Tag: voting rights

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2025 NAPABA Lobby Day

NAPABA hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 20-21, 2025, bringing together members of our community from across the country to Washington, DC. During meetings with Congressional representatives, attorneys, law students, and community leaders advocated for supporting the AANHPI community, advancing a fair and humane immigration system, defending the rule of law and legal profession, and advancing democracy and civil rights.

60+ Meetings20+ States Represented (plus the
District of Columbia and Guam)

Highlights of Our Lobby Day Include:

Robust Representation
With our participants hailing from over 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam taking part in over 60 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, we organized targeted training sessions to equip our participants with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively communicate our policy priorities.

Policy Priorities
Throughout our meetings, we tackled issues critical to the AANHPI community. We advocated for language access protections, opposed discriminatory measures like anti-Asian alien land laws, and supported teaching AANHPI history in schools, including recognizing the legacy of Fred Korematsu. We backed voting rights legislation, LGBTQ+ rights, and funding for legal services. We called for the protections of judges, the right to counsel in immigration settings, and supporting asylum seekers.

Our priorities during Lobby Day reflected the day-to-day policy developments impacting the AANHPI community. Most recently, on May 28, the federal government announced that it would “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students.” During Lobby Day, we opposed legislation that would impose an outright ban on the issuance of student visas to any citizen of China. Such policies are a relic of history and harken to the 1800s when our communities endured discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. They were wrong then, and they remain wrong today.

Meaningful Engagements
We met with numerous lawmakers and their staff, fostering meaningful dialogues, and building relationships that will be instrumental in advancing our policy objectives. Our Lobby Day participants skillfully articulated our positions, presented compelling arguments, and shared personal stories to humanize the issues that we face. On the evening before our training at our Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, our participants heard from leaders directly, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06). Our participants also heard from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) during the debrief session.

Regardless of the political dynamics in the Nation’s capital, NAPABA demonstrated its power during Lobby Day. Our members fanned out on the Capitol grounds, engaged with key Congressional offices, and called for their elected representatives to support policies that advance our communities. We are the national voice of the AANHPI legal community, and we stand for the rule of law. Learn more about NAPABA’s advocacy at napaba.org/page/advocacy.

Visit Our Advocacy Page
Visit Our Organizational Statements

Thank You to Our Host

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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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NAPABA Supports the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act


For Immediate Release: 
Date: March 4, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy 

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the United States Senate’s reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill that would restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act. Especially in a critical election year, Congress must ensure that everyone can fully participate in our democracy. This month, we commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when, on March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, State Troopers attacked hundreds of unarmed protestors, including the civil rights leader John Lewis, who opposed the systematic oppression of Black voters. It led to the ultimate passage of the Voting Rights Act. As those activists knew then, and as we are reminded today, the right to vote is foundational, and as an organization advancing the interests of the AANHPI community, NAPABA realizes the critical importance for our community to have equal access to the ballot.  

“The endeavor to secure equal voting rights requires constant vigilance,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “The life and legacy of John Lewis are a powerful reminder of it. NAPABA is grateful to Senators Durbin, Warnock, Schumer, and the sponsors for reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. As the Asian American community is the fastest-growing community in the nation, coupled with recent court decisions that have limited the reach of the Voting Rights Act, this bill will go a long way to ensure that our community – and all communities of color – have a fair opportunity to make their voice heard at the ballot box.”

On top of our advocacy, if you wish to learn about ways that you can get involved in your community, connect with our partner APIAVote: https://apiavote.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 60,000 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.

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Volunteers Needed for AALDEF’s Election Protection Program

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The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund is in need of volunteers to survey Asian American voters and protect their vote. In past elections, Asian Americans have faced a series of barriers in exercising their right to vote. For example, poll workers were hostile and made racist remarks, poll sites had too few interpreters to assist Asian American voters, translated voting materials were missing or hidden from voters, and ballots were mistranslated listing Democratic candidates as Republicans, and vice versa. When the news media reported on election results and the vote by specific groups, Asian Americans were often overlooked. 

Since 1988, AALDEF has conducted exit polls of Asian American voters and monitored polls in every major election. Help us continue to resolve these issues at the polls by taking part in AALDEF’s 2018 Asian American Election Protection Program. On Election Day, November 6th, volunteers will document voter problems and the availability of language assistance. They will also conduct a nonpartisan multilingual exit poll to get a snapshot of Asian American candidate preferences, party enrollment, and issues of significance to Asian American voters.  

To read AALDEF’s report on the Asian American Vote, click here. Click here to sign up to volunteer. Attendance at one training session is required for all volunteers. All volunteers must be non-partisan and work a 3-hour shift. CLE trainings are 90 minutes, and attorneys can receive 1.5 CLE credits including 0.5 ethics credit. AABANY is the CLE provider for the New York training sessions. If you have volunteered in the past, you do not have to attend another training, but you must register to volunteer again. 

