Fall 2025
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
From the Desk of Our Interim CEO, Aileen Louie
With fall in full swing, we reflect on the ongoing work and hard-earned milestones for this eventful season. We are still seeing federal actions continue to target the rights of our most vulnerable communities—deepening fear and fueling discrimination. These challenges only underscore the urgency of our work at AJSOCAL, and why our commitment to justice remains steadfast.
At the same time, we’ve taken proactive steps to build change. Our 42nd annual gala rallied AAPI leaders to celebrate joy as resistance. We’ve shared immigration rights info widely, issued public statements to uplift community voices, sent dozens of poll monitors and legal observers out to protect voters, and we celebrated policy wins that ensure equity and safety. In early December, we will be expanding our new OC Headquarters to include a new Community Space.
This issue of The Flame highlights these efforts and more. Together, we are turning moments of challenge into opportunities for action.
In these especially challenging times, we need your support to continue meeting rising needs and protecting our most vulnerable communities. Please consider supporting AJSOCAL to help defend civil rights, expand equity, and empower those who need it most. Thank you for being part of this ongoing fight for dignity and justice.
Introducing Dahni K. Tsuboi as Our New CEO
AJSOCAL proudly welcomes Dahni K. Tsuboi, J.D. as our new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned nonprofit leader and attorney, Dahni brings decades of experience guiding mission-driven organizations through transformation and growth. With a career spanning community foundations, legal advocacy, and health equity, she has served in leadership roles at City of Hope, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and the East Bay Community Foundation. Her people-centered approach and unwavering belief in justice will shape AJSOCAL’s next chapter of impact.
“My passion for AJSOCAL’s mission is deep and rooted in personal experience, belief in our justice system, and enduring faith in the organization’s impact,” Dahni shares. “I am proud to lead AJSOCAL in meeting this important moment for our community.”
Dahni joins AJSOCAL at a pivotal time for the AAPI community and the broader movement for civil rights. Her arrival signals a renewed commitment to advancing equity through both advocacy and direct service – ensuring that the voices and needs of AAPIs are represented at every level of policy and power.
As we look ahead, we are thrilled to continue building on that foundation under Dahni’s leadership. Read more about Dahni here.
IMMIGRATION
Our immigration team continues to stand at the frontlines of justice. This dedicated group of staff attorneys and legal advocates provides free or low-cost legal services to AAPI communities across Southern California, including immigration relief screenings, DACA renewal assistance, and removal defense representation.
As policies shift and fear deepens in our communities, their work becomes both more challenging and more urgent. With your support, AJSOCAL can continue offering critical legal help to those who need it most—ensuring that every individual, regardless of status, has access to safety, dignity, and justice.
A CLIENT STORY
Just three years of age, Dan was sent first with his brother, traveling by car while their mother crossed the desert alone, on foot. In the United States, Dan gained DACA status and eventually went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from UC Davis.
Starting June 18, 2024, the Biden administration improved access for DREAMers interested in obtaining employment-based visas through the Immigration and Nationality Act waiver, otherwise known as the D-3 waiver. The waiver addresses past immigration violations, including unlawful presence. However, Dan’s DREAMer status ended when he turned 18. During his time as a college student, thus, Dan accrued 4 years of what is deemed ‘unlawful’ presence in the United States.
When a DACA recipient leaves the United States, a 10-year bar on readmission is instated. For those with the D-3 waiver, however, the bar is removed so that individuals may apply for the H1-B visa, which, when granted, will allow them to re-enter the United States under work authorization and valid nonimmigrant status.
Dan reached out to AJSOCAL, who provided him with legal support to help navigate the very complicated U.S. immigration process. Through this partnership, Dan successfully applied for the D-3 waiver at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, which marked the first time he had been back to Mexico since he left at three.
DID YOU KNOW
Provides legal representation for one AAPI immigrant in detention.
IMMIGRATION Know Your Rights
To respond to ongoing threats in immigration enforcement, AJSOCAL continues to update its digital resource hub with know-your-rights materials in multiple Asian languages, including in-language printable red cards outlining constitutional protections – regardless of immigration status. Now is the time to keep family and friends informed and safe.
If you have an upcoming check-in with ICE—or know someone who has been detained—remember:
- You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney, regardless of immigration status.
- Do not sign anything without first speaking to a legal professional.
Visit ajsocal.org/immigration to learn more and access resources available in eight Asian languages and dialects.
OUR RESPONSE TO FEDERAL ACTIONS
AJSOCAL continues to respond swiftly and strategically as federal policies continue to threaten the rights of immigrants, workers, and LGBTQIA+ communities spanning the AAPI landscape. These are turbulent times, and the urgency of this work has never been greater.
