WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the fundamental constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship. In Trump v. Barbara, the Court found that Executive Order 14160, which sought to limit the scope of birthright citizenship, did not comply with the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the Court’s decision. It upheld what NAPABA has emphasized throughout the litigation: a constitutional right that the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community has understood and relied upon for nearly 130 years—ever since a young Chinese American fought for his birthright citizenship in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). The Fourteenth Amendment promises every person equal treatment under the law and includes an equal claim of citizenship for persons born in the United States, regardless of the circumstances of their parents. EO 14160 attempted to upend that promise, and we are grateful that the Court invalidated it.
In three federal courts of appeals and in the Supreme Court, NAPABA led a nationwide coalition of its affiliates and national associates to defend birthright citizenship in this litigation. We underscored the significance of Wong Kim Ark, the crucial role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s immigration and civil rights jurisprudence, and the disproportionate impacts that EO 14160 would have on AANHPI communities. NAPABA highlighted how the congressional debates over the Fourteenth Amendment contemplated that the children of Chinese migrants, despite being heavily despised and vilified, would receive birthright citizenship. Lastly, we maintained that the federal government distorted the holding of Wong Kim Ark and created a faulty legal and historical analogy that Chinese migrants in the late 19th century were akin to today’s lawful permanent residents (i.e., green card holders).
NAPABA is thankful to its legal team for their exemplary work: Rahat N. Babar, who serves as NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Edgar Chen, who serves as NAPABA’s Special Policy Advisor, Chris M. Kwok, who formerly served as co-chair of NAPABA’s Dispute Resolution Committee, and Seyfarth Shaw LLP (Wendy M. Feng, Owen Wolfe, and Lori Chen).
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, during AANHPI Heritage Month, the NYC Office of Special Narcotics brought together staff and community members for a screening of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, a documentary co-produced by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY). The film centers on the deeply personal experiences of individuals and families impacted by anti-Asian violence. The event presented a moment to sit with America’s history of anti-Asian violence and its haunting legacy: from the exclusion laws of the 19th century, to the internment camps of World War II, to the waves of attacks that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues today.
Throughout the documentary, the phrase, “This was not charged as a hate crime” was repeated again and again in multiple stories. One of the most striking stories was an interview with Patricia, who spoke candidly about her own experience navigating the system after being assaulted. Patricia did everything she could, seeking every available avenue, and still found no justice. After months without any response, she discovered AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic, which provided actionable steps and legal advice to address her situation. For survivors who arrive vulnerable and unsure where to turn, that kind of grounded, practical guidance is as necessary as it is rare. Patricia pointed to what she identified as one of the most pressing and underappreciated challenges facing the AANHPI community: not a lack of willingness to report, but a lack of response from law enforcement.
Following the screening, a panel discussion brought the film’s themes into direct conversation with legal experience and community advocacy. Moderated by Kay Nguyen, Deputy Chief of the Alternatives to Incarceration Unit for the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the panel featured James Lin, a career prosecutor recently retired from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, and Yang Chen, Executive Director of the Asian American Bar Association of New York.
Photo by Alexandra Bergin
During the discussion, in response to a question, James Lin explained the intended effect of repeating, “This was not charged as a hate crime.” James Lin drew on his decades of experience in Brooklyn to speak to the ways that bias-motivated violence can be invisible within the bureaucratic logic of charging decisions. While it’s relatively straightforward to prove a crime occurred, proving the intent behind it is far harder. Yang Chen discussed the long history of anti-Asian violence, going back to the 19th century, and how to this day, charging such attacks criminally as hate crimes remains elusive, leading to a heightened sense of frustration and futility in the face of what seems to the AANHPI community to be obvious racially-motivated hate.
What emerged from the event was not despair but a sense of shared responsibility. The law has tools. Hate crime statutes exist. The question the film poses and the question the panel returns to again and again is whether those tools are being used, and how we can all develop a better understanding of the forces at work, and what changes are needed to prevent future recurrence of hate and violence against vulnerable and marginalized communities.
On May 28, 2026, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its Annual Dinner under the theme: “Rising up to Meet the Future: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” Held once again during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and at Cipriani Wall Street, the event welcomed more than 800 guests, including attorneys, judges, prosecutors, in-house counsel, government officials, and community leaders.
