Racism in the Races Asian Pacific Americans, P4 Leadership Corner Xenophobic Rhetoric

VOLUME XXII 2NO. SPRING 2012 IN THIS ISSUE

P2 President’s Message racism in the races asian pacific americans, P4 leadership corner xenophobic rhetoric,

P5 and the elections year of the dragon COULD 2012 BE THE YEAR FOR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS? by Congresswoman Judy Chu

P6 NAPABA THANKS ITS DIRECT MEMBERS

P8 racism in the races Asian PACIFIC Americans, Xenophobic Rhetoric, and the Elections by Priya Murthy

P10 2012 aNNUAL LOBBY DAY HIGHLIGHTS

page 8 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

without the firm commitment to diversity to welcome our newest affiliate, the Chinese from the President, as well as bi-partisan American Bar Association of Greater Chicago. support in the Senate to confirm these highly They have a dynamic and energetic board accomplished individuals. I also want to and will be a great compliment to our other acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the affiliates in Illinois, the Asian American Bar NAPABA Judiciary Committee and our staff, Association of the Greater Chicago Area which together have done an extraordinary job and the Korean American Bar Association of of supporting the APA nominees. Even as we Chicago. celebrate this tremendous progress, we must keep up the fight. With approximately 875 Similarly, I would also like to welcome Pankit authorized Article III Judges, if the number of Doshi to the NAPABA Board as the California APA judges reflected the general population, (Central/Los Angeles) Regional Governor. there should be approximately 11-12 APA He will be replacing Cyndie Chang, who just federal appellate court judges and 40-41 APA completed her term. Cyndie did a tremendous federal district court judges. job as the CA Central Regional Governor, particularly for the LA Convention. Pankit May also brought two great NAPABA previously served as the CA Central Alternate traditions: Lobby Day and the annual meeting Regional Governor and is presently the co- of the Coalition of Bar Associations of Color Chair of the NAPABA Litigation Committee. (CBAC). The NAPABA Lobby Day was held on May 9 and will bring in NAPABA members Finally, on behalf of the NAPABA Board, we and friends from across the country to meet look forward to joining our colleagues from the with elected members of Congress and their Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association Dear NAPABA Members and Friends, staff on select issues from NAPABA’s annual of New Jersey (APALA-NJ) as they host the advocacy agenda. The key issues we raised Eastern Super Regional Conference and the As we close out Asian Pacific American (APA) during Lobby Day were the Trafficking Victims next quarterly NAPABA Board Meeting. Heritage Month, we have much to celebrate, Protection (Reauthorization) Act, to help particularly in the area of APA Article III combat human trafficking; the End Racial Thank you all for your continued efforts to judges. Since January 2009, we have more Profiling Act; and a call to protect voting support and build this great organization. than doubled the number of active APA rights and to maintain the focus on confirming Whether you hold a leadership position in judges on the federal bench, from eight to now judicial nominees. NAPABA, you are an individual member, seventeen. Most recently, Judge Jacqueline or you are a friend of NAPABA, you are our Nguyen was confirmed to the United States The CBAC meeting is the annual gathering of greatest ambassadors. Thank you for your the leadership of the National Bar Association, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and contributions. Judge John Z. Lee was confirmed to the the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Native American Bar Association, United States District Court for the Northern Warm regards, District of Illinois. Judge Nguyen is the first and NAPABA. This meeting is an opportunity APA female Federal Circuit Court judge in to discuss strategy and collectively advocate the history of our nation. It is an incredible on the numerous areas of common interest. personal and professional accomplishment Although NAPABA has established a strong and one that was long overdue. In addition, and respected voice on issues affecting the APA legal community and the broader APA there are additional APA nominees in the Nimesh M. Patel pipeline, such as Lorna Schofield who was community, there is no question that we are recently nominated to the United States even stronger when we work together with District Court for the Southern District of New our natural partners. NAPABA has historically York, and there may be others who will be been a key player in these meetings and we nominated before the end of the year. look forward to continuing that leadership role.

This type of progress could not be possible I would also like to take this opportunity

NAPABA LAWYER - Vol. 22 No. 2 Spring 2012 ©National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

CO-EDITORS: Azizah Ahmad, Alexander M. Lee, and Tina Matsuoka

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The opinions expressed in the NAPABA LAWYER are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect NAPABA policy or editorial concurrence. Publication of any written or graphical material or advertisement does not constitute an endorsement. The editors reserve the right to edit, accept or reject prospective materials or advertisement in accordance with their editorial judgment.

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PAGE 2 SPRING 2012 Working together to make a di erence.

We are proud to partner with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association to promote excellence in the legal profession.

