Asian American Federation

Thank you AM Grace Lee, Senator Jeremy Cooney, Senator Jamaal Bailey, AM Karines Reyes, and AM Emerita Torres for meeting with us to learn more about the urgent needs of our most vulnerable community members and why the #AAPIEquityBudget is critical to bridging those gaps.

We’re especially grateful to Assembly Member Grace Lee’s leadership and all our legislative champions in the APA Taskforce for standing with the Equity Budget Coalition for a just and fair budget!

In a time of rising uncertainty and when trusted nonprofits are already stretched thin, our coalition of 150+ AAPI organizations is calling on Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie to pass the $54.35 million #AAPIEquityBudget and invest in AAPI New Yorkers!

New York State Asian American Pacific Islander Equity Budget Coalition members and legislative champions rally at the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany.

State Senator John Liu speaks in favor of the AAPI Equity Budget at the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany.

Assemblymember Steven Raga speaks in favor of the AAPI Equity Budget at the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany.

New York State Asian American Pacific Islander Equity Budget Coalition members rally at the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany.

We're in Albany today with the #AAPIEquityBudget Coalition, calling for $54.35M to empower the organizations that deliver the essential services our communities depend on. Thank you Assemblymember Lee, State Senators Liu and
@senatorcooney.bsky.social, and all our legislative champions!

Frigid temperatures will return to New York City this weekend, with lows in the single digits and wind chills below zero. Limit time outdoors, cover exposed skin, and make sure to take frequent indoor breaks. NYC landlords are required to maintain warm units. If your apartment falls below 68°F during the day or 62°F at night, contact your landlord first and then call 311 if the issue is not resolved. Find a list of warming centers and cold weather resources at council.nyc.gov/snow

🥶 Extreme Cold Notice 🥶

Frigid temperatures return to NYC this weekend, with single digit lows and wind chills below zero. Stay indoors if possible and bundle up if you must go outside.

Find a list of warming centers and cold weather resources at council.nyc.gov/snow

Hate in the time of Trump: The perils of being Indian in MAGAland It was October 2025. The spotlight came on. The room fell quiet.Fifty-three-year-old Salil Maniktahla stepped onto a stand-up stage, visibly nervous. This was n

Since January 2023, we've documented distinct spikes in anti–South Asian hate online — correlating with moments when political figures like Kamala Harris and Zohran Mamdani were in the national spotlight. 🧵⬇️

Yuen: My parents thought we had made it. Now we carry papers. Living under ICE’s crackdown has changed how some Minnesotans of color, including U.S. citizens, move through the world.

ICE's terror campaign in Minnesota is spreading fear amongst Asian, Black, and Brown people in the state. Even U.S. citizens are being forced to prove their identities and their right to belong in their communities. 🧵⬇️

AAPIP Twin Cities Rapid Response Fund Moving money to AANHPI organizations serving families and communities in crisis Since December 2025, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area (also known as the Twin Cities) has been the site of "Operatio...

Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant families in Minnesota are facing unprecedented threats by ICE. Yet AANHPI organizations in the Twin Cities receive only 13 cents out of every $100 philanthropic dollars. Donate to the Twin Cities Rapid Response Fund here: aapip.app.neoncrm.com/forms/aapip-...

Press Statement January 30, 2026 We welcome this legislation as a step towards rebuilding trust that has been shattered by ICE’s overreach and violence. Too many of our neighbors can’t get to work or send their children to school or seek care at hospitals. Our communities must be able to live without the fear that law enforcement will terrorize us and tear us away from our families. Because immigrants are New York. We have built this state, we make up its rich cultural heritage, we have come from all over the world to forge better lives here. This is our home, and New Yorkers want ICE out. Now is the time for Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, led by Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, to swiftly pass the comprehensive New York for All Act. We call on our leaders to act and defend our communities now. aafederation.org 3/3

Immigrants are New York. Our communities deserve to live without fear of ICE. We call on our leaders like @governor.ny.gov, @speakercarlheastie.bsky.social, and @leaderasc.bsky.social to act and defend immigrant New Yorkers now.

