iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

An accurate count determines not just political representation but also funding for services that benefit everyone. Race/ethnicity data is also critical for understanding diverse Asian American communities. Submit a comment to the Census by 10/13: advancingjustice-aajc.quorum.us/campaign/170...

The Census’ race and ethnicity question is vital for communities of color, and especially for
Asian Americans.
The Census asks about race because this information helps the government enforce civil rights policies and antidiscrimination laws.
Accurate race data helps us track how systemic racism is impacting communities of color and how to allocate the proper resources and funding to tackle these issues, such as translated ballots and language interpretation at the polls.

Submit a comment by October 13, 2026 and tell the Census Bureau to count everyone and that our communities will not be erased!
Link to submit a comment in our bio!

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Yesterday, AAF joined @speakermenin.bsky.social, @newyorkstateag.bsky.social, and the @council.nyc.gov Census Taskforce to oppose changes to the census that would exclude immigrants and erase people of color. Submit a comment to the Census by 10/13: advancingjustice-aajc.quorum.us/campaign/170...

The Trump Administration Wants to Exclude Immigrants and Erase People of Color from the Census—But We Are Fighting Back

An inaccurate, low count means that EVERYONE loses out on political representation and funding they need.
An accurate count means your local communities get their fair share of:
Federal money
Political power
Public services
And that's what we are fighting for

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

“When our communities disappear from the data, their needs do not disappear." AAF CEO Catherine Chen urges us to spread the word to neighbors, family, friends and faith communities so everyone is counted: advancingjustice-aajc.quorum.us/campaign/170...

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

AAF was proud to join @speakermenin.bsky.social, @newyorkstateag.bsky.social, and many other advocates and elected officials as part of @council.nyc.gov's Census Taskforce to stand up to attacks against the 2030 Census and make sure every New Yorker is counted!

Asian American Federation CEO Catherine Chen (center in red shirt) joins City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York Attorney General Letitia James and other members of the community in a rally at City Hall on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Today, I stood with @speakermenin.bsky.social to announce a new task force that will help deliver the most accurate and inclusive census count in New York City's history. Together, we will fight back against the Trump administration's attacks on the census and our immigrant communities.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It was such a pleasure to join @mayor.nyc.gov’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebration last night with so many friends, partners, and advocates! 🍁🥮🌕

A photograph of participants at the Mayor’s 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival at Gracie Mansion.

A photograph of Asian American Federation staff at the Mayor’s 2026 Mid-Autumn Celebration.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

NYC just completed an audit on how City agencies are engaging with federal immigration enforcement. This is a vital first step & AAF submitted testimony urging @council.nyc.gov to ensure that Asian New Yorkers are part of the conversation around protections people can understand, trust, and access.

A screenshot from a Committee on Immigration hearing held on 9/22/2026.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all who celebrate! 🌕🥮

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

On September 15, 2026, thousands of immigrants disappeared from ICE's online detainee locator. These were immigrants with final orders of removal who were at risk of being deported, and neither their families nor their lawyers knew where they were or what had happened to them.

Asian American Federation
Breaking News
Families unable to find loved ones as immigrants disappear from ICE detainee locator

Asian American Federation
On September 15, 2026, ICE stopped listing the locations of immigrants with final orders of removal on its online detainee locator. This change impacts nearly 16,000 immigrants and leaves their families and lawyers in the dark about where their loved ones and clients are, if their removal can still be stopped, or if they’ve already been deported.
While this change does not apply to detainees held at temporary holding facilities in New York City, this sets a deeply troubling precedent where immigrants can simply vanish from the system and disappear altogether without any transparency or accountability.
Many Asian immigrants with final orders of removal have been in the country for decades, often having fled from war or persecution. For example, roughly 15,000 Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese refugees live in the US with final removal orders, many of whom were disproportionately targeted and criminalized as part of the school-to-prison-to-deportation pipeline. Southeast Asians are also 3-5 times more likely to be deported for an old conviction than other immigrants.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Want up to $45,000 for your nonprofit? Join the Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund community briefing session today at 2 PM to learn more about this grant and how to apply! www.ccnsfund.org

ccnsfund.org

CCNSF

COMMUNITIES OF COLOR NONPROFIT STABILIZATION FUND

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It was a pleasure to be at @council.nyc.gov's first ever Chuseok celebration last night where AAF Board Member Jumee Song was also recognized for her contributions to the community!

