On Tuesday, April 26, AABANY co-sponsored with AALDEF, SABANY and MuBANY an event hosted by Skadden’s Asian Attorney Affinity Network in advance of APA Heritage Month called “What Does It Mean to be an American?: A Conversation on Immigration Reform and the Global Refugee Crisis.” Former Skadden Fellows Nisha Agarwal and Steve Choi engaged in the conversation. Nisha is currently Commissioner of New York City’s MOIA (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs). Steve is currently Executive Director of NYIC (New York Immigration Coalition).

Nisha and Steve talked about the work of their respective organizations to secure and promote immigrant rights, the challenges they face in doing that work, the case of United States v. Texas which was just argued before the United States Supreme Court, how the global refugee crisis has been addressed in New York City and the hostility being faced by refugees today. A lively question-and-answer period followed the conversation. Many of the attendees stayed for the reception after the program and continued the conversation around this important and timely topic.

Thanks to Skadden for hosting the event. AABANY was privileged to take part as a co-sponsor with AALDEF, SABANY and MuBANY.