The evening began with an invitation-only General Counsel Reception in the Mezzanine. Shattering the records of prior years, around 70 General Counsels accepted AABANY’s invitation this year, along with many distinguished guests. We extend our deepest thanks to the General Counsel Reception sponsor, Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, for helping us launch the evening on a high note. We also thank Michael Wu, former General Counsel of Bath & Body Works, for helping us with reaching out to General Counsels to join the event.
Attendees who were not attending the General Counsel Reception gathered in the West Ballroom for the Cocktail Reception, where they reconnected and made new connections over hors d’oeuvres and drinks, including Cipriani’s signature bellini.
Our Master of Ceremonies Richard Lui, anchor at MS NOW and filmmaker, kicked off the program by highlighting AABANY’s myriad initiatives in the past year. Richard then invited Immediate Past President Benjamin C. Hsing, Senior Counsel at Bayes PLLC, to the stage for the Immediate Past President’s remarks. Ben welcomed everyone to the dinner and officially opened the dinner on a high note, reflecting on the prior fiscal year’s successes and achievements.
Industry Leadership Award
Following Ben’s remarks, AABANY proudly presented the 2026 Industry Leadership Award to Alvina Lo, Head of Advice, Planning, and Fiduciary Services at BNY Wealth. A tribute video introduced her as a thoughtful, pragmatic, and enthusiastic mentor and community builder. One colleague highlighted her innate “ability to connect with people” as vital to her many contributions in the trusts and estates legal field.
In her speech, Alvina began with a historical fact about Alexander Hamilton: he founded Bank of New York (BNY) in 1784, entrusting it with his family’s future assets and also making it the oldest continuously operating bank in America. As the leader of BNY Wealth’s strategic direction, Alvina continues that legacy by upholding the importance of trusts and estates law to the American Dream. She spoke of inheriting both “opportunity” and “responsibility” and the importance of building wealth in communities, because “[n]o one builds their wealth on their own.” Fittingly, she closed her remarks with another quote from the musical Hamilton: “What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”
The Law Firm Leadership Award
Then, the AABANY Law Firm Leadership Award was presented to Morrison Foerster (MoFo), honoring their intentional and sustained efforts to mentor and sponsor attorneys, create meaningful leadership pathways, and support a culture of equal opportunity and professional development. MoFo is a global firm known for its work across litigation, transactions, and regulatory matters, with a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. The firm’s holistic approach to talent development begins with its Keith Wetmore Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion, and continues through the Wetmore Bridge Program, a two-year apprenticeship-style initiative.
Haima Marlier, a partner in MoFo’s Investigations + White Collar Defense Group, accepted the award alongside a group of MoFo attorneys. Haima described her pride in working at a “firm where everyone can belong.”
Celebration and Recognition
As guests enjoyed a delicious dinner of lamb, salmon, or vegetable peperonata, they took the opportunity to network and connect with fellow attendees. Yang Chen, Executive Director of AABANY, returned to the stage to recognize the many judges and dignitaries in attendance.
The event then took a moment to publicize the AABANY Leadership Development Program, a 6-month long interactive training course designed for AABANY members who are senior attorneys navigating the promotion process within their law firms and companies. A video presentation introduced the program and highlighted it as a candid, confidential, and community-building environment.
Public Service Award
Next, AABANY proudly presented the 2026 Public Service Award to Hon. L. Austin D’Souza, recognizing his role as a lifelong public servant. Justice D’Souza is Supervising Judge of New York County Civil Court and an Acting Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Civil Term. A moving tribute video emphasized his devotion to his work, community, and family, and highlighted his ability to expand people’s views.
In his speech, Justice D’Souza honored his mother as his first mentor, who told him at a young age to “Never stop helping.” Another role model told him early in his career that “You must be a judge,” a milestone he has achieved in the New York County Civil Court and as an appointee to multiple statewide judicial commissions addressing racial equity and anti-Asian hate. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, and how “interconnectedness is reflected in our personal lives,” because, importantly, “[w]e rise together.”
Corporate Leadership Award
The evening’s final honoree, Grace Fu, received the 2026 AABANY Corporate Leadership Award. Grace is currently a Chief Legal & Administrative Officer at Nanit, an AI-powered technology company based in New York City. The video tribute highlighted Grace as extremely capable, curious, kind, thoughtful, and as someone who “projects calmness and confidence” with a “genuine warmth.”
