ABA Names Justice Maryka Omatsu and Judge Holly Fujie as Recipients of the 2025 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award

For Immediate Release:
Date: April 29, 2025

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is proud to announce that this week, the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession has named NAPABA members Justice Maryka Omatsu and Judge Holly Fujie as recipients of the 2025 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Each year, the Commission honors up to five outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and paved the way for other women in the legal profession.

Justice Maryka Omatsu is an icon of the Asian Canadian bar who, in 1993, set the stage for others to follow in her footsteps as the first Canadian woman of East Asian descent to be appointed as a judge in the entire country. She began her legal career in the 1970s as a human rights and environmental rights attorney who represented First Nations communities and held numerous prestigious appointments, including as Chair of the Ontario Boards of Inquiry and later Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Appeals Tribunal.

A third generation Japanese Canadian born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Justice Omatsu’s parents were incarcerated by Canadian authorities during the Second World War in a manner similar to the Japanese American experience. Justice Omatsu rose to nationwide prominence as a key leader of, and counsel for, the National Association of Japanese Canadians Redress negotiating team, who helped secure an historic human rights settlement between the Canadian Government and affected Japanese Canadians for their mistreatment during the war. In early 2006, Justice Omatsu set forth a vision for a Canadian analog to NAPABA and led the creation of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL). In 2013, NAPABA conferred Justice Omatsu with its Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award.

“Justice Maryka Omatsu continues to inspire and open doors for women in the legal profession and to do so across the largest land border in the world–serving as a role model for lawyers in both Canada and the United States,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “Through her distinguished career, towering achievements, and tenacious and proactive advocacy, she has secured lasting, systemic positive change for Canadian women on the bench, in the legal profession, and beyond.”

For over four decades, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly Fujie has been a strong, vocal, and effective champion for, and mentor to, countless women and minorities in the legal profession.

Judge Fujie was only the third woman and the first Asian American to serve as the President of the State Bar of California. Prior to joining the bench, she was a renowned litigator, handling complex litigation for a variety of clients, primarily in the financial services industry. Judge Fujie broke barriers as one of the first Asian American women elected to equity partnership at major Los Angeles firm at a time when there were nearly no other Asian American women attorneys becoming law firm partners in California.

She is Vice President of NAPABA’s Judicial Council and Co-Chair of the Multicultural Bar Alliance of Southern California. She serves on the Boards of the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance, the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, and the California Judges Foundation, and previously chaired Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Judicial Advisory Committee for the Central District of California. In 2010, NAPABA bestowed its Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award on Judge Fujie.

Throughout her career, Judge Fujie has individually mentored numerous women seeking to join and advance in the legal profession. But she believes that it is not merely enough to give advice to mentees but to actively do all she can to help them achieve success.

“Judge Holly Fujie continues to inspire and mentor so many in the California bar and across the country,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Her commitment to opening doors for women in the profession is matched only by her passion and dedication on a deeply personal level to ensuring that as many can succeed as possible.”

Also receiving the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award this year are:

  • Anita S. Earls; Senior Associate Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court, Durham, NC
  • Bridget Marsh; Executive Vice President and General Counsel, LSTA, Inc., New York, NY
  • Jami Wintz McKeon; Chair, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, PA

NAPABA congratulates all the recipients who will be honored during the ABA’s Annual Meeting in Toronto on August 10.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

Congratulations, Vincent Chang, 2025 Recipient of The Network of Bar Leaders’ President’s Award

On April 22, 2025, at The Harvard Club in New York City, the Network of Bar Leaders, a coalition representing over 50 bar associations in the greater New York Metropolitan area, honored Vincent Chang, Esq., Counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, with the President’s Award. The distinction is reserved for those who have advanced the legal profession through the values of leadership, collaboration, and community within and across bar associations.

With a legal career focused on complex commercial litigation, including securities, investment banking, hedge funds, bankruptcy, insurance, real estate, antitrust, and bondholder disputes, Vince brings a deep sense of responsibility to the profession. His resume includes serving as Immediate Past President of the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA), past President of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and a member of the Executive Council of the Network of Bar Leaders. He currently holds positions within the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, including serving as a Special Advisor to the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. Vince is one of those rare leaders who has left a lasting mark on the legal community not only through his work in the courtroom but also through the time, energy, and care he has poured into the bar associations that shape the future of law.

