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Asian Law Caucus Statement on the Inauguration of President Donald Trump
SAN FRANCISCO — Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus, issued the following statement on the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States:
“For generations, the Asian Law Caucus has served as a defender of immigrants’ and working people’s essential rights and freedoms. By marshalling legal services, community education, and advocacy, we protect Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, and other immigrant communities from abuses of power. We bring to bear collective action, mutual care, and an unwavering commitment to every person’s humanity and safety to help more workers, tenants, and families thrive.
“We face an aggressive, extremist campaign against immigrants, refugees, working people, union members, LGBTQ+ communities, and people of color. With the support of billionaires and corporations that are currying favor to boost their profits, President-elect Trump has vowed to dismantle our constitutional rights, including birthright citizenship, and use federal power to target people based on what we look like, where we were born, or what language we speak. Threats to execute mass deportations, internment camps, and family separation in record numbers will inflict immeasurable and lasting harm upon millions of people.
“In response to Trump’s last term, we secured emergency blocks against raids in Southeast Asian communities, won a visa reconsideration process for people harmed by the Muslim Ban, and bolstered California’s role as a beacon for sanctuary and a multiracial democracy.
“We are clear-eyed that Trump’s playbook is served by mayhem and panic - an intentional strategy that seeks to isolate vulnerable community members and make people fearful to stand together for our loved ones and neighbors. As we arm our communities and clients with the information and guidance they need to defend their rights, we are ready to leap into action to protect the values most Americans cherish: justice, fairness, and belonging. We are steadfast in our commitment to a world where children can pursue their dreams, families can put down roots, and communities have the resources to live peacefully and prosper.
“No matter what chaos and cruelty Donald Trump intends to wage against our safety and rights, our community is our strength and we’ll never back down.”
Find our latest know your rights resources in the Asian Law Caucus’ 2025 guide for immigrant communities.