Meaningful participation in community was a recurring theme in Grace’s speech, in which she described joining AABANY 10 years ago. Drawing upon experiencing anti-Asian hate as a child, she emphasized the importance of “meaningful participation” at every level of work and community, including AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics and the AABANY Leadership Program. As a former member of AABANY’s Board of Directors, concluding her term at the end of fiscal year 2026, and Co-Chair of AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee between 2016 and 2023, she closed with an impactful comment about her “renewed commitment to keep leading with integrity.”
Don H. Liu Scholars
After Grace was honored, the 2026-27 Don H. Liu Scholars—Junao Lin, Lucy Chen, and Joyce Park—were recognized for their academic excellence and leadership potential. Don Liu introduced each scholar and described their personal stories and journey into the legal field. The audience was moved by the resilience and determination woven through each of their paths, which included navigating first-generation experiences, finding belonging across two worlds, and transforming the challenges of the AANHPI immigrant life into purpose. In choosing law, each scholar spoke to something larger than a career—a commitment to advocacy, representation, and opening doors for the communities that shaped them.
President’s Remarks
To bring the program to a close, AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, delivered her speech, reflecting on a memorable evening, thanking the sponsors, presenters, and honorees who made the night possible, and celebrating the collective strength of the AABANY community. She explained that the theme for AABANY’s upcoming year, “Rising Up to Meet the Future: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” originated from Oscar-winning animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters. The movie’s viral song, “Golden,” has the lyrics “We’re going up, up, up,” which inspired AABANY’s theme this year. Looking to the coming year, Varuna spoke of embracing what’s to come: the “future is not abstract. It is here.” She noted that, “living in a time when the American Dream is being tested,” it becomes more important to “lift as we climb.”
Performance by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
At the end of the evening, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company took the stage, mesmerizing the audience with their blend of traditional and innovative contemporary dance. A leading AAPI professional dance company, they are known for bridging the grace of Asian elegance and American dynamism, fusing contemporary dance with martial arts, folk rhythms, Tai Chi, and Qigong.
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
Following the performance, AABANY President-elect John Hwang, Partner at Linklaters, took the stage to thank the many sponsors, officers, Board members, and Committee Chairs who made the night possible, expressing his excitement for the year to come.
The celebration continued with an afterparty in the Mezzanine, where guests mingled into the night.
We thank the 2026 Annual Dinner Planning Committee, chaired by AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya, as well as our staff and volunteers for their tireless work in making the evening a success.
We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support enables AABANY to continue its vital work on behalf of the AANHPI legal community and the broader community we serve. Special thank-yous and acknowledgement to our Diamond, GC Reception, Platinum, and Gold Sponsors:
Lastly, we thank everyone who attended the 2026 Annual Dinner for making it so special and memorable. Please find the event program here. Photo albums from the 2026 Annual Dinner can be found here (on stage) and here (off stage). Thanks to J. McClinton Photography for the wonderful photos. Watch the videos from the Annual Dinner here. Thank you to Peter Chin for the wonderful videography.
As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month wound down, attendees gathered on May 27, 2026 in downtown Manhattan to watch the latest historical trial reenactment produced by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) entitled Born American: United States v. Wong Kim Ark.
United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established birthright citizenship as a Constitutional right in 1898, is AABANY’s 17th trial reenactment. This project brings to life notable cases involving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, to spotlight significant ways that AANHPI individuals contributed to the legal, social, and political history of the United States. Reenactments are first performed at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention in November, then again in May during AANHPI Heritage Month in New York.
AABANY’s latest trial reenactment made its New York debut at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. Attendees settled in to watch a cast of 37 characters played by some 17 lawyers, including many AABANY members.
The reenactment had two narrators, who are also the writers, producers, and leaders of the AABANY Trial Reenactment team: Hon. Denny Chin, Senior United States Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and Kathy Hirata Chin, a retired Partner of Crowell & Moring LLP and previously a retired Cadwalader Partner.
