.

"At this time most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, some people are worried about the disease," reads the notice. "Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans. Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease (for example, Chinese Americans and other Asian Americans living in the United States).

"Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem. We can fight stigma and help not hurt others by providing social support. We can communicate the facts that being Chinese or Asian American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."

Stigmatized groups may be subjected to:

• Social avoidance or rejection
• Denials of healthcare, education, housing or employment
• Physical violence.

"Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient," says the CDC.

The Asian American Journalists Association put out guidelines to editors and reporters to refrain from referring to the virus as the Chinese disease, or showing Asian people wearing facemasks.

"This is a global emergency that should be met with both urgency and also cultural awareness that COVID-19 is not isolated to a single ethnic population. Xenophobic attacks and discrimination towards Asian American communities are unacceptable and will not make our families safer or healthier,” said Jeffrey Caballero, executive director of Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO).The CDC has also issued additional guidelines to officials and communicators to:

• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of those seeking healthcare and those who may be part of any contact investigation.
• Quickly communicate the risk or lack of risk from associations with products, people, and places.
• Raise awareness about COVID-19 without increasing fear.
• Share accurate information about how the virus spreads.
• Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities.
• Be cautious about the images that are shared. Make sure they do not reinforce stereotypes.
• Engage with stigmatized groups in person and through media channels including news media and social media.
• Thank healthcare workers and responders. People who have traveled to areas where the COVID-19 outbreak is happening to help have performed a valuable service to everyone by helping make sure this disease does not spread further.
• Share the need for social support for people who have returned from China or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region. 

“Many Asian Americans are just as concerned as everyone else about the coronavirus--even more so considering how in some cases, our extended families could be impacted," said Gregg Orton, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). "But to let someone’s health status be a measure of how American they are is absurd. Mass hysteria will not help, and neither will bigotry.”

AAPI health advocates blast Supreme Court's 'public charge' ruling

The US Supreme Court’s decision Jan. 28 allowing the Trump administration to begin implementing the Department of Homeland Security’s revised public charge regulation continues to draw strong reactions from health agencies serving the AAPI communities.

The SCOTUS decision doesn't end the debate. Multiple cases challenging the rule continue in the lower courts. 

In a 5-4 decision along party lines, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted a nationwide injunction blocking the rule from taking effect. The rule threatens the health and wellbeing of Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants and all families.

Three nationwide organizations released the following statements in response to the High Court's decision:

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA):

“Decisions such as this continues to signal to the rest of the world that America is no longer a place that welcomes immigrants. Unfortunately, once again the highest court in our country has given the green light to government-sanctioned xenophobia. The public charge rule put forth by the Trump Administration ignores the plight of many Asian American and Pacific Islander families, and by forcing them to choose between receiving public assistance or their legal pathway, they face poverty, poor health, and uncertainty. NCAPA is disappointed in the decision and will continue to advocate for the American values that brought our communities here in the first place because that is what we all deserve.”

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Executive Director, Jeffrey Caballero:

“AAPCHO and our member community health centers have already seen the chilling effects on our patients. They are foregoing essential services, disenrolling from benefits they are eligible for, or just not showing up to receive the care they need out of confusion and fear. No one should sacrifice their quality of life or put their loved one’s health in jeopardy out of fear of being separated from their families. AAPCHO condemns this rule and the immoral, unjust policies that discriminate against immigrants who contribute much to our country. AAPCHO will continue to work to ensure better access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistic care to prevent detrimental health outcomes. With our partners, we'll fight against the rule in the courts, in Congress, and at the ballot box.”

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Executive Vice President, Juliet K. Cho:

“We are disappointed that the Supreme Court is permitting the public charge rule to move forward. The public charge rule is antithetical to who we are as a country and targets, primarily, hard-working immigrant families of color. While the regulation directly impacts only a small number of people, the rule has already led to many families and individuals dis-enrolling from otherwise eligible health programs. Standing in solidarity with all of our partners, APIAHF will continue to organize community action against the Trump administration’s public charge rule and protect our immigrant families from unjust policies. 2020 is a critical election year, where every vote matters. It is important, more than ever, to empower our communities in exercising their right to vote for leaders who support the American values we believe in.”

RELATED: SCOTUS temporarily allows 'public charge' to take effect

A softer, 'presidential' tone doesn't change Trump's policies, say AAPI critics & doubters

CAPAC asks - once, again - for meeting with Trump

Rep. Judy Chu, right, expresses her displeasure of President Trump's comments.