A photograph of Asian American staff and Council Members Sandra Ung and Shekar Krishnan at the New York City Council Chuseok celebration.

A photograph of Asian American staff and Council Members Sandra Ung, and Shekar Krishnan aND AAF Board Member Jumee Song at the New York City Council Chuseok celebration.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Get qualified legal advice before you make decisions about your benefits or green card. You can access immigration resources on our website aafederation.org/immigration-..., call @nycimmigrants.bsky.social's hotline at 800-354-0365, or call the Office of New Americans' hotline at 800-566-7636.

aafederation.org

Immigration Resources - Asian American Federation

Our online Mental Health Directory features hundreds of providers who speak over 17 Asian languages to help our community find mental health help.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Last week, AAF CEO Catherine Chen joined the Brian Lehrer Show on @wnyc.org to talk about changes to the public charge rule that went into effect on Friday 9/18 and how it will harm Asian and immigrant New Yorkers. You can listen to the full conversation at: wnyc.org/browse/shows...

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Find where to register to vote, how to request an absentee ballot, what's on your ballot in 10+ languages, and more on aaf.branch.vote!

aaf.branch.vote

Find what's on your ballot | Vote informed with AAF Ballot Look-up

Use AAF Ballot Look-up to find your ballot and make an informed vote about state and local candidates.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Read our full statement: www.aafederation.org/asian-americ... And access our public charge info sheet in 14 languages: www.aafederation.org/immigration-...

The Trump administration’s public charge rule punishes working immigrant families in New York who already face systemic intimidation and high costs of living.
Even before this announcement, fear of this administration’s unlawful and arbitrary policies drove Asian families away from food pantries and medical care. Without a legal challenge, this rule will cause deeper hardship. That is why we support Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and the broader coalition suing to block this cruel policy.
Catherine Chen
Chief Executive Officer, Asian American Federation

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Yesterday, @mayor.nyc.gov & @newyorkstateag.bsky.social announced lawsuits to block the public charge rule. In New York, 9 in 10 Asian children with an immigrant parent, putting families at risk of losing benefits their children are entitled to. This cruel policy must be stopped.

PUBLIC CHARGE
Asian American Federation Applauds New York City and State Lawsuits to Block Public Charge Rule
9 in 10
Asian children in New York live with an immigrant parent, putting families at risk of losing benefits their children are entitled to.
Swipe →

What you need to know:
01 Do not disenroll from benefits before speaking to a legal advisor.
02 Access AAF's public charge guide in 14 languages: bit.ly/AAF-familyprep
ENGLISH বাংলা 中文
03 NYC has a free, safe, and confidential hotline to connect with trusted legal services. 1-800-354-0365

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

After the 2019 public charge rule, children went hungry, families avoided hospitals, and 8x more Asian non-citizens in NY disenrolled from SNAP than Asian citizens. We've seen the harm this rule can cause, and we stand with @mayor.nyc.gov and @newyorkstateag.bsky.social as they lead this fight.

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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 14/09/2026

Today, alongside a nationwide coalition of cities, counties and the Public Rights Project, we are filing a lawsuit challenging the federal government's new public charge rule.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

My office and @mayor.nyc.gov are filing two lawsuits to stop the Trump administration's new public charge rule, a catastrophic policy attacking immigrants. The rule preys on fear so families forgo food assistance, health care coverage, and other benefits they're legally entitled to.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Kids are back to school, and for many families, separation is a real fear this year. If ICE detains a parent, who picks up your child? Our family preparedness guide is available in English and 8 Asian languages. Share it with a neighbor. bit.ly/AAF-familyprep

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The public charge rule is changing soon on September 18, 2026, impacting immigrants applying for green cards or legal permanent status. What is public charge? How might it impact you or your family members? Learn more below ⬇️

The public charge rule is changing on September 18, 2026.
Here’s what Asian New Yorkers need to know.