Other cast members included:
Anna Mercado Clark, Phillips Lytle LLP, Partner and Chief Information Security Officer (past NAPABA President, former AABANY Board Officer)
Vincent T. Chang, Law Clerk for Hon. James d’Auguste, Supreme Court, New York County, Commercial Division (former AABANY President)
Andrew T. Hahn, Hawkins, Delafield & Wood LLP, General Counsel (former AABANY, KALAGNY, and NAPABA President)
Yasuhiro Saito, Saito Law Group PLLC, Managing Partner
Francis H. Chin, Opensity Solutions, Senior Systems Engineer (AABANY Membership Director)
Yang Chen, Asian American Bar Association of New York, Executive Director (former AABANY President)
Pamela K. Chen, United States District Judge, Eastern District of New York
Concepcion A. Montoya, Hinshaw & Culbertson, Partner
Lauren U.Y. Lee, Korean American Family Service Center, Board of Directors; Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, former Special Counsel
Kiyo A. Matsumoto, Senior United States District Judge, Eastern District of New York
Rose Cuison Villazor, Rutgers Law School, Professor of Law and Chancellor’s Social Justice Scholar
Jacob Chen, DGW Kramer LLP, Litigation Partner
Jane Kim, Wigdor LLP, Partner; former clerk for Hon. Denny Chin
Janicelynn Asamoto Park, Proskauer Rose LLP, Partner; former clerk for Hon. Denny Chin
Jessica C. Wong, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, Special Counsel
This reenactment was bookended by the case’s connection to current events. The narrators described President Donald Trump’s January 2025 Executive Order 14160, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which sought to remove birthright citizenship from US-born children of parents who are undocumented or in the country temporarily.
This case follows the story and life of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents in 1870, one of only 518 ethnic Chinese born in the United States that year. Wong took multiple trips back to China, before returning to America in 1894, at which point he was denied entry on the grounds of not being a citizen.
That denial was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The question before the Court was whether Wong should follow the citizenship of his parents or of where he was born. The reenactment reconstructed the Supreme Court argument, for which no transcript exists, using the briefs, the resulting court opinions, news reports, and other historical documents. Arguments revolved around whether children born in the U.S. are “subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” under its plain meaning as stated in the Fourteenth Amendment. The original intent of Congress with regard to children born to foreign-born parents, as well as the implications of barring Wong Kim Ark’s birthright citizenship upon existing immigrant communities—European immigrants—and children of other nationalities, were also explored in the reenactment.
United States v. Wong Kim Ark affirmed Wong’s citizenship in a 6-2 decision in 1898, setting a legal precedent for more than a century. The majority ruling held that the 14th Amendment’s “ancient and fundamental rule of citizenship by birth within the territory” and its “peremptory and explicit language” all made Wong an American citizen.
However, Wong’s immigration troubles did not stop there, for either himself or his children. He lived in a time when anti-Chinese sentiment was rampant. Even within the decision itself, Justice John Marshall Harlan, for the dissent, wrote that “There is a race so different from ours that we do not permit those belonging to it to become citizens of the United States.” This captures the discrimination that society had at the time towards Chinese immigrants in America.
The reenactment further explored Wong’s life, as well as his family’s, after the Supreme Court’s ruling. Wong was later arrested in 1901 upon crossing the US-Mexico border, though the case was eventually dismissed—because of United States v. Wong Kim Ark. His four sons, born in China, faced intense scrutiny when they sought to come to the United States seeking citizenship as sons of a U.S. citizen. They faced heightened suspicion and interrogation that stretched over weeks or months of detention and aimed to determine their familial relationship to Wong, a form of scrutiny common to Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century.
The end of the reenactment returned to Trump’s executive order. The many lawsuits and preliminary injunctions that responded to Trump’s January order make frequent reference to United States v. Wong Kim Ark as well-settled precedent for birthright citizenship. The reenactment shares the responses to Trump’s Executive Order, including one from Judge Deborah Boardman in Maryland, who said that the executive order “conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment [and] contradicts 125-year old binding Supreme Court precedent.”
In this context, it becomes vitally important to revisit Wong Kim Ark’s life and times. Amid the prevalence of anti-immigrant rhetoric during the 1890s, United States v. Wong Kim Ark set precedent for generations of immigrants, including Asian Americans, and was reaffirmed throughout a series of 20th century Supreme Court cases, including INS v. Errico, 385 U.S. 214 (1966) and Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982).