WINTER 2012 PAGE 3 Leadership corner

Do you want to get involved with NAPABA? Are you interested in how current board members and committee chairs got involved? You can learn about NAPABA’s leadership in this feature of Leadership Corner. This quarter, we get to know Sang-yul Lee.

Convention. In the years leading up to my joining finances or helping to raise money, is an the NLF Board of Directors, I found myself inspiring attribute of the APA legal community. selling the annual tickets for various NAPABA Here’s a short story. In May we concluded the members. I’m sure that there are some people at selection process for the two-year fellowship NAPABA and back home in Chicago who know that NLF and NAPABA provide in partnership that it is easier to simply buy a book of tickets with AAJC. As it turned out, we communicated from me than to tempt me to come up with more the awarding of the fellowship two hours before reasons to buy from me. the new fellow graduated, Helen Tran, from law school. Helen was ecstatic, telling us that we As a maturing bar foundation attached to an just gave her the best graduation gift possible ethnic bar association, I was sold on the mission and that she was so happy to be starting her of NLF. I could see examples all around us, of “dream job.” As everyone was getting off the lawyers organizing their collective resources call, I believe I heard her exclaim to her friends, and networks to support pro bono, educational “You won’t believe it; I got the fellowship!” That and philanthropic activities of a bar association. moment made my day, and I am certain, would As I started maturing as a lawyer, the mission put smiles on the faces of everyone who has Sang-yul Lee of NLF became more attractive and easier to supported NLF through the years. support. President, NAPABA Law Foundation Q - How would you recommend others get involved Partner, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP Q - As the new president, what do you hope to bring with NLF? to NLF? Q - What type of law do you practice and where? Please learn about NLF and its programs. And of We need to raise more funds. We’ve come a course, please find ways to support NLF, whether I am a partner at Edwards Wildman Palmer long way since NLF’s founding, but the needs personally or through your employers. Other (EWP) in Chicago where I lead the Labor & of the APA community to have access to legal lawyers recruit their firms, legal departments Employment practice in Chicago and represent resources continue to grow with the expanding and organizations to support their communities’ clients on a broad array of litigation and population. We have had some success efforts to meet legal educational needs. Lawyers transaction-facing matters. I got my start and in funding two major fellowships where we are not an easy group to impress, but we as a critical trial experience with the National Labor fund the salaries and benefits of two recently profession do (easily) give our support to those Relations Board, commonly referred to as the graduated law students as fellows at the Asian who are invested in great causes. Federal Labor Board, where I received my American Justice Center (AAJC) in Washington, basic training as a trial attorney. Looking back D.C. and a second non-profit organization on the last 17 years of practice, I have had the where the focus is on elder law and particular Q - Is there anything interesting about yourself that good fortune of being able to practice labor problems associated with the retirement lives you would like to share? and employment law in a very broad manner. of first generation APAs. We also fund over a I have tried cases, been labor counsel on dozen scholarships ranging from $2,000 to I can’t say that I grew up in a context where M&A deals, advised clients on issues related $10,000. It is my hope to raise more funds, both giving back and making charitable contributions to reorganizations, and worked with lawyers through corporate fundraising and tapping into were high priorities. Having an opportunity to in many foreign jurisdictions on cross-border the regular charitable giving of our members. serve NLF at this point in my career allows me employment issues. If our members give to, for example, the Red to make up for some lost time, for which I am Cross, Doctors Without Borders or local public grateful. radio or television stations, it would mean a lot Q - What role do you currently hold in NAPABA/NLF? to NLF’s evolution to get onto the short list of organizations that our members contribute their What role have you held in the past? resources to each year.

I am currently the President of the NAPABA Law Q - What do you most enjoy about being involved Foundation (NLF), having succeeded Michael Chu in November 2011. I have also been with NLF? active on the boards of two NAPABA affiliates Do you know of any NAPABA members in Chicago: the Asian American Bar Association I love NLF’s very clear mission of facilitating of Greater Chicago and the Korean American young lawyers to become excellent attorneys who should be featured in the next Bar Association of Chicago. in the non-profit and educational arenas. I also enjoy the camaraderie that this mission Leadership Corner? engenders among the people of NLF, NAPABA Q - How did you first get involved with NLF? and our affiliated organizations. The personal Send your suggestions to Azizah efforts that I have seen people put forth to make I started by simply selling tickets for the annual NLF work, whether the work is interviewing fellowship fundraiser. You know, the one where Ahmad at [email protected]. fellowship candidates, plowing through the we give away a Mercedes-Benz at the NAPABA

