Summer 2025
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
Connie’s Comments
I hope this message finds you safe and sound as our reflections in this quarterly update are marked with action and urgency. In recent days, we have witnessed a troubling escalation in immigration enforcement across Los Angeles–bringing fear and turbulence to the communities we serve. Since the beginning of 2025, we have seen the continuation of policies that threaten immigrant and student rights, fuel discrimination, and undermine the fundamental principles of justice and equality. Despite these setbacks, your support enables us to keep fighting for a future where all voices are heard and all communities are respected.
With the bittersweet news that I will be leaving AJSOCAL this July, I am filled with deep gratitude for all we’ve accomplished and trust AJSOCAL to persevere forward. This issue of The Flame offers a recap of the key AJSOCAL moments and updates from the first half of 2025. We look back at how your support has powered our advocacy efforts and services—and how we are taking action together.
PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY: OUR RESPONSE TO FEDERAL ACTIONS
AJSOCAL firmly denounces the slew of executive orders affecting the protections of immigrants, students, and vulnerable communities under a new era of presidency.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen the enactment of travel bans and a sharp escalation in federal immigration enforcement across Los Angeles, including targeted operations in Chinatown, Pasadena, and the Garment District. Over 300 individuals—many Asian and Latino immigrants—have been detained. Though framed as public safety measures, these actions are racially targeted and anything but safe.
AJSOCAL is responding swiftly and strategically through legal services, distributing know-your-rights materials, and working closely with community partners to monitor developments in real time. We are also working diligently to expand our multilingual helplines and ensure accurate, in-language information reaches those most impacted.
We’re raising the alarm against threats to immigration, sweeping staffing cuts to the Department of Education and the harmful push to revoke Chinese student visas—policies that not only deny individuals access to opportunity, but also erode the educational and cultural fabric of this country. These actions are targeted, discriminatory, and unacceptable. AJSOCAL will continue to speak out nationally, organize with partners, and protect our community against such harmful policies.
Executive orders that impose English-only language restrictions or accelerate deportations without due process are targeting our most vulnerable communities. Migrants—many from Latino and AAPI backgrounds—are being deported to countries like Panama and Costa Rica with little warning, no legal support, and few resources. These acts are inhumane, and we are actively working to defend the rights and dignity of those impacted.
This work is only possible because of supporters like you. These are deeply concerning times, and amid a resurgence of xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment, we’re reminded just how critical our collective fight for justice remains. We need your help again—now more than ever. Racist and anti-immigrant actions threaten our students, immigrant populations, and the very foundation of basic human rights. Together, we can ensure that the values of equity and justice are not just defended, but expanded.
Read more about our response to recent executive orders here. Contribute to the cause here. $5,000 pays for legal representation for one AAPI immigrant in detention.
Tools for Safety, Strength, and Solidarity - Know Your Rights
Do you know anyone who could use more information about immigration and detainments? To respond to growing threats in immigration enforcement, AJSOCAL has launched a digital resource hub with know-your-rights materials, including in-language printable red cards outlining constitutional protections—regardless of immigration status. Now is the time to stay prepared, remain vigilant, and know your rights.
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.
Making AANHPI Data Visible
To kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AJSOCAL proudly launched the Community of Contrasts website—an interactive data platform that sheds light on the rich diversity within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
With data drawn from national and local agencies, the site provides an unprecedented level of disaggregated information—giving visibility to more than 70 Asian ethnic groups often left out of broad statistics.
This free public resource empowers community-based organizations, funders, and policymakers to better serve AANHPI communities while dismantling the harmful “model minority” myth by showcasing unique challenges across regions and identities. With over 2,000 data visualizations on critical issues like language access, immigration, and housing—paired with lived stories from the ground—Community of Contrasts is more than a tool; it’s a catalyst for change.
Two new datasets have been updated since the platform’s opening: Business Owners by Race, Hispanic Origin, and Ethnic Group, 2022 and Occupations for AANHPI Ethnic Groups With High Poverty Rates, 2017–2021.
“During this time when science, data, diversity and equity, education and health systems, and immigrant communities are under attack, we hope the Community of Contrast website serves as a powerful tool for community-based organizations, funders, lawmakers, and more, to inform policies and advocate for resources for diverse AANHPI communities,” said June Lim, Managing Director of Demographic Research Project at AJSOCAL.
Your support makes efforts like this possible. As data and equity come under attack, we need supporters like you to help us ensure our communities are seen, heard, and resourced. Visit www.communityofcontrasts.org and consider making a donation today. $1,000 covers one online training for AAPI nonprofits to learn how to use the website and disaggregated data to advocate for their communities.
YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO THE AAPI COMMUNITY
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!
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
HONORING MARK YOSHIDA’S LEGACY
AJSOCAL is proud to launch the Mark Yoshida Fellowship, a two-year opportunity for emerging lawyers to begin their careers grounded in service and community. Created in memory of Mark Yoshida—our beloved advocate who dedicated nearly 30 years to advancing justice and immigrant rights as a citizenship staff attorney—this fellowship carries forward his legacy by empowering the next generation to serve AAPI communities with heart, courage, and purpose.
Our inaugural Fellow will receive hands-on experience in immigration law while building deep, lasting connections with the communities we serve. For those graduating from an American Bar Association accredited law school before September 2026, this is a unique opportunity to grow into the kind of compassionate, community-rooted advocate Mark modeled so powerfully.
Applications are open now through August 15, 2025. Click here to apply.
And for those who believe in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders, we invite you to honor Mark’s legacy by supporting the fellowship that bears his name. Click here to donate and include “Yoshida Fellowship” in your note.
It costs over $100,000+ per year to cover the salary and benefits for a public interest law fellow to join our team. Your gift helps ensure that Mark’s impact to advance the rights of vulnerable AAPI community members lives on—through the changemakers still to come.
A New Chapter in Collective Giving
AJSOCAL officially launched the Justice Giving Circle (JGC), a major patron alliance of long-time and new supporters who are committed to protecting immigrants and advancing AAPI justice.
We kicked off this exciting chapter with an inaugural luncheon in San Gabriel Valley, an area deeply connected to AJSOCAL and immigrant history. As a meaningful return to AJSOCAL roots, leaders of the AAPI community gathered in support of our mission, celebrated Asian-owned small businesses, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to justice.
This luncheon marks the beginning of a new era of advocacy and collective success, especially in the face of increased anti-Asian hate. Attendees included AAPI community leaders, philanthropic partners, and major donors. Visit ajsocal.org/justice-giving-circle/ to see a list of our current members and learn more about how to join.
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
AJSOCAL celebrated AAPI Heritage Month throughout May with a slew of community events and celebrations. From partnering with Equator Coffee as a heritage month sponsor to spotlighting AAPI May Heritage Month Honorees, spotlight event, AJSOCAL proudly took part in a month of celebrating immigrant stories and AAPI culture.
Among many of May’s highlights, Angel City FC (ACFC) spotlighted AJSOCAL and donated proceeds from its AAPI Heritage scarves to support our ongoing work. Read more about our partnership here.
Our presence in these spaces reflects a shared belief in the power of community and cultural pride. With continued backing from our community of advocates and donors, we’re able to show up, speak out, and celebrate who we are—loudly and joyfully. Click here to learn more about what we did.
June is Pride Month! AJSOCAL is uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through various efforts in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Learn more about AJSOCAL’s LGBTQ+ initiatives here.
Ending with Appreciation: Connie’s Journey Ahead
A bittersweet but celebratory goodbye is in order for our CEO, Connie Chung Joe, as she begins a new chapter as the next President and CEO of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP). While parting is never easy, AJSOCAL staff and community are celebrating Connie’s past five years with us.
“I have greatly appreciated Connie’s time with our organization as our CEO,” said Jeffrey Deguia, Policy Advocate at AJSOCAL, “As someone who identifies as a queer, to have Connie be clear and upfront about her vision for increased and more intentional support of the LGBTQ+ community felt very validating and empowering. I appreciate her focus on ensuring our queer, trans API (QTAPI) community was highlighted, uplifting and included in AJSOCAL’s work.”
Throughout her time here, Connie has navigated anti-Asian hate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthened our fight for immigrant rights, and pioneered community support during the Monterey Park Lunar New Year shooting. Her work allowed us to expand multicultural coalitions and push for AAPI voting rights and representation across California.
Connie’s leadership in our work does not come without recognition. As she closes this chapter, she leaves with three distinguished honors in 2025: Asia Society’s “Social Justice Visionary” 2025 honoree, Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association’s 2025 Delbert E. Wong Service Award recipient, and an honoree for leadership by LA Supervisor Solis.
“I’m filled with gratitude for everything Connie has done to move our mission forward–always inspiring and leading us with passion, purpose, and a deep belief in justice,” said Alice Lee, Community Engagement Management Director at AJSOCAL. “But more than anything, I’m thankful for the wonderful person she is.Thank you, Connie, for everything. Wish you all the best.”
Our community celebrates Connie for what she has done and what is to come. Read more about Connie’s impact here.
FOLLOW US
Follow us on our social media to stay up to date on updates like this one.