Press Statement January 30, 2026 In the past year, we have witnessed the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, the deaths of at least 36 immigrants like Chaofeng Ge and Parady La in ICE custody, and the kidnappings, separation, and deportation of children like 6-year-old Yuanxin Zheng here in Queens. In New York, raids have disrupted the lives of millions and arrests of Chinese and Bangladeshi immigrants increased 1000% in 2025. These targeted, racist attacks on immigrants and their loved ones must end. Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a bill that will ban partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement, prevent ICE from using local detention facilities for their raids, and stop ICE from entering homes, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and places of worship without a warrant. aafederation.org 2/3

In the past year, we have witnessed the murders of Renée Good & Alex Pretti, the deaths of at least 36 immigrants like Chaofeng Ge in ICE custody, and the kidnapping and deportation of children like 6-year-old Yuanxin Zheng. These targeted, racist attacks on immigrants and their loved ones must end.

Press Statement January 30, 2026 Asian American Federation Applauds Legislation to Protect New Yorkers from ICE, Calls for Passage of New York for All Legislation introduced today will eliminate agreements between ICE and local law enforcement to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. aafederation.org 1/3

AAF applauds legislation introduced today by @governor.ny.gov to end partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement, and we urge our leaders to pass #NY4ALL to further protect and defend immigrant New Yorkers.

From Hmong communities in MN to Chinese communities in NY, ICE's racial profiling, kidnappings, and murders have terrorized immigrant families for too long. This moment demands leadership and accountability. We join @governor.ny.gov in calling for Secretary Noem to resign.

Secretary Noem has forfeited her right to lead. I’m calling on her to resign.

Gregory Bovino must also be fired.

No one, not an ICE agent, not a federal officer, not a president, is above the law.

Asian American Exit Poll for the 2025 NYC General Election Chinese voters were split along generational lines. 78.6% of voters under 49 voted for Mamdani. 77.7% of voters over 50 voted for Cuomo. A chart showing mayoral vote by age group (Chinese) Source: Asian American Exit Poll for the 2025 General Election conducted by AALDEF and AAF

The only exception was Chinese voters, of whom 48% voted for Andrew Cuomo and only 42% for Zohran Mamdani. But there was a stark generational split with 79% of Chinese voters under 49 voting for Mamdani and 78% over 50 voting for Cuomo.

Asian American Exit Poll for the 2025 NYC General Election The majority of most Asian ethnic groups voted for Zohran Mamdani A bar chart showing Asian Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Filipino, Other AAPI, Pakistani, Vietnamese, and total Asian results for the November 2025 NYC mayoral election. The percentages of votes for Zohran Mamdani by group are 76% for Asian Indian (n= 91), 94% for Bangladeshi (n=92), 42% for Chinese (n=723), 63% for Filipino (n=41), 52% for Korean (n=103), 67% for Other AAPI (n=52), 100% for Pakistani (n=35), 65% of Vietnamese (n=20), and 54% of total respondents (n=1157). Note: Small sample sizes are not necessarily representative Source: Asian American Exit Poll for the 2025 General Election conducted by AALDEF and AAF

A majority of nearly every Asian ethnic group voted for @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social last November according to AAF and @aaldef.bsky.social's exit poll data. Broken down by ethnic group, South Asians in particular came out in strong support for Mamdani.

