Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago is deeply saddened and  concerned by the verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman, who stalked, shot, and killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year old African American teen. On Saturday, July 13, 2013, a jury acquitted George Zimmerman of any wrongdoing. Our hearts go out to the family and community of Trayvon Martin who have suffered through this unspeakable tragedy, and we support the call by the NAACP for a federal investigation into whether civil rights or other federal laws were violated in this case. (more…)

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago legal director Andy Kang participated in panel about Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) and what’s at stake this summer for the Asian American community. The remarks included the urgent need for all Asian Americans to voice their opinions on CIR to their U.S. Senators and Congressional representatives. In particular, he noted the need to share their concerns on the current CIR bill’s clear shift in prioritizing job skills and education over family relationships, such as brothers and sisters. Also speaking on the panel were Ami Gandhi (SAAPRI), Tejas Shaw (IABA-Chicago president and immigration attorney at Kriezelman Burton and Associates) and Professor Sioban Albiol (DePaul Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic).

Advancing Justice-Chicago Manager of Civic Engagement & Campaigns Reema Ahmad attended the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights CIR strategy session with legislators today. Community leaders met to celebrate wins this past legislative cycle on: temporary driver’s licenses, immigrant services budget, parent mentors, and Hepatitis B education and outreach. The work is not over yet, though, as leaders across the Asian, Latino, Polish and other immigrant communities continue to strategize on moving  elected officials such as Senator Kirk to “Remember November” and support comprehensive immigration reform for our families now.