PAGE 4 SPRING 2012 NAPABA LAWYER

In spite of this recent progress, our That is why APAs need to be more Year of the Dragon community remains sorely underrepresented. engaged in the political process and APAs now account for nearly 6 percent of exercise our civic duties as Americans. Could 2012 be the Year for Asian the total U.S. population, but only about 2 percent of Congressional Members. We With the 2010 Census reporting that our PacificA mericans? currently have two APA Senators out of 100 community is the fastest growing racial group by Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of total (Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka, in the country over the last decade—and the the Congressional Asian Pacific American both from Hawaii), and 10 APA Members out momentum of a new generation of APA voters, Caucus (CAPAC) of 435 in the House of Representatives. volunteers, donors, and candidates—2012 may mark an important turning point for the hen I launched my campaign for That is part of the reason why this historic APA community. The Year of the Dragon WCongress in 2009, I faced an extremely election year will be so important for our is a symbol for good fortune, power, and tough primary and many naysayers who said community. Many of the APA candidates respect, and hopefully for APAs, a chance to that someone like me, an Asian American, running in 2012 have built formidable significantly strengthen our political voice at could not win the seat. But given my deep campaigns with a broad base of supporters. the national level. roots in the district, having been elected 9 They represent a diverse range of different times over 23 years in local and state level backgrounds, professional experiences, about the author office, and my long history as a coalition and political beliefs. And they are being Congresswoman Judy Chu represents the builder, I continued to press forward. A few supported by a growing field 32nd District of California and serves as months later, I won that race. The next day, I of APA organizations, Chair of CAPAC, a group of 41 Members received a call from President Obama, political actions of Congress dedicated to addressing who congratulated me on becoming committees, and the needs and concerns of the APA the first Chinese American woman individuals who community. She also chairs the newly elected to the U.S. Congress. understand the formed CAPAC Leadership PAC, which importance of was created to promote fair representation Some people think that I always strengthening this in the U.S. Congress by increasing the wanted to be an elected official. political pipeline. number of APA legislators and supporting However, the truth is that I federal candidates who advocate for never aspired to be one About a year ago, I issues important to the APA community. because I did not think it was had the honor of possible for someone like being elected me. When I was growing Chair of the APA Candidates Running up, the Asian Pacific Congressional American (APA) community Asian Pacific American for Office was nearly invisible in the (as listed on the APA Institute for Congressional Studies website) nation’s capital, but now that Caucus is starting to (CAPAC), *Mazie Hirono (D) US Senate-HI change. a group of 41 Members of Dr. Ami Bera (D) CA-03 Congress committed Ranjit “Ricky” Gill (R) CA-09 to serving as a voice Blong Xiong (D) CA-21 for the APA community. *Otto Lee (D) CA-22 The caucus was founded *Justin Kim (D) CA-31 in 1994 by former Secretary Sukhee Kang (D) CA-45 and then-Congressman Norman Jay Chen (D) CA-39 Y. Mineta, who understood the Mark Takano (D) CA-41 importance of addressing our *Vipin Verma (D) FL-06 community’s diverse needs and *Charles Djou (R) HI-01 stated that, “forging a recognition of that In 2008, there were ten Muliufi Francis “Mufi” Hannemann (D) candidates of Asian and Pacific Islander diversity, and the ability of government to respond to it must be our highest priority. It is HI-02 descent running for federal office, six of whom Tulsi Gabbard (D) HI-02 were incumbents. Today, there are over 30 a goal well within our reach.” I couldn’t agree more. *Esther Kia’aina (D) HI-02 APAs running for the House and Senate in the Tammy Duckworth (D) IL-08 2012 election season, many of whom are first *Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) IL-08 time candidates. Several of them are running Eleven of CAPAC’s 41 Members joined Dr. Syed Taj (D) MI-11 in states where we have not historically the caucus for the first time earlier this year, seen many APA candidates, places like and after 2012, our numbers may be even *Grace Meng (D) NY-06 Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and Illinois. greater. This would allow CAPAC to have Nathan Shinagawa (D) NY-23 In addition to their geographic diversity, they an even stronger presence and ensure that Dr. Manan Trivedi (D) PA-06 also represent different ethnic backgrounds. the APA community’s issues are part of the Joe Chow (R) TX-06 Since 2008, we have witnessed the elections legislative agenda in Congress. Electing Steve Hobbs (D) WA-01 of the first Vietnamese American, Thai diverse and qualified Members of Congress Darshan Rauniyar (D) WA-01 American, Bangladeshi American, and raises awareness about the needs of Chamorro American to serve in the U.S. different constituencies and promotes fair *These candidates are attorneys. Congress. and accurate representation so that every community’s perspective is considered.