So, what is public charge?
Public charge is a rule that immigration officers use to decide whether certain people applying for a green card (legal permanent residence) or a visa to come to the US are likely to depend on the government in the future.
Not everyone is subject to the public charge rule.

Does public charge apply to me?
You don’t have to worry about public charge if you are:
•A US citizen
•Renewing your green card
•An immigrant who has a green card and is not planning to leave the US for six months.
•An asylee or a refugee
•A survivor of domestic violence, trafficking, or serious crimes (VAWA, T visa holder, or U visa holder)
•A child or young adult who is a designated Special Immigrant Juvenile
•Not eligible to apply for a green card

What is changing?
Starting September 18, 2026, immigration officers will be able to consider whether an applicant has received certain “means tested” (eligibility depending on income) public benefits, including but not limited to:
•SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
•Medicaid
•CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
•TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
•Section 8 housing assistance
They may also consider factors such as age, health, family status, assets, resources, and financial status, education and skills, and affidavit of support.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

For free, confidential legal support, contact the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs' hotline (800) 354-0365, call 311 and say "Immigration Legal", or call the New York State Office of New Americans' hotline at (800) 566-7636.

My child is a U.S. citizen. Can their benefits be considered?
YES. The new policy allows officers to consider information about an applicant’s household and dependents when considering a case. This can include benefits received by the person’s U.S. citizen child.

What we don’t know yet:
•The new policy allows immigration officers to consider an applicant’s circumstances case by case.
•Important details about how different benefits and personal situations will be evaluated are still unclear.
•The lack of clear guidelines and anxiety about the future may cause families to avoid using benefits they are eligible for, even if these benefits are not part of the public charge rule.
DHS says additional guidance will be issued closer to September 18, 2026.

What should you do?
•DON’T make decisions about public benefits or travel based on rumors or unverified information
•DO talk to a qualified legal service provider about your specific situation
•Call (800) 354-0365 for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ Immigration Legal Support Hotline
•Call 311 and say “Immigration Legal”
•Call (800) 566-7636 for the NYS Office for New Americans Hotline
Need help in your own language?
Contact a local community-based organization for immigration information and legal support in your preferred language.

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Reposted by Asian American Federation

Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) @searac.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

SEARAC and AAPI Data’s fact sheet makes it clear: we must act now to keep our families together. People who have called the US home for decades are being sent to countries they no longer have a connection to. We need policy solutions that ensure dignity. Read more: bit.ly/seadeportationtrends2026

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

NYC is home to the largest Nepali community in the US, and our hearts go out to our Nepali neighbors, friends, and family. Please consider supporting local Nepali community organizations like Adhikaar or donating to Nepal's disaster relief fund at pmdrf.nchl.com.np

Asian American Federation
On August 26, 2026, a series of massive flash floods struck along the Trishuli River in Nepal, causing enormous damage and sweeping away buildings, infrastructure, and entire villages. Hundreds have been killed, nearly 2,000 more people are still missing, and many thousands more have been displaced from their homes.

New York is home to the largest Nepali population in the United States, with over 20,000 Nepali New Yorkers living in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights. For months, the Nepali community has been grappling with the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal, which gave immigrants protections from deportation and the ability to live and work in the US while conditions in Nepal made it unsafe to return.

Now, Nepali New Yorkers are reeling from this tragedy, worried about their families and friends in Nepal and trying to get information about their loved ones. Grief knows no borders, but the thousands of Nepalis who recently lost their TPS are facing additional challenges and uncertainties as they navigate their immigration status in the midst of multiple crises. As Asian New Yorkers, AAF extends our solidarity, care, and support to our Nepali communities and everyone impacted by this disaster.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We just wrapped up a summer with another great group of interns across our different departments at AAF! Here's what our policy intern Mina Kim from had to say about her experience with us!