A discussion panel and Q&A session followed the reenactment, where questions of relevance to current times were at the forefront. Attendees questioned and discussed how America would change if birthright citizenship gets overturned. Mere months ago, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Barbara v. Donald J. Trump, the class action against President Trump’s executive order banning birthright citizenship. It was especially enlightening to hear Judge Chin talk about how putting together this reenactment made him understand his own family’s immigration history better and shined a light on often unspoken parts of the Chinese immigrant experience.
The reenactment highlighted the reaction from Wong Kim Ark’s great-grandson Norman Wong. Norman said in an interview for a documentary, “We thought [birthright citizenship] was a dead issue. These were rights we did not have to fight for anymore. It wasn’t something that anybody would have to worry about. … Now I’m glad [my great-grandfather] stood up.”
Following the reenactment, guests and participants enjoyed a networking and dinner reception, which included hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, and a delicious handroll bar. Attendees mingled as they ate, reflecting on the reenactment and congratulating the actors for a job well done.
AABANY’s reenactment of United States v. Wong Kim Ark will be made available on AABANY’s trial reenactment website, where the script and materials can be shared upon request. AABANY’s past trial reenactment scripts are also available upon request. In fact, our most popular reenactment, “The Murder of Vincent Chin,” has been performed over 30 times globally.
We are grateful to all of the participants in the reenactment for dedicating their time to this project. To learn more about the other trial reenactments AABANY has organized, please visit our reenactments website.
On May 31, 2026, AABANY’s Membership Committee hosted members and friends at the Gotham FC vs Houston Dash match as we celebrated the end of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It was exhilarating to watch the reigning NWSL champions, Gotham FC, secure a 1-0 victory in a match where the energy across the stadium was truly incredible.
Gotham FC controlled the flow of the entire match, providing our group with close-up views of several sophisticated offensive maneuvers and tactical plays. Beyond the action on the pitch, the event served as a wonderful opportunity to gather fellow members outside of a formal business setting to enjoy a beautiful Sunday at a professional sports game.
The afternoon also featured a meaningful pre-game celebration where many AAPI talents were highlighted, including a special performance by Filipina actress and singer Natalie Bourgeois, which underscored the community spirit of the occasion.
To learn more about AABANY’s Membership Committee, click here.
To see upcoming AABANY events, check out AABANY’s calendar.
-Written by Gloria Tsui-Yip, Co-Chair, AABANY’s Membership Committee
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 19-20, 2026, bringing together many affiliate members, including those from the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) who traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in this year’s NAPABA Lobby Day. AABANY members joined attorneys, judges, law students, and community leaders from across the country in advocating for policies that advance civil rights, protect due process, and strengthen the rule of law.
Representing AABANY were members of the our Issues Committee, including Co-Chairs Vishal Chander and Rachel Lee, along with other members of the New York delegation: Anushree Bagrodia, Charles Drucker, Linny Ng, Tiffany Ngeo, and Alex Pan. We also thank Glenn Magpantay, Northeast Alternate Regional Governor for NAPABA and AABANY Board Director, and Sapna Palla, NAPABA Board Member and former AABANY President, who joined the New York delegation.
Lobby Day began with a policy training session at Jones Day, where participants received briefings on NAPABA’s legislative priorities and advocacy strategies before meeting with congressional offices on Capitol Hill. The event also included the annual AANHPI Heritage Month Congressional Reception, which brought together NAPABA members, members of Congress, congressional staff, and community leaders from across the nation.
NAPABA’s 2026 Lobby Day focused on three core legislative priorities:
Advancing civil rights through language access protections
Promoting a fair immigration system through access to counsel
Defending the rule of law by supporting judicial security measures
Advancing Civil Rights Through Language Access
The New York delegation urged congressional offices to support passage of theLanguage Access for All Act of 2026 (H.R. 7223), a bill designed to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to federally funded services through translation and interpretation assistance. NAPABA emphasized that language access is particularly important for the AANHPI community. Nearly one-third of Asian Americans are considered limited English proficient, making language access a critical civil rights issue.
This legislation would codify protections that were previously provided through Executive Order 13166—“Improving Access to Services for Persons With Limited English Proficiency”—and establish comprehensive language access requirements for federal agencies.