We vocalized our opposition against the federal government’s plans to make drastic cuts to the U.S. refugee program. AJSOCAL joined civil rights partners in denouncing this move as discriminatory and un-American, emphasizing that refugee protections belong to our shared values. Read our statement here.
We took a stand when the H-1B visa program came under attack. AJSOCAL condemned the administration’s efforts as undermining immigrant professionals—especially in AAPI communities—and weakening the fabric of our economy and workforce. Read our statement here.
We responded immediately to the Supreme Court ruling that effectively increases the risk of racial profiling. At AJSOCAL, we condemned the decision as advancing terror in communities of color and reinforcing enforcement without accountability. Read our response here.
We also joined our coalition of Asian-Pacific American leaders in denouncing federal attacks on trans rights. AJSOCAL affirmed that QTAPI individuals deserve protection, affirmation, and full participation—not policy-driven erasure or fear. Read our coalition statement here.
Across all these fronts, AJSOCAL is not only issuing statements—we are deploying legal services, expanding rapid-response education, distributing multilingual know-your-rights materials, and partnering with communities so that policies don’t go unchecked. This work is growing harder by the day, but also more essential. We need your support now to keep up with this critical advocacy.
POLICY WINS!
This legislative session brought major victories for immigrant, tenant, and LGBTQ+ communities—and AJSOCAL is proud to have helped lead the way. Thank you to Governor Newsom for signing these important bills into law!
AB 863 (Kalra) – Language Access in Eviction Notices
Sponsored by AJSOCAL, this bill ensures tenants receive translated eviction summonses in the top five non-English languages in California, protecting more than 6 million limited-English-proficient residents and empowering tenants to understand and exercise their rights.
AB 49 (Muratsuchi) – California Safe Haven Schools Act
This new law strengthens protections for immigrant students and families, prohibiting immigration enforcement from entering schools without a judicial warrant and requiring statewide Safe Haven policies by 2026.
AAPI Queer Joy Bills Signed Into Law
Two AAPI Queer Joy Coalition priorities—AB 678 (Lee) and AB 1487 (Addis)—expand inclusive housing services and secure sustained funding for mental health and community-based programs uplifting LGBTQ+ Californians.
Each bill passed is a step toward equity and belonging for our communities. Yet, in these turbulent times, this work is becoming harder and more urgent than ever. Your support helps AJSOCAL continue fighting for policy change and justice for all. Consider donating(insert donate link) today.
Read more about our legislative priorities here
Health Justice Network Convening and “Wicked Good Connections” Social Mixer
On October 29, the AJSOCAL Health Access Program (HAP) brought together more than 30 health access partners and advocates from across California. Throughout the day, we hosted presentations on Covered California, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Know Your Health Care Rights, Medical Debt, and a roundtable discussion about Policy Advocacy Priorities.
The convening was followed by our “Wicked Good Connections” Social Mixer, co-hosted with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) to strengthen cross-sector partnerships. We were joined by an additional 60 community advocates representing social service organizations working in human trafficking prevention, housing, economic advancement, and other areas of community support.
Even amidst this current confusing regulatory environment, AJSOCAL’s Health Justice Network stands committed to ensuring all people have access to the healthcare they deserve.
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42nd Anniversary Gala: United in Action, Advance Together
On October 16, more than 500 leaders from law, philanthropy, business, and the arts gathered at The Westin Bonaventure for AJSOCAL’s 42nd Annual Gala—United in Action: Advance Together. The evening celebrated joy as resistance and reaffirmed our collective commitment to protect immigrant and civil rights amid ongoing attacks.
The program featured the introduction of AJSOCAL’s incoming CEO, Dahni K. Tsuboi, J.D., by Board Chair Jade Leung, joined by former CEOs Stewart Kwoh and Connie Chung Joe. Throughout the evening, community members and partners were recognized for their leadership and service, including AJSOCAL Board Member and Bird Marella managing partner Paul Chan, LA Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, and Pasadena Fire Engineer Chien Yu. Presenting the awards were special guests Alexander Rodriguez, publisher of LA Blade Magazine, the nation’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ paper, and the Hon. Al Muratsuchi, who presented the Ileto Courage award to Mr. Yu. It was an incredibly moving program that . Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su presented an AJSOCAL Legend award to Paul Chan, but also honored the Thai garment workers whose landmark case reshaped labor rights three decades ago.
Thank you to all who joined and contributed to this milestone celebration. Your continued support helps sustain AJSOCAL’s mission to advance equity, empower communities, and protect the rights of all. Let’s keep that support going—donate now to empower our migrant neighbors.
Read more here.