PAGE FOUR Panel 1: Photo of a group of solemn protestors at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center protest. They're sidelit from the late evening sun. Wind lifting their hair a bit. Holding signs reading "LOVE FAMILIES END DETENTION" "THIS IS AN ICE JAIL WE CHOOSE FREEDOM" and "NO ICE" Panel 2: Photo of folks heading down the avenue in Sunset Park in the Stand Against ICE March on 9/27. Catherine Chen and another rep from the Asian American Federation are holding up signs reading "We keep us safe" CAPTION: Neighbors are marching. CAPTION: Neighbors are courtwatching and patrolling. Panel 3: Make the Road members march with a banner reading WE WON'T BACK DOWN during the NEW YORKERS AGAINST ICE rally in NYC. Night shot, dramatic and wide, streetlights glowing behind the marchers. Panel 4: Detail of signs and an upsidedown flag from the NO WARS NO KINGS NO ICE rally on 1/11/2026. Visibe text includes "STOP FASCISM' and "ICE OUT FOR GOOD" CAPTION: Neighbors are donating to mutual aid for affected communities. CAPTION: Neighbors are just showing up however they can. CAPTION: And so can you.

#ICEoutComics p. 4

@handsoffnyc.bsky.social @maketheroadny.bsky.social @bkindivisible.bsky.social @aafederation.bsky.social

Asian American Federation 2026 Impact Awards Save the Date Wednesday, April 22nd | 6:30 PM

Save the date because this year’s AAF Impact Awards is happening on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 PM! More details soon but tickets are available now at givebutter.com/c/y324Z5io!

FIND YOUR ORGANIZING HOME IN NYC Image features a photo of buttons reading "Fight Fascism," "¡Manos fuera NYC!" and "Working Families Party"

I've finally put my "Find Your Organizing Home in NYC" zine online in readable form with clickable links - check it out and GET HOOKED UP and ORGANIZED, friends!

gregpak.net/2026/01/17/f...

Asian American CEO Catherine Chen speaks at Riverside Church.

Asian American Federation Advocacy Coordinator Nat Moghe speaks at Riverside Church.

Last night, in honoring Dr. King's birthday and vision of change, AAF CEO Catherine Chen and Advocacy Coordinator Nat Moghe spoke about threats to Asian immigrants in NY, our solidarity with Black and immigrant communities, and the need to pass legislation like #NY4All to protect all New Yorkers.

Press Statement January 15, 2026 This executive order is a meaningful step toward a more equitable and practical regulatory environment—one that prioritizes education, compliance, and business sustainability over punishment. It recognizes that supporting small businesses, especially immigrant entrepreneurs, is essential to New York City’s economic recovery and long-term growth. We look forward to working closely with the Mamdani administration to ensure this effort leads to tangible relief for immigrant-owned small businesses and stronger, more resilient local economies across New York City. aafederation.org 3/3

We welcome this measure of relief for the small businesses that give so much to our communities and look forward to working with the Mamdani administration to continue supporting Asian and immigrant-owned small businesses.

Press Statement January 15, 2026 Immigrant-owned businesses are a backbone of the city’s economy. They create jobs, anchor commercial and cultural corridors, and provide essential goods and services to neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Yet many of these businesses operate with thin margins and face layers of government regulations that are often difficult to navigate—particularly for owners with limited English proficiency, limited access to legal or technical support, or demanding schedules. Excessive or duplicative fines can quickly add up and disrupt operations, threatening the long-term viability of otherwise responsible businesses.aafederation.org 2/3

Local, immigrant-owned small businesses are at the heart of NYC's commercial and cultural corridors, yet they are disproportionately impacted by excessive fees and penalties and complex bureaucracy.

Press Statement January 15, 2026 AAF Welcomes Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Order to Reduce Fees and Penalties for Small Businesses Executive Order 11 instructs City agencies to create an inventory and identify ways to cut fines and fees for NYC’s small businesses. aafederation.org 1/3

AAF welcomes Executive Order 11, signed by Mayor Mamdani yesterday, aimed to reduce fees and penalties for small businesses that serve as the heart of NYC's commercial and cultural corridors.

A rededication to justice: Answer Dr. Martin Luther King's Call in 2026 On Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, we rededicate ourselves to his radical and courageous vision. In the face of the relentless attacks on immigrants, civil rights and our social safety net, we ask ourselves: how would Dr. King respond to this moment? THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 5:30 PM, RIVERSIDE CHURCH 490 Riverside Dr, New York, NY

Join us this Thursday for Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday as we rededicate ourselves to his radical and courageous vision, and to the work still left for us to do to make his dream a reality.