SPRING 2012 PAGE 5 NAPABA Thanks all its Direct Members (direct member list as of April 2012) Platinum Kevin Geer Ha Kim Jennifer Chang Bonita B. Hwang Cho Victor Gialleonardo Jr. Tony Leung Ko-Fang Chang Denny Chin Eve Guillergan Keum Park Phillip Chang Alexis Chiu Lisa Hamasaki Diana Sen Faisal Charania Frederick Chung Sean Hanagan Amish Shah Amy Chen A.B. Cruz III Joan Haratani Kimberly Sugawa-Fujinaga Eric Chen James C. Ho Deborah Hong Misasha Suzuki Kent Chen Vivian Hsu Joon Hong Andrew Tsai Lawrence Chen Christine Chung-Sil Lee David Hwang Kris Vann J. Weili Cheng Parkin Lee Marylauren Ilagan Amanda Yen Lee C. Cheng Esther Lim Christopher Kao Richard Y. Cheng Alex Oh Grace M. Kim Bronze Rocky Chin Anne I. Shaw Jane Kim Jeff Breloski Catharine Ching Gina Nobuko Shishima Jason Kim Colleen Chien Julie Cho Mark K. Suzumoto Sul Kim Kristina L. Diaz Brian Choi Andy Wang Lisa Kobialka Gordon I. Endow Jong Choi Bryan A. Wong Gloria Koo Jeannie Kim Curtis Chow Gene Woo Iris Lan Judith Kim Benedict Chun Kyun Yi Michele Lau Haksoo Stephen Lee Megan Chung James Lee Jennifer N. Lee Crystina Coats Gold Michael D. Lee Robert Q. Lee Casey Daum Leighton K. Oshima Peter Lee Amy K. Matsui Erika Dillon Deborah Yue John Lim Lanchi Nguyen Heidi Durr Hope Cannon Diana Liu Alison Shinsato Brad Farrar Marsha-Laine Dungog Goodwin Liu Karina Yuen Wong Delbert C. Gee Miranda Lam Michael Liu Felix Yeung Edward Groves Jeanne Lee Sumbal Mahmud Nina Baek Jennifer Groves Hajime Tada Darren Manibog Kimberly Bourroughs Anna M. Han Caroline Tsai Susan Motter Linda Chia Izumi Hara Jill Pfenning Mee Moua Julie Chiu Stuart Hing Larry Barocas Jason Murata Andrew Chon Kristen Hiraoka Cedric C. Chao Dan Nishigaya Virgilio Amadeo Pansacola Crespo Teddie Hsu Kevin M. Fong Kevin Ong Tino Do Wesley L. Hsu Howard L. Halm Jackson Pai Jung (Jamie) Jun Peggy Huang Rudy Kim Al Park Anne Kim Alejandra Hung Lisa Le Sheldon Quan Tina Lam Elena Hung David M. Louie Donna Miae Ryu Michelle Lee Daniel Huynh Diane Mason Kathleen Seipp Stephanie Lee Sung-Ho Hwang Munir Meghjee Palak Sheth Sunwoo Lee Audra Ibarra Nimesh Patel Michael A. Shimokaji Sam Levine Jennifer Ishiguro Peter Sakai Donna Shiroma Tracy Lin Emi Ito Sri Srinivasan Christopher T. Sukhaphadhana Bob Liu Harvey Jang Stacie Yee Sean Tamura-Sato Lori Lorenzo Amy Kang John C. Tang Anna Meddin Dahrim Kang Silver My Chi To Yuri Mikulka Cynthia Kao Al Auyeung Carolyn Toto Kimberly Nguyen Eric Kawamura Yae Sun (Sunny) Chung Lynne Toyofuku Renee Ohlendorf Abdul-Basit Khan Michael V. Lee Brice Ueda Jacklyn Park Dwight D. Kim Lisha Li J. Dino Vasquez Kim Phan Jean Kim Peter Quon Joann Akiko Waters Christopher Siebens Jenny Kim Andrew Song Brian M. Wong Tammy Sumontha Karen Kim Willard Tom Ray L. Wong Lilian Tsai Leezie Kim Linda Zachariah Simone Wu Neil Verbrugge Paul Kim Ilhan Bae Gary Yoshimura Lin Ye Stephen Kim Cipriano Beredo Michael Yuan Dillon Yeung Yale Kim Brian A. Calub Eunja Adolphe Eun Sun Yoo Young Jun Kim Phillip Cha Jose Almendral Mukesh Advani Victor King Paul S. Chan James Billings-Kang Tanvir Alam Yasue Nao Koblitz Alan Chang Lynda Blair Daniel Albert Patricia A. Konopka Nicholas V. Chen Frederic Cann Mari Aoyagi Katherine Koyanagi Tom Chen Wendy Choi Soonhee Bailey Robert Kwan Kiran Chhaganlal Truc T. Do Avanti Bakane Van Vy Ky Lily N. Chinn Liann Ebesugawa Paul Balanon Judy M. Lam Kunoor Chopra Michael Freeman Frances Barbieri Kenjiro LeCroix Jamie Chu Krystal Gallagher Cheryl Beeker Elena Ledoux Manu Leila Davidson David Graeven Samir Bhavsar Cecile Lee Gwen D’souza Eugene Hsia Sang Young Brodie Chung Lee Yoon Ettinger Kamran Khan Brian Brown Jacqueline Lee Ching-Lee Fukuda Eugene Kim Winston Chan Jae Lee Michelle Lee Jacqueline Vidmar Karyn Ihara R. John Naranja Robert Lee Kay K. Wakatake