Tag: Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

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AABANY Immigration Law Committee Gathers for its Second Virtual Monthly Meeting

On July 31, 2026, the Immigration Law Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) held its second meeting of the fiscal year on Zoom. Nicole Fink, Chair of the Immigration Law Committee, took the opportunity to generate interest in future events, including the Committee’s upcoming educational programming, and opened the floor to new ideas from participants. 

Welcoming old and new participants alike, the meeting opened with self-introductions and an overview of the Immigration Law Committee’s objectives. Next, the group turned to forthcoming programs. Nicole emphasized the webinar on August 27 in Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which will discuss how new laws will affect immigration processes and legal practice.

Another exciting event mentioned was the Committee’s program at the 2026 Fall Conference on Saturday, September 26, titled “Beyond Forms & Filings: How Tomorrow’s Immigration Attorneys Build Power Through Tech, Data, and Storytelling.” Nicole highlighted the program’s themes of AI in storytelling, data, and program management. She also introduced the panelists: Emily Ryo, a Duke Law School faculty member who uses data analysis in immigration courts; Joseph Lin, a staff member at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF); and Rick Liu, a Director at Epiq Global for AI Solution Architecture. The program will offer 1.5 CLE credits in skills (pending approval).

Next, the attendees talked about a potential in-person CLE event in the fall. The group hopes to partner with local law schools and law student associations. The event will likely occur in September or October, including a panel and time for lively mingling and networking.

The meeting moved on to cover the Committee’s possible future wellness-themed event, including ideas for chair or spa massages for immigration attorneys. The Committee is currently seeking partnerships with individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the event or who have connections to massage therapists. “It would be a good way to end the year,” said Lizabeth Chow, a meeting participant and business immigration practitioner at Ogletree Deakins. 

Nicole concluded the meeting by opening the floor to receiving requests from the attendees for future projects. Committee members expressed their interest in more high-level informational discussions, including topics on I-751 Conditional Residency, in collaboration with family law or trusts & estates professionals; and also creating a forum for case strategy discussions. Nicole proposed sending a survey to gauge interest in this initiative. Nicole expressed openness to hearing these ideas and was gratified by everyone’s enthusiasm.

To learn more about the Committee and get involved, please visit the Immigration Law Committee page.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Community Screening of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary at Philippine Consulate

On February 25, 2026, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), together with the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY), joined the Philippine Consulate General in New York for a screening of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate. The documentary, produced by AABANY and AALFNY, shares the experiences of individuals and families affected by anti-Asian violence in New York and highlights the legal and community responses that followed.

Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of confronting hate through unity and truth, thanking AABANY and AALFNY for documenting the community’s experiences. As he reflected on the documentary’s purpose, he reminded attendees that hate cannot be fought with more hate, but by showing that it has no basis or merit.

The film featured deeply personal stories from Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Noel Quintana, a survivor of a violent subway slashing to his face. Their accounts highlighted the lasting impact of anti-Asian violence, the challenges victims face in seeking recognition and support, and the critical role of pro bono legal advocacy.

Following the screening, a panel discussion moderated by AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen featured Noel Quintana, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Commissioner Glenn D. Magpantay, and Groombridge Wu Co-Founder and Partner Jennifer H. Wu. Panelists reflected on the ongoing presence of anti-Asian hate, the cultural barriers that sometimes prevent victims from speaking out, and the complexities of representing victims navigating trauma, media attention, and systemic barriers.

Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized the importance of solidarity and coalition-building with other communities confronting hate and discrimination. The evening concluded with closing remarks from AALFNY President Sylvia Chin, who highlighted AALFNY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, scholarship programs, and AABANY’s ongoing pro bono initiatives supporting the community.

The program ended with a reception where attendees continued reflecting on the documentary’s message and the ongoing work needed to combat anti-Asian hate.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Co-Sponsors who supported the screening: 

Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY)
Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA)
Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY)
Philippine Consulate General

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Community Partners who promoted the screening: 

Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI) 
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) 
Chinatown Partnership 
Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) 
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre 
Potluck Asian America

We thank the nearly 100 attendees who came, representing different facets of the New York community, despite the difficult travel conditions presented by the snowstorm. 

If anyone is interested in hosting their own  screening of this documentary, contact Daphne Mei, Program Manager of the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, at daphne.mei@aabany.org.


For more photos from the event, click here.

– Written by Rachel Kim and Lucy Jung

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In The News: Margaret Fung, Co-Founder of AALDEF, is Retiring after 50 Years of Service as a Pioneer in the Struggle for AAPI Civil Rights

On April 1, 2024, AsAm News published an article by Ti-Hua Chang reporting on the retirement of  Margaret Fung, co-founder of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). After serving as Executive Director of AALDEF for most of the fifty years she’s been with the organization, she is now retiring from her position in October.

AALDEF, based in New York, is a national organization known for spearheading advocacy efforts in support AAPI workers’ rights, voting rights, and anti-Asian hate initiatives, among others. Margaret Fung, who pioneered many such civil rights activities, has been praised by community leaders, especially in Chinatown, for her continuous fight to improve the lives of the working people and immigrant communities. After hearing about her retirement, many wondered what the future of AALDEF will look like without her prominent contributions. 

Executive Director of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Yang Chen stated, “AALDEF is the NAACP of the Asian American community and has done a lot of great work in the last 50 years. Now that Margaret is stepping down, the big question is: will they be able to perpetuate that, continue that.”

The full article can be found at:

AALDEF co-founder Margaret Fung to retire after 50 years

Whatever the future holds for AALDEF in the years to come, Margaret’s legacy as an AAPI civil rights advocate and trailblazer in the male-dominated legal field will continue to live on. AABANY honors Margaret for all that she has accomplished in a storied career. 

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