Here is how YOU can help
WAYS TO GIVE: The fight for justice continues, and we need your support now more than ever. There is more than one way to give—here’s how you can contribute to our work:
DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF)
Do you want a simple, tax-savvy way to support causes you care about—like ours? DAFS are a great way to set aside funds with immediate tax benefits and recommend grants over time, giving when it feels right for you. AJSOCAL is proud to be a DAF-eligible nonprofit, and your contribution through a DAF helps us keep fighting for immigrant justice and AAPI communities—at a pace and amount that works for you.
If you already have a DAF set up, consider recommending a grant to AJSOCAL—it’s a meaningful way to put your fund to work for social justice and AAPI communities.
Appreciated Assets
Did you know you can support AJSOCAL by donating appreciated assets like stocks or IRA distributions?
It’s a smart, tax-efficient way to give—often allowing you to avoid capital gains taxes while making a bigger impact. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give without tapping into your cash flow, this could be the perfect option.
Reach out to us at jhu@ajsocal.org for more information.
DONATE ONLINE
Donate directly online here. Your financial contributions enable us to continue advocating for immigrant rights and protecting AAPI communities.
$1,000 covers legal services for one domestic violence victim to secure a restraining order against their abuser. $2,500 pays for 10 limited English speakers who call our helpline needing legal help. $10,000 covers the legal defense to take one unlawful eviction defense case to trial to ensure a family does not end up homeless. Many employers match donations—double your impact!
Mail In a Check
Nothing feels better than writing a check out by hand to a cause you care about. Make a tactile donation by mailing in check to:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
Attn: Development
1145 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Please make checks payable to “Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California”
PLANNED GIVING
You can donate through a Will or Charitable Estate Plan and help reduce the taxable value of your estate, allowing you to support a cause you care about, while taking care your loved ones.
LEGACY GIFTS
Did you know you can donate to AJSOCAL through your retirement plan? Consider leaving a legacy gift that costs you nothing, and allow your heirs to avoid double taxation. A Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) will also have no income taxes during distribution.
If you’d like more information about ways to give or need assistance making a donation, feel free to reach out to us at jhu@ajsocal.org.
Donate today and help ensure that justice remains a priority for all.
Contact Us
For more information about our programs, volunteering opportunities, or ways to donate, please visit our website at AJSOCAL.org or follow us on social media. We are always looking for community members and allies eager to make a difference. Get in touch, and let’s make progress together.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to justice.
Together, we are stronger.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
OC OPENING
On Monday, December 2, from 2 – 4 PM, we’ll be holding a grand opening of AJSOCAL’s new OC Headquarters and Community Space! This celebration marks an exciting new chapter in our efforts to serve and empower local AAPI communities. Community leaders, elected officials, and OC neighbors are coming together to commemorate this special moment.
Joseph Navales – Service Award
Join us in congratulating Joseph Navales, Director and Staff Attorney at AJSOCAL, who was recognized with the Service Award at the Filipino Migrant Center’s 15th Anniversary Gala on October 25. Here at AJSOCAL, Joseph plays a pivotal role in advancing our immigration work and supporting communities in need.
AJSOCAL Speaks at Statewide Townhall on Immigrant Rights
On October 22, Ronnette Ramos, AJSOCAL’s Vice President of Programs, spoke alongside Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez at the virtual townhall “Protecting Californians: Defending Immigrant Rights & Civil Liberties.” The discussion focused on the ongoing immigration enforcement operations across California and the urgent need to safeguard the rights and dignity of immigrant communities.
AJSOCAL Recognized by Mayor Karen Bass
At a press conference on October 20, Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the vital work of AJSOCAL in supporting immigrant communities amid recent ICE operations in Los Angeles. We are grateful for the recognition and remain committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all who call our city home.
Watch the Press Conference Here.
In Memoriam: Honoring Judge Howard Halm
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Howard Halm, a trailblazing Asian American attorney and judge who dedicated his life to justice and mentorship. Judge Halm’s legacy lives on through the countless legal minds he guided with wisdom and care. In lieu of flowers, Halm has requested that donations be made to Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California—a reflection of his lifelong commitment to equity and community.
Remembering AJSOCAL Legend, Kent Wong
On November 15, a memorial was held for Kent Wong, giant in the labor and immigrant rights movement who passed this October. Through his decades with the UCLA Labor Center, Professor Wong helped shaped policy that changed the lives of workers, migrants and Asian Americans. As a beloved professor who pioneered Labor Studies, he was also an organizer and political advocate who dreamed of shaping Los Angeles into a “worker-centered” economy. Of course, Kent holds a special place in AJSOCAL history, since he was also one of the first staff attorneys on the team during the early days of the organization.
Our founder Stewart Kwoh reflected on his legacy during our 42nd Gala:
“I think that he inspired young people because he took a strong stand for students, undocumented and documented. I think students can follow that example. Study, yes. But lead with your passion and stand up for justice.”
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