Vince’s journey in bar association leadership began with AABANY, a formative role that contributed to his collaborative approach to leadership. “My goal was to bring people together,” he recalled. His efforts not only unified the group but also doubled AABANY’s membership during his term. His ability to lead with transparency and unity laid the groundwork for a generation of new leaders, including James Chou and Yang Chen, both past presidents of AABANY. Yang now serves as its Executive Director. Vince credits AABANY as the launchpad for much of his bar association work. “It was the leadership opportunity that started everything. Without AABANY, I wouldn’t have joined other bar associations, wouldn’t have become part of the American Bar Association, wouldn’t have been president of the Network.” His leadership at AABANY set a standard that continues to influence the future of the legal community.

From there, his bar service expanded across the legal landscape. At NYCLA, he guided the association through the difficulties of COVID-19, restructured its physical offices to ensure financial stability, and upheld its legacy as a pioneer in legal diversity. “It was the first bar association to admit people of color, women, and non-Protestants,” he shared. “Serving as President was a high point in my career.” His leadership not only preserved NYCLA’s legacy but positioned it to thrive in a new era of law and inclusion.

What motivates someone to give so much time and energy to bar associations while maintaining a demanding legal career? For Vince, the answer is simple: the people. “There’s a lot of fellowship in bar associations,” he explained. “You learn from great people. You get to do fulfilling work. And you really don’t need a huge time commitment to get started. If you put more into it, you get more out of it. But even a small investment of time can open doors—meet judges, build networks, find mentors.” His message to younger attorneys is clear: “Carve out the time, no matter how difficult it seems. Bar associations are a fulfilling activity, and one that young lawyers ought to get involved in immediately if they can.” By prioritizing bar association involvement, young attorneys can unlock opportunities that extend from just their legal practice.

Across every organization he’s served, Vince has consistently advocated for the judiciary, particularly in securing fair pay and resources. “There was a time when judges went more than a dozen years without a raise. That’s unacceptable.” Through reports, testimonies, and public education, Chang helped lead the fight for change. “Supporting the judiciary is some of the most rewarding work I’ve done,” he said. His dedication to judicial advocacy has helped redefine how legal professionals understand the vital role of court support.

Beyond his work in bar associations, Vince’s legal career includes moments that many attorneys only dream of. One of the most memorable was a case that took him all the way to the United States Supreme Court. “It was a landmark case for Morgan Stanley, involving separation of powers. I’ll never forget seeing the justices in person,” he shared. The case was decided 4–4, which meant the previous court’s decision stayed in place. While Vince’s team did not win at the time, their argument was proven right when a later case confirmed the same legal principle. It was an experience that left a lasting impression both professionally and personally.

For the next generation of lawyers, Vince advises: “Putting your head down and working at your desk 12 hours a day won’t be enough. You have to meet people. You have to network. You have to learn from the broader profession.” He’s honest about what he would’ve done differently. “I didn’t really get involved in bar associations until I was 40. If you start in your 20s, you’ll get so much more out of it.” His advice serves as a reminder that success is built on connections, experience, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone.

However, Vince also sees real challenges ahead. As social media and changing lifestyles pull younger professionals away from traditional membership organizations, bar associations must adapt. “Many groups are struggling with membership. AABANY has done well because it has a young demographic to draw from and knows how to reach them. But we can’t take that for granted.” He points to studies like The Portrait Project to show how diversity efforts must continue beyond entry-level roles. “There’s a glass ceiling. Asian American attorneys are getting into the profession, but they’re not advancing at the highest levels—whether that’s partner, elected DA, or leadership in government. We need to figure out why.” The future of bar associations depends on their ability to evolve and break down barriers for underrepresented groups within the profession.

Vince’s contributions to the legal community go beyond his accolades and titles. They are a reflection to a life dedicated to service, leadership, and progress. Through his commitment to bar associations and mentorship of young attorneys, he has made a strong impact for generations to come. Vince’s legacy is not just in the offices he’s held or the cases he’s won, but in the lives he’s touched and the doors he’s opened for others. His leadership continues to shape the future of our legal system: one that is more inclusive, more equitable, and more united than ever before.

Vince reflected on the celebration with heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply grateful to my friends from the Asian American Bar Association of New York for sponsoring and attending this event. Including myself, there were five AABANY Presidents present. AABANY has always been close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see its continued growth and success under the leadership of Yang Chen and Ben Hsing.”

Congratulations, Vince Chang, 2025 Recipient of The Network of Bar Leaders’ President’s Award!

AABANY IP Committee Welcomes Spring with Monthly Dinner On March 31, 2025

On March 31, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee hosted its monthly dinner at Utsav.  Both familiar and new faces gathered to enjoy mouthwatering Indian cuisine while engaging in lively discussions on a range of topics, including racquet sports for the spring (e.g., tennis or pickleball), the evolving role of AI in our lives, and its growing impact on the legal industry.

