BEYOND VOTING
�� APA VOICE Turns 10! ��
AswecelebrateadecadeofempoweringourAANHPI community,we’regearingupforapivotalmoment:the2024 GeneralElection!Thisyear,weholdthepowertoshapeour futurebychoosingourrepresentatives,votingonkeyproposals, anddefiningwhoweareasacommunity.Butourworkdoesn’t stopattheballotbox.Whatareourcommunities’priorities?What changesdowewanttosee?Howcantherepresentativeswe electmakethosechangeshappen?BEYONDVOTINGisour essentialguidetounderstandingthecriticalpoliciesthataffectus —everythingfromcivilrightstoimmigrationtolabor.These issueswillbebackonthetableaftertheelection,andnowisthe timetobuildawarenessandmomentum.
INTRO& DISCLAIMER
Let's make November 5, 2024, count and continue to build political power for the future we want!
Policiesandlegislationhighlightedinthisbooklethavebeenselectedbythe 2024APAVOICEPolicySubcommittee.Theinclusionofthesepoliciesdoesnot implyendorsementorapprovalbyallAPAVOICEmemberorganizations For furtherinquiriesorclarifications,pleasecontactusatinfo@apavoiceorg
Thebillnumbersreferencedinthisdocumentapplytothepast(2023-2024) sessions.Tocheckifthesehighlightedbillshavebeenreintroducedandview thelatestversions,pleasevisithttp://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/forstate-level legislationorhttps://wwwcongressgov/forfederallegislation,orcontactthe billsponsorslisteddirectly
Votingisjustthestart.Wemustamplifyourvoicesanddrivereal changethroughbothvotingandadvocacy - 01 -
U.S. Senators
Term Length: 6 Yrs (No Term Limit)
U.S. House Representatives 26/435
Term Length: 2 Yrs (No Term Limit)
WHOREPRESENTS
New York State positions
63
State Senators
Term Length: 2 Yrs (No Term Limit)
State Assembly 150
Term Length: 2 Yrs (No Term Limit)
PROUDTOBE ASIAN
Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Our Community
Our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community is a vibrant and integral part of New York State, contributing significantly to its cultural, social, and economic fabric. Despite being the fastest-growing ethnic group, our histories and contributions have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives. It's time for us to change that! By advocating for inclusive policies, we can ensure that our stories are told, our voices are heard, and our communities are empowered.
NYS
�� REACH-ing for an Inclusive AANHPI Curriculum
Imagineaclassroomwhereeverystudentlearnsabouttherichhistory andcontributionsofAsianAmericans,NativeHawaiians,andPacific Islanders.TheREACH(RepresentingandEmpoweringAANHPI CommunityHistory)Campaignisturningthisvisionintorealitythrough itslegislativeadvocacy.WiththesuccessfulpassageofSenateBill S5963A(Sen.Liu)andongoingeffortsforStateAssemblyBillA6579A (A.M.Lee)inthepastlegislativesession,we'reonamissiontobringan inclusiveAANHPIcurriculumtoNewYorkState'spublicschools.This initiativenotonlyhonorsourheritagebutalsocombatstheignorance thatfuelshateanddiscrimination.
2023-2024S5963A(Passed)/ A6579A(InCommittee-Education)
☪ Eid Mubarak, for All New Yorkers!
For1.5millionMuslimNewYorkers, Eidal-FitrandEidal-Adhaaremorethanjustholidays—theyareessentialexpressionsoffaithand community. Establishingthesedaysasstatewideschoolholidaysisa steptowardrecognizingandcelebratingNewYork'srichcultural diversity. Inthepastlegislativesession, SenateBillS6179A(Sen.Fernandez)andAssemblyBillA3068A(A.M. Sayegh)aimedtoensure thatMuslimfamiliesnolongerhavetochoosebetweeneducationand culturalcelebration. Thismovewillfosterinclusivity, respect, and mutualunderstandingamongallstudents. Together, let'scelebrateour diversityandbuildamoreinclusiveNewYork!