AAF Intern Spotlight
Name: Mina Kim
AAF Team: Policy
Why AAF?
What drew me to AAF was that it doesn’t separate research, advocacy, and community. AAF fills a gap that almost no other organization tries to fill by collecting data on a community too often treated as a monolith and translating it into something accessible to make sure everyday Asian Americans actually understand what their government is doing and how to participate in it!
School: Williams College
Major(s): Psychology+sociology
Year: Rising junior
Program: Alumni Sponsored Internship Program (ASIP)

AAF Intern Spotlight
Name: Mina Kim
What did you learn or enjoy most?
I loved watching the Egypt-Argentina game with everyone during lunch break, junior staff's boba trips, walking with Prakhar to the train, and the random table pairings during core values trainings. Being a part of a group that works together well both in and outside of the office has been really fun and the environment is what made the work even more meaningful and fun.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

🍊Our Data Center has been updated with the latest info from the Census Bureau! AAF is your source for the most up to date demographic information on Asian New Yorkers—everything from citizenship rates to employment levels for over 12 Asian ethnicities. Check it out at datacenter.aafederation.org!

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Don't risk your SNAP benefits! Some SNAP recipients now need to meet additional work requirements to keep receiving benefits. Do those changes apply to you? Resources from NYC HRA, translated into Burmese, Hindi, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Nepali, and Vietnamese: www.aafederation.org/immigration-...

A palm card translated into Vietnamese, informing people of new work requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

An info sheet translated into Burmese, informing informing people of new work requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We're proud to announce that Asian American Federation Chief Executive Officer Catherine Chen has been named a 2026 Best in Government Affairs - New York honoree by US Lege and Capitol Confidential! Congratulations, Catherine!

Congratulations to Catherine Chen
Association Advocate of the Year
Best in Government Affairs New York 2026
US Lege
Capitol Confidential

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Last week we held our first FY26-27 RISE Network meeting, sharing important policy updates and learning about filing habae corpus petitions to support Asian immigrant New Yorkers in detention. Special thanks to Jack from Chinese-American Planning Council for guiding us through the training!

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Immigration raids are increasing across New York City. Do you have a plan if you're separated from your family? AAF has a simple 5-step guide in eight different Asian languages to help families prepare for immigration emergencies. Make a plan today: www.aafederation.org/immigration-...

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

⛅ Our emotions are like the weather, and checking in with yourself is just as important as checking the forecast. When you're feeling downcast, know that you're not alone. With over 600 providers speaking 19+ languages, check out AAF's mental health directory: mhd.aafederation.org

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New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) @thenyic.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

What is 'Public Charge' and how does it apply to people filing for permanent residence in the U.S.? Learn more here, and call the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline at (800) 566-7636 for legal assistance! This new rule goes into effect September 18, 2026.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

How can you support your child if they're being bullied? Our multilingual guide helps parents learn how to make sure their children feel seen, heard, and loved and where to go for in-language parenting guidance or mental health services.🫂 Check it out at mentalhealth.aafederation.org/post/how-to-...

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Thousands of unaccompanied migrant children could lose their lawyers as the Trump administration lets its legal aid contract expire on July 31, forcing kids to face immigration courts alone. abcnews.com/US/thousands...

abcnews.com

Thousands of unaccompanied migrant children could lose legal representation this week

Thousands of unaccompanied migrant children could lose legal representation as soon as Friday, advocates and immigration lawyers tell ABC News.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

For free, confidential immigration legal support, New Yorkers can contact @nycimmigrants.bsky.social's Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 or by calling 311 and saying "Immigration Legal". Or they can call the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Thank you Time Television for having us on the show last night to talk about changes to the public charge rule and the impact on immigrant New Yorkers. Before making any decisions about receiving public benefits, we strongly urge everyone to consult a legal service provider.