A big thank you to everyone who attended! The IP Committee is always welcoming new members, and we encourage anyone interested in joining our community to get involved.

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can participate, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

Notice of Public Hearings: New York State Bar Examination

In January 2025, the Court of Appeals announced that, commencing with the July 2028 administration of the New York State bar examination, the Uniform Bar Examination will be replaced by the NextGen Bar Exam. At the same time, the Court appointed an advisory committee. The Committee, co-chaired by the Honorable Edward D. Carni (Ret. New York State Appellate Division Justice) and Sherry Levin Wallach, Deputy Executive Director of The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County and 2022-2023 President of the New York State Bar Association, is charged with preparing a report and recommendation to the Court of Appeals identifying options on whether, and to what extent, the Court should adopt pre- or post-admission requirements supplementing the NextGen Bar Exam to ensure competency to practice in New York. The report is expected by September 2025

To fulfill its responsibilities, the Committee will hold several virtual public hearings in May of 2025. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive the views of interested individuals, law offices, and organizations on possible options. The Committee is also interested in hearing, assuming the Court retains a New York-specific requirement, views regarding the areas of New York law that should be part of a licensing or continuing practice requirement. After the public hearings, the Committee will prepare a report for the New York Court of Appeals reviewing its findings.

The Committee will hold three four-hour virtual meetings as indicated below:

May 5, 2025, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
May 13, 2025, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
May 20, 2025, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Committee invites testimony on the following issues (the list is not exhaustive):

  • The relative importance of requiring bar applicants to complete a New York-law specific licensing component;
  • The advantages and/or disadvantages of the current New York Law Course (NYLC) and New York Law Examination (NYLE);
  • The advantages and/or disadvantages of alternatives to the current NYLC and NYLE, including eliminating or replacing an examination requirement;
  • Adoption of an open or closed book exam;
  • The impact that a different New York-specific licensing requirement would have on law school curricula and bar exam preparation;
  • A court-mandated New York law course and/or supervised clinic, internship, or externship in addition to the Court of Appeals experiential learning admissions rule 520.18;
  • Adoption of new Continuing Legal Education requirements, including courses based on simulations, hypotheticals, and class participation.

The Committee will consider both oral testimony and written submissions. All testimony is by invitation only. If you are interested in being invited to testify at the hearing, please send an email to [email protected] no later than 10 days in advance of the scheduled hearing at which you propose to testify. Proposed testimony should not exceed 10 minutes in length or 10 written pages, unless otherwise instructed by the Committee Chairs.

If requesting an invitation, please (1) identify yourself and your affiliation; (2) attach a prepared statement or a detailed outline of the proposed testimony and specify which, if any, of the topics described above will be addressed; and (3) indicate at which of the hearings you would like to deliver the testimony. In advance of the hearing, invitations to testify will be issued and will include an approximate time for each presenter’s testimony. For those not invited to present oral testimony, the proposed testimony will be deemed a written submission for consideration by the Committee.

Persons unable to attend a hearing or interested in only making a written submission may send their remarks by email to [email protected] at least seven days in advance of the hearing.

Expansion of Mandatory Electronic Filing in the Supreme Court – Civil Term

Christopher Gibson, Director, Division of E-Filing, NYS Office of Court Administration, shared the following announcement:

Please be advised that a memorandum from Hon. Joseph A. Zayas, J.S.C., Chief Administrative Judge, outlining the proposed statewide expansion of mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) in the Supreme Court – Civil Term has been posted online.

You can view the memorandum here:

E Filing Memo Supreme Court.pdf

Or visit: Rules – E-Filing | NYCOURTS.GOV

The memorandum also invites comments on the proposed expansion.

Thank you for the continued support of this initiative to improve access and efficiency. 

AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Hosts Board Games Night

On April 9th, AABANY’s IP Committee, in collaboration with the New York Intellectual Property Law Association (NYIPLA), hosted an exciting and lively Board Games Night at Fish & Richardson. Everyone from IP lawyers and beyond was invited to unwind and connect for a night of friendly competition.


Around 30 players of all skill levels were able to engage in a variety of games that were offered, from familiar games, such as Monopoly, Codenames, and Anomia, as well as new ones like Herd Mentality. Participants enjoyed the lighthearted, relaxed, and enjoyable atmosphere of each game, regardless of skill level, making for a laughter-filled night of fun.

The attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious food and drinks, including dumplings and noodles.