2023-2024S6179A(InCommittee -Judiciary)/ A3068A(InCommittee -GovernmentalOperations)
NYS
�� Invisible No More through Ethnicity Data Disaggregation
Ourcommunityisnotamonolith.CACF’sInvisibleNoMorecampaign championstheneedforaccurate,disaggregateddataonAsian AmericanandPacificIslandercommunities.Foroveradecade,we've foughttoensureourdiversestrengthsanddisparateneedsareseen, understood,andaddressed.Accuratedatameansbetterresources, targetedsupport,andstrongercommunities.Afterthesuccessful passageofS6639A(Sen.Salazar)/A6896A(fmr.A.M.Niou)in2021, it’stimeforustoholdStateagenciesaccountableforimplementing datacollectionandanalysisthatcantrulybenefitus.AttheCitylevel, wearealsoleadingthechargetoimproveexistingdemographicdata collectionlawssothatNYCagenciesactuallycollectandsharethe ethnicitydatathatallNewYorkersneedanddeserve.Let'scontinue thisfighttoensureeverysingleoneofusisseen,heard,andcounted.
2021NYSAsianandNHPIDataDisaggregationLaw(ineffect), Implementationinprogress&2016NYCLocalLaws126,127, and128(ineffect);RevisionBilltobeintroducedFall2024
POWERTOTHE PEOPLE
Safeguarding Democracy for Our Community
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, a fundamental right that ensures every voice is heard and every citizen has a say in shaping our future Yet, barriers to voting persist, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including our AANHPI communities. By advocating for robust voter protection policies and reforms, we can create a more inclusive and equitable electoral system that empowers all of us.
�� Unlocking Democracy through Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration
WhatifeveryeligiblevoterinNewYorkisautomaticallyscreenedfor eligibilityandregisteredasavoter, hassle-free?TheEnhancedAutomaticVoterRegistration(EnhancedAVR)ActS8752A(Sen. Gianaris)/A9732A (A.M. Reyes)introducedinthepastlegislativesessionseekstomakethisareality. ByintegratingvoterregistrationwithkeystateagenciesliketheDepartmentofMotorVehiclesandtheNYSMedicaidprogram, EnhancedAVRsimplifiestheprocessandensuresthatlow-incomeand minoritycommunities, includingourunderservedAANHPIcommunity, are notleftbehind. Thislegislationwilladdressthelanguagebarriersandotherobstaclestoregistrationsweoftenface, andsignificantlyincrease voterparticipationandrepresentation. EnhancedAVRwillmodernizeour electoralsystem, enhancesecurity, andensurethatthediversevoicesofAANHPINewYorkersareheardandvaluedinourdemocracy.
2023-2024S8752A(Passed)/A9732A(InCommittee -ElectionLaw)
Federal
✊ Marching Forward: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
InthespiritofthelatecivilrightsiconJohnLewis,theJohnR.LewisVoting RightsAdvancementActof2024(JLVRAA)S.4(Sen.Durbin-IL)/H.R.14 (Rep.Sewell-AL)aimstorestoreandstrengthentheprotectionsofthe historicVotingRightsActof1965.Thiscriticallegislationaddressesthe ongoingthreatstovotingrightsandtacklesvotersuppressionhead-on.By reinstatingthe"preclearance"requirementforchangestovotinglawsin jurisdictionswithahistoryofdiscrimination,theJLVRAAensuresthatevery American'srighttovoteissafeguarded.Forus,thismeansprotection againstdiscriminatorypracticesandimprovedaccesstotheballotthrough provisionslikelanguageassistanceatpollingplaces.Thisactisessentialfor combatingvotersuppressionandensuringthatourgrowingAANHPI populationcanfullyparticipateinthedemocraticprocess,andfullybeseen.