Promoting a Fair Immigration System
The New York delegation also educated Congress on the proposed Access to Counsel Act (H.R. 944/S. 391), which seeks to ensure that individuals with lawful status who are detained for prolonged inspections at ports of entry have meaningful access to legal counsel and family members.
NAPABA highlighted the importance of due process protections, particularly as immigration enforcement actions continue to affect immigrant communities across the country. The delegation stressed that individuals navigating the immigration system should be able to understand the process and access legal representation when their rights are at stake.
The delegation also discussed AABANY’s ongoing efforts to support immigrant communities through legal clinics, educational programming, and pro bono initiatives. (For more information about that, read the blog post about AABANY’s participation in the 2026 AAPI Summit hosted by Senator Gillibrand at the end of April by clicking here.)
Defending the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
The New York delegation also advocated for passage of the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act (H.R. 4602/S. 2379), bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the increasing threats and acts of violence directed toward members of the judiciary. The bill would establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center and provide resources to improve judicial security nationwide.
As attorneys, AABANY members emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential to maintaining public confidence in the legal system and preserving the rule of law. NAPABA noted that threats against judges undermine judicial impartiality and threaten the integrity of the courts.
Meetings with Congressional Offices
The New York delegation met with staff from several congressional offices, including New York Representatives Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Dan Goldman (NY-10). Discussions focused on NAPABA’s legislative priorities, including language access, immigration due process, and judicial security.
The delegation also highlighted the work of AABANY and NAPABA in supporting immigrant communities, educating lawful permanent residents about their rights, and providing pro bono legal services and training opportunities for attorneys. Follow-up conversations included discussions regarding immigration policy developments, legal aid initiatives, and opportunities for future collaboration between congressional offices and the AANHPI legal community.
Continuing the Work
Lobby Day provided an important opportunity for AABANY to bring the perspectives of New York’s AANHPI legal community directly to policymakers. Through these conversations, AABANY reinforced the role of attorneys not only as advocates in the courtroom but also as advocates for policies that promote justice, equity, and opportunity.
AABANY thanks NAPABA for organizing another successful Lobby Day and looks forward to continuing its partnership in advancing the interests of the AANHPI community and the legal profession nationwide.
For more information about NAPABA’s legislative priorities, click here.
To learn more about AABANY’s Issues Committee and how you can get involved, go here.
– Written by Vishal Chander, Board Member and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Issues Committee
WASHINGTON – On May 18, 2026, two armed individuals attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, California. They killed three people (Amin Abdullah, 51, Nader Awad, 57, and Mansour Kaziha, 78), and the perpetrators were later found dead nearby. Local and federal law enforcement described the shooting as a hate crime.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the South Asian Bar Association of San Diego (SABA-SD), the Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego (PALSD), the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego (FALSD), and the Korean American Bar Association of San Diego (KABA-SD) mourn the loss of life and unequivocally condemn this act of hate. We stand with the Muslim community and with the families of the victims.
Who we are, and how and where we choose to worship, are part of the tapestry of American life. A refuge for peace and prayer must never be transformed into a place of violence by perpetrators of hate. As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we not only acknowledge the richness and diversity of our AANHPI communities, but we also emphasize that hate—whether in the form of Islamophobia, anti-Asian hate, or any other form of bigotry—has no place in our society. We remain committed to eradicating hate in all its forms, including by urging governments at every level to fully support and strengthen hate prevention efforts.
NAPABA hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 19-20, 2026, bringing together members of their community from across the country to Washington, DC in a celebration and demonstration of the power of their bar during AANHPI Heritage Month. In meetings with congressional representatives and their staffers, attorneys, law students, and leaders from the NAPABA community advocated for advancing the civil rights of the AANHPI community, a fair immigration system, and defending the rule of law.
Highlights of Lobby Day Include:
Robust Representation
With participants hailing from over 20 states, and the District of Columbia, taking part in over 70 meetings with congressional offices on both sides of the aisle, NAPABA demonstrated its strength and its commitment to amplifying AANHPI voices in the halls of power.