For more information, contact AALDEF Democracy Program Director Jerry Vattamala or Voting Rights Organizer Judy Lei at 800-966-5946 or votingrights@aaldef.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DEFEND ASIAN AMERICAN VOTING RIGHTS

DC • CA • FL • GA • LA • MA • MD • MI • NJ • NM • NV • NY • PA • TX • VA

2018 Asian American Exit Poll and Poll Monitoring

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

In past elections, Asian Americans have faced a series of barriers in exercising their right to vote, including segregated “Asian” voting lines.  When the news media reported on election results, Asian Americans were overlooked.  In response, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) has conducted a non-partisan survey of Asian American voters to document Asian American voting patterns and document instances of anti-Asian voter disenfranchisement. AALDEF has monitored the elections for compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, which mandates bilingual ballots and forbids anti-Asian voter discrimination.

We need your help.  In 2016, our volunteers surveyed 13,846 Asian American and Arab voters in 11 Asian languages at 55 cities about their voting encounters. Volunteers work in three hour shifts. There will be a one-hour training session for all volunteers in October (90 minutes for CLE credits).  All volunteers must be non-partisan during the time that they help.  Complete the form at Volunteer Sign-Up Form.  Thank you!

For more information, contact: AALDEF Democracy Program Director Jerry Vattamala or Voting Rights Organizer Fiona Zhao at 800-966-5946 or votingrights@aaldef.org.

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Volunteers Needed in New York: Asian American Election Protection and Poll Monitoring, Defending Asian American Voting Rights

Trainings Sessions are on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Wednesday, Oct. 16 and Tuesday, Oct. 28

10/15/14 – 12 noon – Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

10/16/14 – 12 noon – Weil Gotshal, 767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153

10/16/14 – 6 p.m. – Wilson Elser, 150 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017

10/28/14 – 12 noon – Baker Hostetler, 45 Rockefeller Plaza #10, New York, NY 10111

10/28/14 – 6 p.m. – Debevoise & Plimpton, 919 Third Ave, New York, NY 10022

AALDEF seeks volunteers to monitor the November 4th  elections for compliance with the federal Voting rights Act and to document instances of anti-Asian voter disenfranchisement. Our Asian American Election Protection and Poll Monitoring Project will be conducted in Massachusetts, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland,  Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

In past elections, Asian Americans have faced a series of barriers in exercising their right to vote.  For example, poll workers were hostile and made racist remarks, poll sites had too few interpreters to assist Asian American voters, translated voting materials were missing or hidden from voters, and ballots were mistranslated listing Democratic candidates as Republicans, and vice versa. When the news media reported on election results and the vote by specific groups, Asian Americans were often overlooked.

On November 4, 2014, AALDEF, along with other Asian American groups and bar associations, will be monitoring the elections and conducting non-partisan voter surveys at poll sites in Asian American neighborhoods.

We need your help. Advanced registration required. Signup at  http://www.aaldef.net/volunteer_monitor_form.aspx.   

Polling sites in New York are in:

  • NYC – Chinatown
  • Brooklyn – Kensington, Sunset Park
  • Queens – Flushing, Richmond Hill, Midwood, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Floral Park, and Jamaica

Trainings Sessions are on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Wednesday Oct. 16 and Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Light lunch/dinner will be provided)

10/15/14 – 12 noon – Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

10/16/14 – 12 noon – Weil Gotshal, 767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153

10/16/14 – 6 p.m. – Wilson Elser, 150 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017

10/28/14 – 12 noon – Baker Hostetler, 45 Rockefeller Plaza #10, New York, NY 10111

10/28/14 – 6 p.m. – Debevoise & Plimpton, 919 Third Ave, New York, NY 10022

This 90-minute training session is required for all volunteers. (Attorneys can receive 1.5 CLE credits including 0.5 ethics credit.)  All volunteers must be non-partisan and work a 3-hour shift. 

For more information, contact AALDEF Staff Attorney Jerry Vattamala or Voting Rights Organizer Judy Lei at 800-966-5946 or votingrights@aaldef.org.

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List as of September 17, 2014

National Co-Sponsors

Alliance of South Asian American Labor

APIAVote

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development

National Korean American Service & Education Consortium

National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance

North American South Asian Bar Association

OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates

South Asian Americans Leading Together

Local Co-Sponsors

APIA Vote – Michigan

Asian American Society of Central Virginia

Boat People SOS Delaware Valley – PA

Center for Pan Asian Community Services – GA

Chhaya CDC – NY

Chinese Community Federation of Atlanta – GA

Chinese Progressive Association – MA

Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia

Hunter College/CUNY, Asian American Studies Program – NY

Korean American Civic Empowerment of NY/NJ

MinKwon Center for Community Action – NY

OCA Georgia Chapter

OCA Greater Houston Chapter

Princeton Asian American Students Association – NJ

University of Maryland, College Park, Asian American Studies Program

University of Massachusetts Boston, Asian American Studies Program

Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association of New Orleans – LA

Legal Co-Sponsors

Asian American Bar Association of Houston

Asian American Bar Association of New York

Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts

Asian American Legal Advocacy Center of Georgia

Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas – NV

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Washington, DC

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Assoc. of New Jersey

Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center – DC

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Greater Boston Legal Services: Asian Outreach Unit – MA

Korean Amer. Bar Assoc. of the Washington DC Area

Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater NY

Louisiana Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Pace Law School, Public Interest Law Center – NY

South Asian Bar Association of New York – NY

Suffolk U. Law School, Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service – MA

and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association chapters across the country.

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