RSVP: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Publish 11 research briefs and collaborate on a 2025 mayoral exit poll analysis focusing on Asian voters.

Pilot the nation’s first Asian language interpreter worker co-op

Help 120 Asian small business attract more customers by bringing them online.

Advocate for first ever NYC Office of the Census helping to secure early preparation and outreach for NYC Census 2030.

Along with our flagship research work, we also spearheaded a number of firsts this year—including the nation’s first Asian language interpreter worker co-op and NYC’s first ever Office of the Census. All this work and more wasn’t possible without our supporters, so thank you all!

Unveil a new mural in Murray Hill, Queens, celebrating the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage.

Make vulnerable neighbors feel safer by mobilizing 600 Community Companion volunteers to provide 631 protective services.

Deliver over 23,000 mental health services making it easier for people to get the care they need.

Support 62 CBOs with $14.6M strengthening the frontline services that support our communities everyday.

This year we unveiled another mural in Queens’ Koreatown and strengthened our partnerships with other CBOs to deliver essential services and support community safety.

In 2025 you helped AAF...

We accomplished a lot together this year. Check out this thread to see just a few of the things we were able to do with your support in 2025!

Here's to another great year of advocating for Asian New Yorkers and to a better 2026 ahead 🎇

Help give families the tools to protect themselves. Give today—your gift is doubled to protect families before a crisis hits. aafederation.org 4/4

But we can't do this without you. Your support will help us translate this critical resource into more Asian languages. It will also help us print and distribute even more of the guides so no New Yorker falls through the cracks.

Give today: givebutter.com/cKPnDQ

We often believe that “things like that don’t happen to us.” But fear doesn’t discriminate—and preparation is no longer optional for Asian American immigrant families. aafederation.org 2/4

When parents fear walking their child to school, when seniors avoid medical help, when families feel one step away from separation—you can feel that weight too. aafederation.org 3/4

AAF created a family emergency preparedness for this exact reason. To help families prepare for the unthinkable. Our guide is currently available in English, Chinese, and Bangla here: www.aafederation.org/resources/fa...

Could this resource save families from chaos when the unthinkable happens? aafederation.org 1/4

Right now in NYC, thousands of Asian immigrant parents are quietly preparing emergency plans for their children—naming who can care for them, what medications they need, and what happens if mom or dad doesn’t come home from work.

Press Statement December 19, 2025 Asian American Federation congratulates Julie Su’s appointment as NYC’s first ever deputy mayor of economic justice Former Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su selected for newly created position in incoming mayoral administration aafederation.org 1/3

Press Statement December 19, 2025 The Asian American Federation congratulates Julie Su’s appointment as New York City’s first ever deputy mayor of economic justice. This newly created position in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration will oversee the enforcement of policies that protect New York’s workers and address everyday economic realities. As a former US Acting Secretary of Labor, Su has been a fearless advocate for workers’ rights for decades, centering the needs and realities of low-income, immigrant workers throughout her outstanding career. She brings tremendous experience and a proven track record of advancing justice for vulnerable and disenfranchised communities. aafederation.org 2/3

Press Statement December 19, 2025 Affordability and economic justice are some of the biggest issues for Asian New Yorkers. Nearly a third of Asian New Yorkers live in or near poverty, over half are rent burdened, and many work in vital but low-wage industries. Our communities are looking for real solutions to the City’s affordability crisis, and the Asian American Federation is thrilled that Julie Su will be spearheading the effort to make New York a city everyone can afford. We look forward to partnering with Ms. Su and Mayor-elect Mamdani’s administration to ensure New York’s Asian American communities can thrive. aafederation.org 3/3

AAF congratulates @juliesulabor.bsky.social on her appointment as NYC’s deputy mayor of economic justice in @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social’a incoming administration.

Julie Su brings a tremendous amount of experience to this position, and we look forward to working with her.