SORRY, TRUMP FANS. Just because Donald Trump proved he could read a teleprompter and he could speak with an "indoor voice," as one pundit described Trump's performance at the Joint Session of Congress, does not make him "presidential."

One night's performance doesn't erase the first five weeks of his administration or the nearly two year's of hate-inducing campaign rhetoric or the lies that flow too easily out of his mouth. As former GOP candidate Sarah Palin might say, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig."

The softer tone of the address spurred the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) to send another letter to him requesting a meeting.

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA, sent the first letter on Nov. 23, 2016 to then President-elect Donald Trump requesting that he meet with the Caucus to discuss pertinent issues impacting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. To date, CAPAC has not received a response regarding either meeting request.

“Since its inception, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has engaged with both Democratic and Republican presidents to discuss issues of importance to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said Chu. “These meetings have led to greater understanding of the issues impacting our communities and opened lines of communication to address these problems. 

President Trump still has to do more to convince
anyone that he has softened his tone.

"It is disappointing that our request to meet with President Trump has been ignored for so long. As the fastest growing racial population in the country, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a myriad of priorities that they would like to raise with the President – from the Muslim travel ban to the need to fix our broken immigration system. If President Trump is sincere about working to create unity in our country, I urge him to meet with CAPAC and work with us to address the diverse issues impacting the millions of Americans that we represent.”

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Ca was a bit more blunt. “President Trump used a new tone ... to repeat the same dishonest and dangerous ideas. On health care, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy, he continued his pattern of misrepresenting reality to justify policies that will hurt middle-class families and jeopardize America’s safety.

“It is particularly striking that after seven years and countless promises to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Republicans are still repeating generic principles while offering no detailed plan and no legislation.

“After a month characterized by rambling press conferences and petty tweets, President Trump will likely be applauded for meeting the minimum standard we expect out of the leader of the free world. But his willingness to abandon the truth remains unprecedented, and his eagerness to portray immigrants as criminals is offensive and dangerous.

“Despite shifting his tone, the same reckless President Trump appeared before a Joint Session of Congress tonight. And I fully expect him to tweet about his television ratings tomorrow.”

“Last night, President Trump purported to provide a message of unity, but instead continued his tireless condemnation of immigrants," said Asian Americans Advancing Justice in a statement. "He divided the room with more anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies that seek to scapegoat and subjugate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), among other communities of color."

AAAJ, a coalition of legal organizations, noted the president's comments on immigration continued to depict immigrants as criminals contrary to several reports that say the opposite is true. Immigrants are less likely to commit a crime than native-born Americans.

"Rather than take the opportunity to speak up for immigrant and Muslim families, he used the family members of victims of tragic but rare events to vilify immigrants and stir fear and hatred. He described the creation of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will list immigrants who have committed crimes. This plan serves no other purpose than to demonize immigrants and fuel racist propaganda, despite the reality that the true face of immigrants consists of peaceful families, workers, neighbors, and community members.

AAAJ also was troubled by Trump's plan to focus more on merit-based immigration, possibly dismantling the emphasis on family reunification. "A proposal that would dismantle the family-based immigration system that is responsible for the diversity we have in America today is a direct attack on our communities, keeping families separated and preventing immigrant communities from taking root."

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) National Director Christopher Kang issued a statement responding to Trump's speech.

"Although the president then promised a message of unity, he delivered more of the same anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies that seek to divide us. He declared that America must put its citizens first—relegating immigrants and refugees to second-class status—and repeatedly attacked immigrants as a drain on our economy and a source of increased crime, despite overwhelming evidence that both of these claims are lies. While the president spoke of keeping Americans safe, he continued to promote his administration’s inhumane immigration enforcement policies that only generate more fear in our communities. He also continued to fuel Islamophobia by declaring that we must “protect our nation from radical Islamic terrorism”—language his own National Security Advisor has repudiated."

“The President failed to provide comfort to the hundreds of thousands of DREAMers and their families who live under constant fear of deportation in California and across the country," said Sen. Kamala Harris, D-CA. "Treating all immigrants like criminals disparages the millions of incredibly hardworking and patriotic families who simply want a chance at the American dream.

“The President failed to provide assurances to the 5 million Californians who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance. Let’s be clear – access to health care is not the guarantee of health care. The American people are counting on us to improve and build on what we’ve made, not go back to a time when insurance companies could discriminate against women or those with a preexisting condition.

“And the President failed to speak to refugees, many of whom have been vetted for two years, but are now facing a country that denies them entry. I sat with refugees in California who were detained in airports for hours with their families and lawyers on the other side of a door. This is wrong and it makes us less safe.