Thank you to everyone who attended, making this event a huge success through your participation.


Thank you as well to IP Committee Co-Chair Jeffery Mok for helping to organize this event and his firm, Fish & Richardson, for hosting. To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here.

Enter the Our History Our Voice Video Contest

DEADLINE EXTENDED | Submit by April 30, 2025

You can’t rush art so the deadline has been extended for the “Our History, Our Voice” Video Contest for Middle and High School Students across the United States. All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 2025.

This is a joint project of the Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham Law School, the AAPI Crime Victims and Education Fund, and NAPABA. Participants will introduce and highlight the impact of one case from the list of cases in a thoughtful and creative way that will bring attention to this event in Asian American legal history.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Participants need to be between the ages of 13 and 18 and currently enrolled in middle school or high school.
  • There is a limit of one (1) entry per person, per case.
  • Submit by: April 30, 11:59 PM EST


Please share the link for the contest landing page broadly to all of your circles, most especially those involving middle and high school aged children. Our stories need to be told, and then passed along and retold, most especially by young people.

Don’t Miss Out – Apply Now for the 2025 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy in Washington, DC!

We are thrilled to invite you to apply for the 2025 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) – an exclusive, transformative experience designed to elevate aspiring and current bar leaders like you! The CBLA will take place in the heart of Washington, D.C., from June 29 – July 1, 2025. This is your chance to accelerate your leadership journey and connect with fellow bar leaders from across the country.  

Why Apply for CBLA?

This isn’t just another leadership program – it’s a game-changing opportunity to take your career to the next level:

  • Expand Your Network – Connect with influential leaders from NAPABA and top national bar associations.
  • Learn from Experts – Gain invaluable leadership insights from renowned professionals in an intimate, collaborative setting.
  • Sharpen Your Skills – Acquire the tools you need to lead effectively, whether in a local or national bar association.
  • Impact Your Future – Leave with the skills and confidence to organize, manage, and inspire in any bar leadership role.

Spots are limited! Apply today to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be an active member of NAPABA
  • Complete a two-part application process, including a virtual component
  • Submit your resume to Keevin Woods ([email protected]) and Matthew Archer-Beck ([email protected]) with the subject line: “[Applicant’s Name]’s CBLA 2025 Resume”


Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered, so make sure everything is in order!



About CBLA  

The Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) is a joint initiative of the American Bar Association, its Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession and the Commission on Disability Rights, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, the National Native American Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of North America. Together, we aim to empower and prepare leaders to shape the future of the legal profession. Our coordinated effort is designed to strengthen the pipeline of bar association leaders through leadership training, professional development training, and networking.    

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to develop, connect, and lead in the legal world. We can’t wait to see you in Washington, DC!  

AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Honors 17 AAPI Jurists at the 2025 Annual Judges’ Reception

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Judiciary Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its 2025 Annual Judges’ Reception at Fordham Law School. About 70 attendees gathered for this annual celebration of newly elected/appointed, elevated, and retired Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) judges across New York. It was an evening filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future of AAPI representation in the judiciary.

This year’s event was co-sponsored by Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, and featured a panel discussion, an inspiring awards ceremony, and a lively light dinner reception.

The reception began at 5:30 PM with the “Art of Judging” panel, moderated by Referee Vanessa Kong (Kings County Family Court) and featuring distinguished panelists: 

  • Hon. Lillian Wan, Appellate Division, Second Department
  • Hon. Jeffrey Oing (ret.), Appellate Division, First Department 
  • Hon. Denny Chin, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • Hon. Melissa De Jesus, New York State Court of Claims

The judges spoke about the heavy responsibilities they carry and the importance of listening with an open mind of applying no personal agenda but rather approaching each case on its merits. Judge De Jesus, who presides over a drug treatment part in Kings County, reflected on managing a busy courtroom while ensuring each party feels heard and making sure to take the extra time if needed to make the best decision with all the information. 

When asked what qualities are most undervalued in a judge, all panelists agreed on the importance of patience and humility. Justice Wan reminded the audience that judges “wear a robe, not a crown,” emphasizing the human side of the role and the need to treat litigants and practitioners with compassion and dignity. Justice Wan shared a powerful anecdote: she issued her decision in court, then proceeded to go home where she continued to think about her decision, and the next day returned and recalled the parties and attorneys because she came to the conclusion that she wanted to change her decision. It served as a reminder that judges are not only thoughtful but also human, capable of growth and change even after issuing a decision.

Judge Chin emphasized the need to think about the different audiences a judge must consider when writing a decision. Judge Oing described a particularly moving case where he dismissed fraud charges and took special care to write a decision that cleared the defendant, who had hugely suffered from the accusations.