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The City Reporter @thecityreporter.nyc · 28/07/2026

Staten Island’s immigrant population grew from 20.4% of the borough’s overall population in 2013 to 25.5% in 2023, with China becoming the island’s top country of origin among the borough’s foreign-born residents. www.thecityreporter.nyc/2026/07/28/s...

thecityreporter.nyc

'We Can Hear Chinese Anywhere Now': Behind Staten Island’s Immigrant Boom

China is now the top country of origin for foreign-born Staten Islanders.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

My office and @governor.ny.gov are announcing the Office of Immigrant Trust, which will enforce New York’s laws that limit local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. New York will always stand with our immigrant communities.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Today, my office’s new bureau informed 12 local law enforcement agencies that currently work with ICE that they must legally end the agreements by August 25, 2026. All of our communities deserve to trust the institutions meant to serve them.

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

What might ADHD look like in children? How can Asian parents identify those signs & advocate for their kids? Our new multilingual guide on the early signs of ADHD in toddlers to teens is now available in English, Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, Korean, and Urdu! 🧡Check it out: mentalhealth.aafederation.org

6 Signs of ADHD in Preschool Children
High activity levels, always "on the go"
Trouble staying seated or playing quietly
Short attention span for age appropriate tasks
Difficulty following simple instructions
Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts
Impulsive behaviors (running into danger, grabbing toys)
mentalhealthaafederation.org

Visit our Mental Health Hub to download this resource for various age groups in 5 different Asian languages!
mentalhealth.aafederation.org

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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

While AAF applauds critical investments in the FY27 City Budget, we and the RISE Network remain concerned that current investments do not match the scale of need and continue to urge sustained funding for immigrant services for AAPI New Yorkers. Full statement: www.aafederation.org/aaf-statemen...

Press Statement July 2, 2026
AAF Statement on FY2027 New York City Budget Funding allocated for AAPI Legal Services Falls Short of Growing Community Needs
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Press Statement July 2, 2026
“AAF is grateful to Mayor Mamdani, Speaker Menin, and NY City Council members who recognized the importance of investing in immigrant communities and supported this effort. At the same time, we must be honest about what is at stake. Without adequate investment, community members would have to wait longer for help, struggle to connect with trusted providers and encounter even greater barriers to accessing the support they need. This is not only about funding a program, it is about sustaining the infrastructure that allows immigrant New Yorkers across the city to get timely, culturally responsive services. For many families those services can make the difference between staying together and being separated.”
-Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation
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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Asian Americans have been at the forefront of this fight since the beginning and we are grateful to the many organizations that have fought tirelessly to protect birthright citizenship and the democratic principles our country was founded on.

Press Statement June 30, 2026
Without Wong and many other Asian plaintiffs like Takao Ozawa and Bhagat Singh Thind who appealed before the Supreme Court, millions of Americans in the generation since would have been denied the right to be and become citizens and fully participate in American life.
As the nation's fastest growing population, Asian Americans would have faced a disproportionate impact from any attempt to undermine birthright citizenship. Future generations could have lost not only citizenship but fundamental rights, the ability to vote, and the opportunity to build lives in America. The Asian American Federation is grateful to the multiracial coalitions of Asian, Latino, and Black civil rights organizations that fought to protect birthright citizenship and the democratic principles our country was founded on.
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Asian American Federation @aafederation.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Today’s Supreme Court ruling affirms what we at AAF have always known to be true: birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution and attacks on it are attacks on the right of every American to belong.

AAF Statement June 30, 2026
Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship as a Constitutional Right
Virtually all children born in the United States are citizens at birth.
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Press Statement June 30, 2026
This morning, the Supreme Court ruled on birthright citizenship, upholding a principle that has been a cornerstone of American constitutional law for over 150 years. This ruling affirms what we at the Asian American Federation have always known to be true: birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution and attacks on it are attacks on the right of every American to belong.
Asian Americans have been at the forefront of this fight since the very beginning. In 1898, Wong Kim Ark, the son of Chinese immigrants, challenged the US government’s refusal to recognize his citizenship and brought his case all the way to the Supreme Court. His case became the landmark precedent that established birthright citizenship in the Fourteenth Amendment as we know it today.
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