Matthew Im Eric Ng Seon Jeong Lee Joyce Wan Brian Inacay Hank Nguyen Yun Lee Daniel Wang Kohshi Itagaki Chelsea O’donnell Michael Leon Guerrero Michelle Wimes Sovathary Jacobson Anna Oh Gary Leung Todd Wong Arvind Jairam Frederick Ou Jim Liang Daniel Wu Haeyoung Jang Monika Oyama Lisa Liang Phillip Yang Catherine Jedlicka Jenny Pak Connie Liem Salle Yoo Linghan Ji Michelle Park Diana Lock Bonnie Youn Bryant Jiravisitcul Ronald Park Emily Lu Sam Sik Youn Richard Juang Sang Jin Park Catherine Lui George Yu Iris Jun Deepan Patel Sabrina McKenna Fontaine Yuk Nisha Kalidas Kevin Peek Danchai Mekadenaumporn Kevin Kao Jay Peer Kit Miller Student Nicole Kau Matthew Peng Donna Mo Stevie Tran Jon Kawashima Vincent Pham Hugh H. Mo Aimee Turner Charles Keh Sabari Pillai Audra M. Mori Suhayb Ahmed Cindy Kim Richard Pu Kirk Mori Ghazal Asrar Eun Sol Kim Wenxiong Qiu Christian S. Na Gino Barrica Janet Yeiwon Kim David Randall Kirk Nakamura Bailor Bell Ji Yung Kim Prerna Rao Christopher Eric Ng Anna Brown Jihoon Kim Brian Ryoo Alexander Nguyen Justin T Brown June Kim Sundas Saeed Jenny Nguyen Le-Anh Bui Karen Kim Rishi Satia Mica Nguyen Gracielle Cabungcal Sung Gyoo Kim Eunbee Seo Mark Odulio Ivan Cao Tae Yeon Kim Yoohwa Seong Nathan T. Okubo Corey Casbarro Woojong Kim Palak Shah Fiona W. Ong Carolyne Chan Richard La Calvin Shin Erin Oshiro Kevin Chan Edwin Lam Jong Shin Hyun Min Park Lydia Chan Hanh Thi Le Freesia Singngam John Park Aaron Chang Baro Lee Justin Snyder Steven D. Park David Chang David Lee Stanley So Nilam Patel Keecha Chang Edward Lee Aki Stant Timoteo Pineda Jr. Rita Chang Heain Lee Qin Tao LiLing Poh Tran Che Jennifer Lee Baolinh Than Grace Powers Charles Chen Jin Hoon Lee Peng Thao Romeo Quinto Tri Chiem Joy Lee Prayut Therathanakorn John P. Ratnaswamy Donovan Cho Minjae Lee Bich Thuy Tran Peter Renn Jaewoo Cho Sung Je Lee Crystal Tran Sonja Rice Chung Choi Victor Lee David Tran Ryan Sakamoto Cindy Choi Vivian Lee Deanna Tran Michael Sarmiento Lisa Choi Timothy Lessler Kathleen Tran Lorna Schofield Elaine Chou Alston Lawrence Lew Michael Truong Lisa D. Schwab Weiling Chou Jia Li Stephanie Tso Mary G. Sennes Michael Chropowicz Ke Li Eleanor J. Ung Avin Sharma Nicholas Chu Xiang Li James Vergara Khizar Sheikh Shannon Daley Yingjing Li Kane Vongsavanh Angelica Shepard An Dang Sen Liang I-Chu Wang Michelle Sherman Vinh Doan Erica Ling James Wang Jennie Shi Wei Fan Ada Liu Katie Wang Eric Shih Brian Fung William Liu Ying Wang Simon So Amy Gandhi Kenneth Louis Tiffany Wong Andy Sohrn Suzette Guerra Linh Ly Jeffrey Woo Andrew Spaniol Susan Hallquist Ashley Mah Theodore Woo James Stepan David Han Rohani Mahyera Xuechu Wu Kitty Szeto Daniel Hong Shari Manasseh Yingchen Xiong Andy Takatsuka Shinbok Hong Maria Camille Mangana Christina Yang Maurice Teixeira Bingzi Hu Courtney Martin Michael Yang Kimvi To David Huang Regina Mason Stephanie Yang Anna Tran Reyna Kristy C. Huh Thomas Mathew Crystal Yee Seaton Tsai Naomi Hung Michael Mcdonough Jennifer Yoo Srikanth Vadakapurapu Trang Huynh Peter Mograbi Gie Yoon Jerry Vattamala Thomas Hwang Larissa Murakami Nathan Zhang Chelsea Zuzindlak NAPABA DIRECT Members provide critical support to our orgranization. Please got to www.napaba.org to become a Direct Member today! • On January 17, 2012, when asked by a town hall attendee whether he would support a Muslim running for President, Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich responded, “A truly modern person who happened to worship Allah would not be a threat. A person who belonged to any kind of belief in Sharia, any kind of effort to impose that on the rest of us, would be a mortal threat.” Gingrich continued, “I think it would depend entirely on whether they would commit in public to give up Sharia.”

