California Legislators and Nonprofit Leaders Visit Southern Border to Witness and Discuss Historic Levels of Asian Migration & Ongoing Humanitarian Needs
5,000% increase of Chinese and other Asian migrants in the last two years galvanizes AJSOCAL and CA Legislators to visit California’s southern border.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 15, 2024, LOS ANGELES, CA–At the end of March, legislators and community organization leaders traveled to the Southern U.S. border in San Diego, CA spurred by the increased presence of Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, and other Asian migrant arrivals. They discussed the challenges organizations providing humanitarian and housing services on the ground face. The dire lack of in-language and culturally competent assistance for Asian migrants creates access barriers to information, safety, food, water, and sanitation.
AJSOCAL, NONPROFIT LEADERS AND THE LEGISLATORS OFFER THIS JOINT STATEMENT:
“We have a humanitarian crisis at our state’s southern border. The increasing number of migrants from Asian countries at the state’s southern border requires a compassionate response yet highlights the inhumane and broken immigration system. Families and children are seeking asylum in our country, a beacon of freedom to many, after precarious journeys across the globe. Immigrants face conditions that deprive them of necessities such as shelter, food and sanitation, and the lack of in-language access to critical information further endangers their lives on U.S. soil. As lawmakers and community leaders, we urge our colleagues to join us in pursuing immediate and long-term solutions to the critical needs of immigrants seeking a safer life for themselves and their families.”
Signed by participants:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
CA Assemblymember Alex Lee
CA Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson, DSW
CA Assemblymember Mike Fong
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PHOTOS OF THE VISIT CAN BE FOUND HERE. CAPTIONS ARE BELOW.
(CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK)
CAMA2500: Connie Chung Joe, CEO, AJSOCAL co-led the legislator’s visit.
CAMB5070: U.S. Border Patrol gather migrants held at the Jacumba open-air detention center for processing prior to arrival of Assemblymembers and community-based organizations.
CAMB5016: Asm Mike Fong, Asm Chris Ward, Asm Dr. Corey Jackson, Asm Alex Lee, and Asm Rebecca Bauer-Kahan at the Jacumba open-air detention center.
CAMB5140: CA Assemblymembers meet with volunteers and local nonprofits offering humanitarian assistance at the Jacumba open-air detention center.
CAMB5132: Migrants held at the Jacumba open-air detention center await processing.
CAMB5135: Migrants held seek shelter at the Jacumba open-air detention center.
CAMA2535: Assemblymembers and AJSOCAL interpreter speak with a migrant at a San Diego public transit center where hundreds are regularly dropped off—an action known as ‘street releases.’
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, conducting crucial research, and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice. Offices are in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with satellite offices in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. www. AJSOCAL.org
CONTACT:
Liza Ameen, AJSOCAL, 213-241-0258, lameen@ajsocal.org