2023-2024S.4(InCommittee-Judiciary)/H.R.14(InCommittee-Judiciary)
FAIRFUTURE FORALL Protecting Our Diverse
Labor Force
From restaurants, nail salons, homecare to freelance workers, many of our community members are in industries where our contributions are undervalued, and our rights are overlooked
It's vital to address the unique challenges faced by AANHPI workers, who often find themselves on the front lines of labor injustice We must fight for better wages, safer working conditions, and a future where every worker can thrive, dignified and proud.
�� Your Fav Nail Salon, But Make Ethical & Sustainable
For too long, nailsalon workers, predominantly AANHPIandLatinx immigrantwomen ofcolor have facedlowpay, unsafe working conditions, andhealthhazards. Recentfindings revealthat17%ofNew Yorknailtechnicians experience reproductive healthissues, and18% facepregnancy complications, far exceeding nationalaverages. The NailSalon Minimum Standards CouncilActS1800(Sen. Ramos)/A378 (A.M. Bronson)aims to change thatby bringing workers, government leaders, andbusiness owners together to create fair standards for the industry, empower nailtechnicians topushfor safer andmore equitable workplace, andbuilda healthier andmore respectfulindustry thatvalues its workers'contributions.
2023-2024S1800(In CommitteeLabor)/A378(In Committee - Labor)
�� #ExcludedNoMore: Bridging the Gap for Immigrant Workers
Thecurrentunemploymentsystemexcludesmanyworkers,particularly black,brown,andAANHPIimmigrantpopulations.The#ExcludedNoMore campaignseekstorectifythisbyincludingtheUnemploymentBridge ProgramS3192(Sen.Ramos)/A4821(A.M.Reyes)intheStatebudget, providingrelieftofreelancers,cashearners,andundocumentedworkers. InNewYorkState,24%oftheundocumentedpopulationareAANHPI,a crucialpartofourvibrantandgrowingcommunitythatkeepsthecity runningthroughourintensivebutunprotectedlabor.Thisprogram,funded byataxondigitaladvertisingservices,ensuresbigtechpaystheirfair sharetosupportourmostvulnerable.Itdirectlyaddresseseconomic injusticebyprovidingalifelineforthosewhohavebeenleftoutandtheir familieswhodependonthem.
2023-2024S3192(InCommitteeFinance)/A4821(InCommittee-Labor)
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Justice,
LEAVENOONE BEHIND
While we celebrate AANHPI success and achievement, the stereotype of our community being "well-off" and "high-achieving" hides the ugly truth: many of us struggle with economic hardships due to lack of access to education, healthcare, childcare, financial services and so much more. We must address this fundamental inequality and build a future where every AANHPI family can achieve financial stability and prosperity. This means dismantling barriers that have historically excluded us, protecting our neighborhoods from exploitative practices, and investing in infrastructure and resources vital to our community’s survival and well-being.
�� Community over Profit: Defending the Place We Call Home
MetropolitanPark,an$8billiondevelopmentproposedintheheartof Queens,isamongtheleadingcontendersforacasinolicenseandposesa significantthreattoFlushing,oneofthenation’smostvibrantAANHPI communities.Thisprojectrisksexploitingeconomicvulnerabilitiesand exacerbatingproblemgambling,particularlyamongAANHPIseniorswho alreadyfacepoverty,isolation,andinadequatesocialsupport.Despitethe promisedcommunitybenefits,thepotentialharmtoindividualAANHPI familieswillbesevereandirreversible.SenatorRamos,facingimmense pressure,hasstoodfirmwithourcommunitybyintroducingSenateBill S9747(Sen.Ramos).Thisbillsupportseconomicdevelopmentbyproviding publicparklandalienationwhileexplicitlyprohibitinggamingfacilitiesonthe proposedland.