Advocacy Training Prior to the meetings, NAPABA held a training session featuring congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle who spoke with both expertise and passion about the bills their members have introduced or sponsored. Attendees also heard from advocacy veterans on strategies and techniques to more effectively communicate NAPABA’s priorities and the needs of AANHPI communities and the legal profession.
Policy Priorities Throughout multiple meetings, participants advocated for issues of importance to AANHPI communities and the legal profession. They focused on codifying longstanding language access protections for the millions of limited English proficient persons in the United States, including the significant portions of the Asian American immigrant populations, as documented by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. NAPABA stood up for access to counsel at various stages of the immigration and entry processes to the United States, and for judicial security in order to better support the rule of law.
Meaningful Engagements Attendees met with numerous lawmakers and their staff, fostering meaningful dialogues, and building relationships that will be instrumental in advancing policy objectives. NAPABA Lobby Day participants skillfully articulated their positions, presented compelling arguments, and shared personal stories to humanize the issues that they face. On the evening before their training at their Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, participants heard from leaders in their community directly, including NAPABA Trailblazers Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and S.E.C. Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda.
In a time of great uncertainty and a rapidly shifting policy landscape, NAPABA demonstrated the power of its members during a Lobby Day built around a unifying agenda of language access, a sensible and fair immigration system and support for the rule of law. Member-constituents braved the heat to visit engage with key Congressional offices across the Capitol complex and called on their elected representatives to support policies that advance their communities. Lobby Day is another great reminder that NAPABA is the national voice of the AANHPI legal community, and that we can stand together for the betterment of our communities, for the rule of law we have dedicated our livelihoods to, and for the nation we cherish.
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Judge Reynaldo A. Aligada, Jr. on his appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Aligada becomes the first Asian Pacific American justice in Minnesota’s history.
“Judge Reynaldo Aligada’s historic appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court marks a milestone for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community and beyond,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “As NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found, Asian American jurists are underrepresented on state high courts. Judge Aligada has broken barriers, and his appointment marks an incredible achievement for our legal community and beyond.”
Judge Aligada currently serves on Minnesota’s Second Judicial District Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as First Assistant Federal Defender in Minneapolis and previously practiced at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP. He clerked for Judge Michael J. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Aligada earned his B.A. from Saint John’s University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, now the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
“Through his many roles in the community, including with the Community Outreach Committee of the Federal Bar Association and many bar associations like the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA), Judge Aligada has demonstrated a deep commitment public service,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of ensuring that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”
“Judge Aligada is a brilliant and skilled jurist and, importantly, a wonderful human being. These qualities, along with his background and experience, make him a phenomenal choice to serve as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Valerie Narcy, President of MNAPABA. “This moment comes against the backdrop of a long and challenging history for AANHPI communities. From legislation excluding Chinese immigrants, to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, to anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the more recent actions against birthright citizenship, our community has often been left to wonder about our place in American society. Judge Aligada’s appointment is a reminder that our place is here and that our community is well-woven into the historic tapestry of Minnesota and this country.”
NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Judge Reynaldo Aligada and wishes him success in his service on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines. This blog post will be updated throughout the month, as new events get added on, so check back for any updates.
May 2, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Korean Hat Day at Yankee Stadium
1:35pm – Yankees Stadium, 1 E. 161 E. 161st Street
This event has already occurred.
May 3, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 5-7, 2026
Asian Comedy Fest 2026: AABANY Discount Available
7pm and 9pm – Sugar Mouse NYC, 47 3rd Avenue, Lower Level, New York, NY 10003
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together
1:00 pm – Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Courtroom 2.95, 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Beginner’s Mahjong
6:00pm – Sparrow’s Nest Studio, 35 W. 35th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Presents: Dumplings & Discussion Series Featuring Judge Pamela K. Chen
6:00pm -Midtown location – to be emailed to registrants.
This event has already occurred.
May 9, 2026
AABANY Bi-Monthly Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11232
This event has already occurred.
May 10, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 12, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Reflections of Unity and Strength in our AANHPI Communities
12:30pm – Queens Supreme Court – Civil Term, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Ceremonial Courtroom 25, Jamaica, New York 11435
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Presents: 3rd Annual Wellness Retreat
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Blue Cliff Monastery, 3 Mindfulness Rd, Pine Bush, New York 12566
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Asian Americans and the Law, Featuring Hon. Denny Chin
2pm – White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601
