There’s a lot to mourn these days, from the flagrant attacks on our civil rights to the contempt held for immigrant communities. But here at CAA, we remember our long history of activism and progress as we fight for our neighbors, our families, and our collective civil rights. Here’s what’s giving us the strength to fight lately:
- Birthright citizenship stands strong! Plus: a new mural in Chinatown.
- Take action: We need your help to save 30,000 pieces of Chinese American history!
- Prop D lost, but its popularity in Chinatown means hope for the November elections.
Birthright Citizenship: SCOTUS Rejects Trump’s Executive Order
In a resounding victory for the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, decisively ruled against the administration finding that Trump’s executive order 14160 violated the 14th Amendment. By rejecting Trump’s attempt to radically rewrite birthright citizenship, it reaffirmed the principle that anyone born on American soil is a U.S. citizen regardless of their parents’ immigration status. No president has the power to rewrite the Constitution with the stroke of a pen.
A New Mural in Chinatown: Wong Kim Ark
To commemorate Wong Kim Ark’s legacy, CAA co-sponsored a mural with the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) at Wong Kim Ark’s birthplace in Chinatown. The mural, which features his likeness along with Chinese immigrants and a quote from abolitionist Frederick Douglass, was painted by local Chinese American artists Norman “Vogue” Chuck and Twin Walls Mural Company muralists Elaine Chu and Marina Perez-Wong. Their art is a powerful reminder of Asian American activism and cross-racial solidarity.
📍701 Grant Avenue (at Sacramento St)
Take Action: Stop the Closure of the National Archives
The federal government is moving to close the National Archives in San Bruno, which holds more than 30,000 Chinese case files including records related to the 1898 landmark Supreme Court decision, United States v Wong Kim Ark. CAA has joined the Save Our National Archives coalition and signed onto the San Francisco Board of Supervisors resolution calling for the administration to halt the closure. The proposed closures also include the National Archives in Chicago. Sign the petition and contact your representatives!
Prop D’s popularity in Chinatown means hope for the general election.
While San Francisco may have voted no on Prop D, the Overpaid CEO Tax, Chinatown voted overwhelmingly yes.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Chinatown’s needs are complex, and our neighbors, who are working families and elders, want a more affordable San Francisco! We saw them rally on May Day, we saw them march in the streets and in Portsmouth Square carrying “Yes on D!” signs, chanting for CARE not GREED in Cantonese.
Their advocacy gives us hope. Chinatown gives us hope. Every election year, CAA releases our voter guide to help community members understand what’s on the ballot in both English and Chinese. We’ll do the same again this fall as we head into the general elections this November!
Strengthening SFPD’s Language Access Policy
CAA and the Language Access Network of San Francisco (LANSF) successfully secured improvements to SFPD’s language access policy, DGO 5.20. The revised policy prohibits the police department from using family members and neighbors as interpreters except in emergencies; adds clear indicators to help officers identify individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP); and requires language access training for SFPD officers every two years. These improvements will ensure that all LEP residents will be understood and treated fairly when interacting with the SFPD.
CAA is hiring!
Visit caasf.org/jobs for more information!
COJ57 Recap: Thank you for 57 years of support!
At our 57th Celebration of Justice, our unofficial theme for the night was: everyday heroes — folks who show up for each other and prove that anybody, anywhere can make a difference! We honored Allan E. Low, Asian Refugees United, and Patricia M. Fong, and enjoyed an inspiring speech by special guest Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu.
Every day we are reminded that the challenges we face are greater than ever. But so is our incredible community of supporters. Read the recap here.