2023-2024S9747(InCommittee-Cities1)
�� Pro-Banking Act: Empowering Our Community Through Financial Access
OurAANHPIcommunityisthefastest-growingracialgroupinNYC,drivenby immigrantfamilieslikeoursseekingabetterfuture.UndocumentedAANHPI immigrantsmakeup13%ofNYC'sundocumentedpopulation,contributing significantlytotheeconomyandessentialworkforce.However,manyface barrierstofinancialaccessbecausetheonlyformofIDtheycanobtain, IDNYC,isnotacceptedasprimaryidentificationbymajorbanks.TheProBankingActS7826B(Sen.Ramos)/A9057C(A.M.Lee)aimstorectifythatby requiringallNewYork-charteredbankstoacceptIDNYC.In2021,5.9%ofNew Yorkhouseholdswereunbanked.Thislegislationwillempowerourcommunity byenablingeveryone,regardlessofimmigrationstatus,toopenbank accounts,buildcredit,andfullyparticipateintheeconomy.Byadvocatingfor financialinclusion,wecanensureourcommunitynotonlysurvivesbutthrives.
�� An Equitable Budget for AANHPI Children and Families
Despitethe"modelminority"myth,one-thirdofNYC’sAANHPIpopulation livesbelowthepovertylineduetohistoricalunderfundingandstructural barriers.Recentwavesofanti-Asianandanti-Muslimhatehavefurther strainedourcommunities ThankstothetirelesseffortsoftheEquityBudgetCoalition,ledbytheCoalitionforAsianAmericanChildrenandFamilies (CACF)andourAANHPIstatelegislators,ourcommunitiessecured$30 millionintheFY25budgetS8300D/A8800Dtofundessentialsocial services.However,withtherisingcostofliving,thisbudgetstillfallsshortof addressingourcommunity’sgrowingandurgentneeds.Continued advocacyiscriticaltoensurethatfuturestatebudgetsfullysupportfood security,publicsafety,mentalhealth,andeducationforourdiverseAANHPI population.Wemustkeeppushingforabudgetthattrulyaddressesthese criticalareasandreflectsourcommunity’sneedsandvalues.
2023-2024S8300D(StateBudget- Passed)/ A8800D(StateBudget- Passed)- SignedbyGov. Hochul
HERETO STAY
Reforming Immigration System with Fairness AND Dignity
The U.S. immigration system has left too many AANHPI families feeling unheard, unseen, and vulnerable. Our stories span generations and continents some of us are rooted here, others are just beginning our journey. But no matter where we come from, we share the same hope: to find safety, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. Yet, our communities are too often met with broken promises and barriers that keep us from truly thriving. It's time for us to rise together and demand change. We need an immigration system that honors our experiences, protects our families from separation, and ensures that every AANHPI immigrant, whether a Dreamer, refugee, or skilled worker, can find their place in this country. This is our fight for our families, our futures, and the right to call this land our home
Federal
�� Dear Dreamers: Our #HomeIsHere
Nearly1.7millionAANHPIundocumentedimmigrantsliveacrossthe U.S., manyofwhomareDreamers youngpeoplebroughthereas children, whohaveonlyknownthiscountryashome. OurDreamers, whocontributeaseducators, essentialworkers, andvaluedcommunity members, deservemorethantemporaryprotection. ThecurrentDeferredActionforChildhoodArrivals(DACA)program, whichoffers someshieldfromdeportation, isstuckinlegallimbo, leavingmany Dreamersvulnerableandthosewhomissedrenewaldeadlineswithout anyprotection. PassingtheDreamActof2023S.365(Sen. Durbin - IL)/ AmericanDreamandPromiseActof2023H.R.16(Rep. Garcia - TX)/ DIGNIDAD(Dignity)Actof2023H.R 3599(Rep Salazar - FL)iscrucial;it wouldcreateaneededpathwaytocitizenship, providingDreamerswithstabilityandthechancetobuildtheirfutureswithoutfear. Whilebipartisansupportforthisoverduelegislationremainselusive, weurge theBiden-Harrisadministrationtoactdecisivelybyensuringautomatic iDACArenewalsandexercisingparoleauthorityforfamiliesand ndividualsintheU.S. Together, wemustadvocateformeaningfulchangeandsecureafuturewhereeveryDreamer, anessentialpartof ourcommunity, knowstheytrulybelong.