• On November 5, 2011, Gary Boisclair, a candidate challenging Representative Keith Ellison, one of two Muslims in Congress, tried to question Ellison’s loyalty in a campaign advertisement by pointing out that he had been sworn into office with a Quran. In effect, the advertisement raised doubts about the patriotism of Muslims of various ethnic backgrounds, including those Racism in the Races who are APA. Asian PacificA mericans, Xenophobic Rhetoric, and the Elections • On November 1, 2011, at a campaign by Priya Murthy event in Shelbyville, Kentucky, s Asian Pacific Americans (APA), our American, several variations upon this theme gubernatorial candidate and State Acommunities are now flexing our political have been generally used, including portraying Senator David Williams made muscle as never before. Over 18.5 million APA communities as incompatible with the American several remarks regarding Governor individuals live in the United States today and identity and values, as threats to the American Steve Beshear’s participation in a Asian Americans alone are the fastest growing economy, and unsuitable political candidates Hindu groundbreaking ceremony racial group in the country. Among those because of our backgrounds. to commemorate the opening of eligible and registered to vote, nearly 7.5 million manufacturing plant in Elizabethtown are APA community members. Furthermore, Threats to American Identity and Values: the previous week. Williams remarked, over 2.1 million APA individuals are eligible to Attacks on Pluralism and Loyalty “He’s sitting down there with his legs vote but have not yet registered. At least 24 crossed, participating in Hindu prayers APA candidates are running as challengers Among the pillars of this country’s foundation with a dot on his forehead with incense in Congressional races across the country, was accepting of the plurality of faiths. Yet, burning around him. I don’t know what in addition to a substantial increase in APAs several public officials and political candidates the man was thinking.” Williams also seeking state and local offices. Participating in have made statements that run afoul of this criticized Beshear, along with Hindus the nation’s civic and political process is one of core tenet by blatantly disparaging religions, generally, for praying to “false gods.” many hallmarks of being an American. Yet our including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, In a follow-up press interview, Williams community continues to be often viewed as which are practiced by many APAs. Similarly, subsequently stated, “It’s their right to foreign and unwelcome threats to this country’s another aspect of xenophobic rhetoric involves be a Hindu person if they want to. … security, economy, and identity. statements linking religions, particularly Islam, As a Christian, I hope their eyes are with terrorism that result in APA adherents of opened and they receive Jesus Christ Similar to other immigrant communities and certain faiths to undertake extraordinary efforts to as their personal savior, but it’s their people of color, APAs have often been cast demonstrate their loyalty to this country. business what they do.” as foreigners within the United States despite • being an integral part of this country’s fabric While not exhaustive, below are several On June 8, 2011, Herman Cain for centuries. Unfortunately, these perceptions examples that have emerged on the campaign expressed reluctance to appoint have also permeated the political realm. As a trail this election season: a Muslim if elected President and result, community members have borne the also stated that Muslims exclusively burden of having to prove their allegiance and • On January 20, 2012, at a townhall in needed to take a loyalty oath to the “American-ness” to others. Public officials and Boiling Springs, South Carolina former United States “because there is a Presidential candidate and Senator greater dangerous part of the Muslim political candidates have both perpetuated and exploited this imposed “outsider status” through Rick Santorum told the crowd, “Where faith than there is in … other religions.” statements and images in advertisements, do you think this concept of equality speeches, and campaign materials. It is comes from? It doesn’t come from The implications of such statements are that important to underscore that such tactics are Islam. It doesn’t come from the East those who follow certain religions are not used on both sides of the political aisle and at and Eastern religions, where does it American and, consequently, not welcome in levels: local, state, and national elections alike. come from? It comes from the God this country. While there is a common underlying message of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that’s that our communities are somehow not truly where it comes from.”