The panel concluded on a hopeful note. Justice Wan shared how she cherishes attorney swearing-in ceremonies, making it a point to connect with young AAPI attorneys. Judge Chin spoke on the privilege of presiding over naturalization ceremonies, including one where his son attended with his granddaughter, who waved a small American flag in the audience.

Justice Oing concluded with a powerful reflection on the need for continued progress. He noted the absence of any AAPI judges currently sitting in the First Department, Appellate Division, and echoed Judge Chin’s remark that no person of AAPI heritage has ever served on the New York Court of Appeals or the United States Supreme Court. Despite the joyful atmosphere, the panel reminded us all of the ongoing work required to achieve full representation.

At 6:30 PM, the awards ceremony commenced, featuring opening remarks from David Mou, Co-Chair of the AABANY Judiciary Committee, followed by speeches from: 

  • Ben Hsing, AABANY President
  • Professor Thomas Lee, Center on Asian Americans and the Law
  • Hon. Biju Koshy, President, Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY)

This year’s honorees included:

  • Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally
  • Hon. Giyang An
  • Hon. Christopher Chin
  • Hon. L. Austin D’Souza
  • Hon. Melissa De Jesus
  • Hon. Amish Doshi
  • Hon. Jeffrey Gershuny
  • Hon. Phillip Hom
  • Hon. Melissa T. Lewis
  • Hon. Masateru Marubashi
  • Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing (ret.)
  • Hon. Kyu Young (Mike) Paek
  • Hon. E. Grace Park
  • Hon. Hemalee Patel
  • Hon. Christine Perumal
  • Hon. Alice Tam Tien
  • Hon. Meredith Vacca

Following the presentation of awards, Justice Jeffrey Oing delivered remarks on behalf of all honorees, reflecting on the evolving presence of AAPI judges and calling attention to the collective responsibility of continuing to pave the way for the next generation.

At 7:30 PM, guests gathered for a light dinner reception, where laughter and conversations flowed. Judges, attorneys, law students, and guests had the opportunity to connect and share stories.

We thank the Judiciary Committee for organizing such an impactful and meaningful event, and our co-sponsor, the Center on Asian Americans and the Law, for their partnership. We also thank all the attendees who helped make the night special. 

Congratulations once again to our honorees. Your leadership, integrity, and perseverance continue to inspire us all. 

To learn more about AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, click here. To see more photos from the event, click here.

NAPABA Leads Broad Coalition to Defend Birthright Citizenship in Court

Over 40 national, state, and local bar associations join NAPABA to oppose Executive Order 14160.

NAPABA corrects the federal government’s misreading of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark.

NAPABA highlights the detrimental impact on the Asian American community if EO 14160 is upheld.

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and 43 of its affiliates and national associates from across the country joined forces to defend the fundamental constitutional guarantee of citizenship. Led by NAPABA, the coalition filed an amicus brief, which can be found here, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in State of Washington v. Donald J. Trump.

The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution promises every person equal treatment under the law. It also includes an equal claim of citizenship to all persons born in the United States, regardless of the stature or circumstances of their parents.

Executive Order 14160 upends that promise. It refuses to recognize the birthright citizenship of any child born in the United States to a mother who is lawfully present on a temporary basis, like those on work or student visas, and a father who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.

In our amicus brief, NAPABA and the coalition highlight the core principles established in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). The Court upheld the conferral of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The brief underscores the historical significance of this precedent, the role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s foundational immigration and civil rights precedents, and the disproportionate harms that EO 14160, if upheld, would visit upon Asian American communities.

EO 14160 distorts the holding of Wong Kim Ark. The federal government misreads the Court’s 1898 description of Wong’s parents as having a permanent residence in the U.S. Our brief explains this oversimplification by recounting the historical discrimination Chinese migrants faced in the late 19th century. Under this backdrop, their presence in the country was a far cry from the lawful permanency afforded to today’s green card holders. At that time, the Chinese immigrants were excluded from full participation in civic life and systematically denied the ability to integrate into American society. They faced mass violence and a cascading series of exclusionary laws designed to expel them. By drawing this parallel, NAPABA underscores how EO 14160 would disproportionately harm Asian American communities, echoing the same past exclusionary motives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exemplary legal team for their tireless work behind the brief, including Rahat N. Babar, who serves as NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Edgar Chen, who serves as NAPABA’s Special Policy Advisor, and Chris M. Kwok, who serves as co-chair of NAPABA’s Dispute Resolution Committee.