2023-2024S.365(InCommitteeJudiciary)/NoCorrespondingHouseBill 2023-2024H.R.16(InCommitteeJudiciary;EducationandtheWorkforce)/ NoCorrespondingSenateBill 2023-2024HR.3599(InCommitteeJudiciary;HomelandSecurity;Waysand Means;Agriculture;Transportationand Infrastructure;Budget;Educationandthe Workforce;ForeignAffairs;Oversight andAccountability;Intelligence;Financial Services;ArmedServices)/No CorrespondingSenateBill
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Federal
�� Refuge in Uncertain Times: Securing TPS and DED Protections
TemporaryProtectedStatus(TPS)andDeferredEnforcedDeparture (DED)haveallowedmanyinourcommunitiestobuildtheirliveshere— working,payingtaxes,raisingfamilies,andcontributingtosociety.TPS currentlyofferstemporaryprotectionstopeoplefromcountriesfacing ongoingarmedconflicts,environmentaldisasters,orextraordinary conditionsthatmakereturninghomeunsafe,includingNepal,Burma, Yemen,andAfghanistan,whileDEDextendssimilarprotectionstothose fromHongKongandPalestine.However,astemporarymeasureswithout pathwaystocitizenship,theseprogramsremainfragileandsubjecttothe discretionoftheadministration.WemustpressuretheBiden-Harris administrationtocontinueredesignationsforallcurrentcountries/regions. Additionally,wemustremainvigilantandstandinsolidaritywithourLatine, Caribbean,African,andMiddleEasternimmigrantcommunitiestofightfor ahumaneimmigrationpolicythataddressestherootcausesof displacementandundoespastharmcausedbyUS.policyfailures.
Nepal:TPScontinuesthroughJune24,2025
Burma(Myanmar):TPSdesignatedthroughNov.25,2025
Yemen:TPSextendedthroughMarch3,2026
Afghanistan:TPSdesignatedthroughMay20,2025
HongKong:DEDperiodfromFeb 6,2023toFeb.5,2025
Palestine:DEDperiodfromFeb.14,2024toAug.13,2025
�� Forgotten Promises: The Adoptee Citizenship Act
Federal
WhilemanypeoplepresumethatchildrenadoptedbyU.S.citizenparents ireceiveautomaticU.S.citizenshipwhenadopted,thisisnottrueforall ontercountryadoptees.FromChinatoJapan,thePhilippinestoVietnam,tens AfthousandsofAANHPIadoptees,includingapproximately19,000Korean mericans,werelegallybroughttotheU.S.byAmericanfamilies,yetthey remainwithoutcitizenshipduetolegaloversights.
Theseindividuals,nowadultsandseniors,facetheunimaginablethreatof deportationtocountriestheydon’tknow,wheretheyhavenofamily, language,orculturalties.Thisisn'tjustalegalissue;it'samatterofjustice andhumanitywemustaddress.TheAdopteeCitizenshipActof2024 S.4448(Sen.Hirono-HI)isourchancetorightthiswrongandsecurea futurewhereeveryadopteecanlivewithoutfearofdeportation.Theseare ourcommunitymembers,andit'stimewemakesuretheyarerecognized andvaluedastheyshouldbe righthere,athome,withus.
2023-2024S.4448(InCommittee-Judiciary)/NoCorrespondingHouseBill
�� #NewYork4All: Thriving without Fear
InNewYorkState,nearly30%ofthe4.4millionforeign-bornpopulationare fromAsiancountries,makingourAANHPIcommunitiesessentialtoour workforceandculturalvibrancy Yet,manyofusliveinconstantfearof (ImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement(ICE)andCustomsandBorderPatrol CBP)’soverreach,whichimpactsourdailylives makingushesitanttoseek medicalcare,foodassistance,andsocialservices,andleavingusafraidto reachoutforemergencyaid/urgentassistanceinacrisis.TheNewYorkFor AllActS987(Sen Gounardes)/A5686(A.M.Reyes)shieldsourcommunities lbyprohibitingstateandlocalofficialsfromenforcingfederalimmigration tawsandsharingsensitiveinformationwithICEandCBP.Italsoprevents ohesefederalagenciesfromenteringnon-publicareaswithoutawarrant.As sneofthemostrecognizedandcelebrated“SanctuaryStates”,NYSmust tepupandtakeleadership Whenlocallawenforcementfocuseson keepingcommunitiessafe,ratherthanentanglingitselfinfederalimmigration lenforcement,ourneighborhoodsaresafer,andourcommunitymemberswill ive,thrive,andsupporteachotherwithoutfear.