PAGE 8 SPRING 2012 NAPABA LAWYER

Threats to the American Economy: Ginning Chinese flag and Asha Bharati from photo of Raja with his full first name, Up Fears of “Foreign” Financial Influence India while wearing a traditional “Dakshinamurthy.” Hindu tikka on their foreheads. While Dissatisfaction and anxieties about the it is unclear who created this video, it • In February 2012, a fake Twitter U.S. economy have led many public officials was available under various YouTube page was discovered that claimed and political candidates to scapegoat Asians channels, include NHLiberty4Paul, to represent Patty Kim, a Korean and Asian Americans, particularly those from NH4Santorum, NHLiberty4Huntsman, American candidate in Pennsylvania, China and India, as a primary reason for the and NHFreedom4Romney. that included pictures of former Korean country’s economic woes. Advertisements and dictator Kim Jong Il with references to statements often imply that Asians and Asian • On July 22, 2011, Mark Amodei, a the 39th parallel and Pyongyang. Americans steal jobs from “real” Americans” Congressional candidate from Nevada, or highlight how opposing candidates have ran an advertisement playing to fears Rather than urging the voting public to assess helped Asian countries benefit from America’s of China benefiting from the economic APA candidates on the merits of their issue- flagging economy. Often, internet and television troubles of the United States. Showing based policy platforms, at the root of such advertisements use images and language such a fictional news report from China, an comments is the nativist refrain that a “foreign” as “foreign” flags, “Asian” landscapes and Asian news anchor narrated, “Once candidate cannot be trusted. music, or actors who say American job loss upon a time, America became its own helps Asia. worst enemy. When all its borrowed * * * money ran out, they kept spending. Below are some examples that have Out of control, their President Obama The impact of racist and xenophobic appeared this election cycle: just kept raising the debt limit, and rhetoric cannot be understated. By playing on their independence became a new racial and religious biases, such statements • On April 3, 2012 at his Ward 8 primary dependence. As their debt grew, our can contribute to a climate that fosters election victory party, Washington, fortune grew. And that’s how our great discrimination, and even violence, against D.C. Councilmember and former empire rose again.” The advertisement community members. Xenophobic comments mayor Marion Barry made stated, included images of an army with a in this context are also particularly dangerous “We got to do something about these Chinese flag marching onto the U.S. because these individuals are often responsible Asians coming in and opening up Capitol. (or become responsible) for creating policies businesses and dirty shops … They that affect all Americans. Lastly, it is important ought to go. I’m going to say that These messages can contribute to a broader not to underestimate the chilling effects that right now.” A few weeks later, Barry climate where Asians and Asian Americans xenophobic rhetoric can have on maintaining declared, “In fact, it is so bad, that if become the “economic villains” of whom other the full civic and political involvement of you go to the hospital now, you find a Americans should be resentful. communities of color and new American voters, number of immigrants who are nurses, despite APAs comprising an increasingly particularly from the Philippines.” Unfit,U nsuitable, Un-American: Race-Based powerful segment of the American electorate. Attacks on Candidates • On February 5, 2012, former There are steps that concerned community Congressman Pete Hoekstra’s Running for office in America, particularly as a members and advocates can take to hold campaign for U.S. Senate ran an person of color or naturalized citizen, is seldom candidates and public officials accountable advertisement on Michigan television an easy road. When candidates are subjected for statements when they arise. Specifically, stations during the Super Bowl. The to xenophobic comments by opponents or the individuals can track and monitor incidents advertisement featured an Asian general public, they face even greater challenges. of xenophobia and racism made by public woman on a bicycle who pretended to While the participation of community members in officials or political candidates, as they arise in speak in accented and broken English the political arena has been rising and garnered the media and report them to APA organizations while images of rice fields and Asian significant public attention, the number of remarks working on this issue. Community members music appeared in the background. playing on race- and religion-based stereotypes can also send letters to candidates, officials, During the advertisement, the woman against various candidates from our communities or political parties that are responsible for stated, in reference to Hoekstra’s has also followed a similar trajectory. Tactics such statements and seek a clarification or opponent, Debbie Stabenow, “Debbie have included attacking the actual or perceived apology. Finally, individuals can submit letters spend so much American money. You religions of candidates; pointing to candidates’ to the editor or op-eds in media outlets that borrow more and more from us. Your “foreign” names and accents; utilizing image- have previously covered such remarks to show economy get very weak. Ours get very altering techniques make candidates appear that the APA community will not stand for such good. We take your jobs. Thank you, “darker”; and questioning a candidate’s “roots.” remarks. Nothing is ever predictable in politics Debbie Spenditnow.” An associated – while we can certainly expect more remarks website had featured imagery A few incidents have already emerged during of this nature in the coming months, we should including the Chinese flag, Chinese this campaign season: also be able to stand up and speak out against lettering, dragons, lanterns, and the racism when it arises. “Great Wall of Debt.” • In April 2012, Pennsylvania State Representative Mark Mustio campaign about the author • On January 6, 2012, a video was mailed flyers regarding his South uploaded onto YouTube calling Asian American opponent, D. Raja, Priya Murthy is the Policy Director of South former Presidential candidate Jon with statements such as “D. Raja has Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). Huntsman a “Manchurian candidate” outsourced many of our jobs to India.” SAALT is a national non-partisan non-profit and “China Jon.” Along with footage Other language in the flyer stated the organization that seeks to elevate the voices of him speaking Mandarin, it also question, “Why would we ever vote and perspectives of South Asian individuals included photographs of him with for Raja to represent us?” strategically and organizations. For further information his adopted daughters, Gracie placed next to images of a map and about SAALT, visit www.saalt.org. Mei from China while in front of a flag of India. Another ad featured a

