WE ARE AN
AAPI FORCE FOR CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA

Trump is using his executive powers to violently attack undocumented immigrants and pro-immigrant protestors using ICE, the FBI, the National Guard, and the Marines. Trump’s orders violate the rights granted to non-citizens by the U.S. Constitution and spit in the face of the First Amendment right to protest. Thousands of Californians are taking to the streets to make it clear that immigrants belong and that we want ICE out of our state. Fascism thrives on fear and grows in silence. We must be loud and brave.

Shania, our Communications Coordinator, reflects on how becoming (Asian) American meant inheriting strong values of anti-fascism and anti-imperialism. They write about how organizing shows us that another world is possible, and that Asian Americans have a decisive role to play in bringing about that world. "Asian Americans have to get organized to defeat fascism."

Our Digital Manager, Ashley writes about the impact of Taiwan's "White Terror" on her parents. She makes parallels between martial law in Taiwan and how Trump's abuses of power are designed to make all of us feel frightened, alone, and powerless. "For me, silence is not an option; I do not want to live in fear and repeat generational patterns. We have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government. And now is the time to use it."

International Workers’ Day falls on the start of AAPI History Month. As fascist rhetoric fuels new and intensified anti-immigrant policies, state-mandated kidnappings of pro-Palestinian activists, and mass layoffs of federal workers, we must strengthen our movement by learning from the solidarity, strength, and resolve of the multi-racial coalitions that fought and won against those who sought to put profit over people.

This year, Tax Day falls on Thai, Lao, and Khmer New Year and the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide. As we commemorate this important date for Southeast Asian communities in the United States, we cannot help but make connections to how American taxpayers were weaponized to fund the bombing campaigns in Southeast Asia five decades ago, and how taxes still pay for war and genocide today.

Our Volunteer Leadership Development Series is a series of 3 trainings that focuses on building grassroots power to defeat fascism. Trainings will help 15 activists understand what we're facing under Trump and build skills to take back our government and defend our communities.