2023-2024S987(InCommittee -Codes)/ A5686(InCommittee -WaysandMeans)
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UNITEDFOR PEACE
A
for Humanity & Global Stability
To honor the legacy of generations of Asian Americans who sought refuge and a better future, we must unite in advocating for freedom, peace, and global stability. As conflicts rage in the Middle East and tensions persist on the Korean Peninsula, our call to end violence is deeply personal. Many of us have family ties in these regions, and we know firsthand the pain caused by harmful US foreign policies that have intensified suffering and instability True global peace means creating a world where every individual can live free from fear, fully embrace their potential, and flourish in the safety and security of their homeland By advocating for peace and unity, we fulfill the dreams of those who came before us and build a safer world for our future generations.
Overamillionpeoplehavebeendisplaced,andmorethan40,000civilians primarilywomenandchildren havetragicallylosttheirlivesinGaza Severerestrictions,cuttingofffood,fuel,andhumanitarianaid,have exacerbatedthecrisis,whilebombingswreakhavocononeofthemost denselypopulatedareasonEarth.H.R.786(Rep.Bush-MO)urgentlycalls forimmediatede-escalationandacease-fire,urgingtheBiden-Harris administrationtousediplomaticpowertoendtheviolenceandfacilitatethe urgentdeliveryofhumanitarianassistance.Withhundredsofthousandsof livesatimminentrisk,thisbillcallsfortheendofthebloodshedandensures thathumanitarianaidreachesthoseinneed
2023-2024H.R.786(InCommittee-Foreign
�� From Armistice to Peace: End the Korean War Now!
Aswemarkthe71stanniversaryoftheKoreanarmisticeonJuly27,2024,it isevenmorepressingtoaddresstheongoingtensionsandurgentneedfor peace,astheKoreanPeninsularemainsaflashpointofconflictand uncertainty.ThePeaceontheKoreanPeninsulaActH.R.1369(Rep. Sherman-CA)emphasizestheurgencyofdiplomaticeffortstosecurea formalendtotheKoreanWar Itcallsforacomprehensivereviewoftravel restrictionstoNorthKoreaandtheestablishmentofliaisonofficestofoster communication.Theunresolvedwarfuelsongoingmilitarismandunrest, makingitclearthatdecadesofU.S.sanctionsandisolationhaveonly deepenedthecrisis.Aformalpeaceagreementgoesbeyonddiplomacy;it iskeytoresolvingsecurityissuesandfosteringlastingstabilityinKoreaand acrossAsia.Moreover,itacknowledgesthegenerationalpainandtrauma enduredbyKoreanimmigrants,leadingustowardapathofhealingand globaljustice.
2023 2024HR1369(I C itt F i
ENDING REMARKS
Thiselectionistheopportunityofourlifetimeto createlastingchange,notjustforourselves,butfor generationstocome.Everyvotewecastismore thanjustaboxchecked;it’saboldstatementthat ourvoicesmatterandourrightsarenon-negotiable. Markyourcalendar,makeaplantovote,andrally yourfriendsandfamilytodothesame YES,WE CANharnessourcollectivepowertobuildafuture whereeverymemberofourAANHPIcommunity thrives.OnNovember5,2024,let’sshowup,speak out,andmakeeverysinglevotecount. AREYOUREADY?