SPRING 2012 PAGE 9 Lobby day highlights

NAPABA 2012 Resolutions

The NAPABA 2012 Resolutions provides the basis of NAPABA’s advocacy efforts in the 2012 fiscal year. The Resolutions were presented at the annual Coaliation of Bar Associations of Color (CBAC) meeting where 13 of the 16 NAPABA Resolutions were endorsed by CBAC. The 2012 Resolutions are:

• Resolution in support of anti-human trafficking efforts; • Florida In-State Tuition Discrimination Resolution; • Resolution opposing voter suppression efforts; Judge Jacqueline Nguyen giving remarks at the • Resolution supporting reauthorization NAPABA APA Heritage Month Reception A round of applause after Judge Jacqueline Nguyen’s remarks of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); • Resolution supporting prosecutorial discretion by DHS; • Resolution re Deportation of Southeast Asian American Refugees; • Resolution in support of the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA); • Resolution opposing SB 1070 and copycat legislation; • Resolution in support of marriage equality;

• Resolution in support of Congressional Congresswoman Mazie Hirono enjoying the NAPABA APA Heritage Month Reception with Expression of Regret for Asian other APA leaders Exclusion Laws; • Resolution opposing proposed cuts to funding for the Legal Services Corporation; • Resolution in support of pay equity legislation; • Resolution in support of the Democracy Restoration Act; • Resolution in support of the DREAM Act; Congresswoman Judy Chu and NAPABA President Nimesh M. Patel Lobby Day participants preparing for a full day of meetings • Resolution in support of eliminating employment based visa backlogs; and • Resolution in support of eliminating family based visa backlogs.

NAPABA Executive Director Tina Judge Jacqueline Nguyen, NAPABA Policy Director Emily Chatterjee, Senior Counsel to the Matsuoka addressing Lobby Day President Chris Kang, and Karen Narasaki at the NAPABA APA Heritage Month Reception PAGE 10 SPRING 2012 participants NAPABA LAWYER NAPABA BOARD of GOVERNORS OFFICERS President Nimesh M. Patel

President-Elect Wendy C. Shiba

Vice President of Communications Alexander M. Lee

Vice President of Finance & Development Ekwan E. Rhow

Vice President of Membership Sumbal Mahmud

NAPABA members enjoying the beautiful view of the Capitol from the Vice President of Programs & A round of applause after Judge Jacqueline Nguyen’s remarks Jones Day terrace Operations George C. Chen

Secretary William J. Simonitsch

Treasurer Linda E. Lu

Immediate Past President Paul O. Hirose REGIONAL GOVERNORS Northeast Region Jin Hwang & Jason Leung

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono enjoying the NAPABA APA Heritage Month Reception with Congresswoman Judy Chu giving remarks during the Central Region other APA leaders Lobby Day breakfast Peter Chung

Southeast Region Rosy L. Lor

Southwest Region Gina Shishima

Northwest Region Michele Wong

Central California Region Lobby Day participants preparing for a full day of meetings Pankit Doshi

Southern California Region Tirzah Abe Lowe

Eastern California Region Jamie Chu

Northern California Kiran Jain At-Large Members Han C. Choi Christopher C. Javillonar Bijal Vakil NAPABA Executive Director Tina Past NAPABA presidents Paul O. Hirose and Ruthe Ashley with NAPABA member Andrew A. Vu Matsuoka addressing Lobby Day Leighton Oshima participants SPRING 2012 PAGE 11 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 1400 Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-775-9555 Fax: 202-775-9333 www.napaba.org

November 15-18, 2012