Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

Florida Senator Rick Scott recently called on Americans to stop buying products from China, describing China as “stealing our jobs,” “stealing our technology,” and harming U.S. interests. These remarks were made amid ongoing debates over U.S.-China relations and national security.

Public officials have every right to debate trade policy, national security, and foreign governments. At the same time, elected leaders should exercise care when using broad rhetoric that may shape public perceptions of entire communities.

History has shown that periods of geopolitical tension can sometimes contribute to increased suspicion toward individuals based on their ethnicity, national origin, or perceived connections to a foreign country. Public discourse should encourage informed debate without reinforcing stereotypes or assumptions about entire groups of people.

Political leaders help shape public understanding. Their words carry influence and should be used thoughtfully, particularly when discussing issues that may affect how entire communities are viewed.

Source:
https://floridianpress.com/2026/06/rick-scott-calls-on-americans-to-stop-buying-chinese-products/

Learn how Rick Scott advocates for a boycott of Chinese products to counter the actions of the Chinese Communist Party.

06/16/2026

New data highlights growing uncertainty surrounding international student enrollment in U.S. higher education.

While the United States continues to attract students from around the world, many colleges are reporting declines in new international student enrollment amid visa delays, policy uncertainty, and changing perceptions of the U.S. as a destination for study.

Chinese students remain one of the largest international student populations in the country, but enrollment has declined in recent years amid increased scrutiny and concerns related to national security.

International students contribute to research, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen American higher education. As discussions around immigration, visas, and research security continue, students and scholars should be evaluated based on their individual qualifications and conduct—not assumptions tied to nationality or ethnicity.

Maintaining both national security and equal treatment under the law remains essential to the strength of American higher education.

Source:
https://www.highereddive.com/news/the-state-of-international-enrollment-in-6-charts/821753/

We're examining major trends impacting foreign enrollment, including early data on the Trump administration's tighter visa policies.

06/12/2026

CALDA is pleased to participate in this upcoming AASF webinar examining issues affecting scientists, scholars, and researchers. We look forward to the discussion.

Save the date for our upcoming webinar: Under the Microscope: The Cases Targeting America's Scientists, Scholars & Researchers in 2026, on Tuesday, June 23 at 1:30 PM ET.

Join AASF for a panel discussion featuring leading attorneys examining the evolving legal landscape facing scientists, scholars, and researchers in 2026, including federal investigations, visa threats, wrongful termination, and the lasting impact of the China Initiative.

Moderated by Gisela Kusakawa, Executive Director of AASF.

Featured speakers:
🔹 Rob Fisher, Partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, who has defended leading scientists and academics in China Initiative and False Claims Act investigations.

🔹 Justin Sadowsky, Legal Director at Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), a civil rights litigator challenging racial discrimination and protecting immigrant rights.

🔹 John Sandweg, Partner at Nixon Peabody LLP and former Acting Director of ICE and Acting General Counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, bringing expertise in national security, immigration, and DHS compliance matters.

🔹 Brian Sun, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, who focuses on white collar criminal defense and high-profile government investigations.

🔹 Clay Zhu, President of Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), with 25+ years of civil rights advocacy and cross-border litigation experience.

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vRtk9QXNTAipipu9tfw9qA

06/09/2026

At a recent community event, Texas State Representative Gene Wu warned that many Asian Americans are increasingly concerned about how rising geopolitical tensions and political rhetoric may affect their daily lives and sense of belonging.

As debates over immigration, national security, and U.S.-China relations continue, many community members worry that public narratives may shape perceptions of people rather than policies.

Public discussions are strongest when they focus on facts, individual conduct, and equal treatment.

Read more:
https://asamnews.com/2026/06/08/asian-americans-at-risk-wu-warns-at-caa-event/

Democrat Gene Wu says Asian Americans face growing threats from Alien Land Laws to rising hate. Warns that civil rights must be defended, not assumed.

06/05/2026

Recent events in Maryland serve as a reminder that stereotypes about ethnicity, national origin, and loyalty continue to affect how some Americans are perceived in public life.

A video targeting Maryland Delegate Chao Wu drew widespread condemnation from elected officials and community leaders after his accent and Chinese background were used to question his credibility and loyalty.

While the individuals involved later addressed the controversy publicly, the incident highlights a broader principle. Americans should be judged by their character, qualifications, and actions, not by where they were born or how they speak.

A healthy democracy depends on ensuring that all individuals can participate in public life free from discrimination and racial stereotyping.

Sources:
https://marylandmatters.org/2026/05/12/lawmakers-condemn-deeply-offensive-racist-video-targeting-immigrant-delegate/
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/maryland-delegates-colleague-accent-china/4105099/

An Asian American Maryland state delegate says he felt blindsided and saddened after two of his colleagues posted a video mocking his accent and accusing him of being a Chinese spy. Maryland delegates Mark Fisher, R-Calvert County, and Brian Chisholm, R-Anne Arundel County, posted a video centered a...

05/26/2026

China-related land ownership debates continue expanding across multiple states.

In Tennessee, campaign messaging has increasingly linked Chinese land ownership to national security concerns. Meanwhile, discussions in Kansas reflect growing concerns over land ownership restrictions and foreign influence.

Broad and untailored rhetoric risks turning entire communities into subjects of political suspicion based solely on nationality, ethnicity, or perceived foreign ties.

Read more:
https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-news/chinese-ownership-of-kansas-farmland-sparks-security-concerns/
https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/05/21/john-rose-tennessee-governor-ad-china/

John Rose's latest ad addresses Tennessee's growth and cost of living, targeting China's land ownership for national security and affordability.

05/25/2026

New green card processing guidance is raising concerns among immigrant communities, international students, and employment-based visa holders.

Advocates warn that some applicants may need to complete portions of the permanent residency process from outside the U.S., creating additional uncertainty and procedural risks for families, researchers, students, and skilled workers already living here.

For many immigrants, long-term stability and family unity depend on predictable and fairly administered immigration processes.

Read more:
https://time.com/article/2026/05/23/green-card-changes-trump-explained/
https://www.jurist.org/news/2026/05/us-immigration-memo-directs-most-green-card-applicants-to-apply-from-abroad/

A new federal memo could force hundreds of thousands of visa holders to leave the U.S.—and wait abroad—to apply for permanent residency.

05/21/2026

The recent criminal case involving former Arcadia mayor Eileen Wang has raised broader concerns about anti-Asian backlash and collective suspicion toward Chinese American communities.

Community advocates warned that individual allegations should not become assumptions about an entire ethnic group. Chinese Americans should not be viewed with suspicion based solely on ethnicity or perceived ties to China.

Safeguarding national security is important. So is ensuring fairness and equal treatment.

Read more:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/backlash-erupts-online-california-mayor-admits-foreign-agent-china-rcna344745

Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang admitted to federal law enforcement that she “secretly served the interests of the Chinese government.”

05/20/2026

Recent discussions surrounding U.S.-China relations, student visas, and foreign land restrictions continue to send mixed signals to Chinese students and immigrant communities.

While some policymakers support additional Chinese student visas and recognize the importance of international talent, restrictions tied to land ownership and national security concerns are also expanding across multiple states.

For many families and students, these developments create growing uncertainty about belonging, opportunity, and equal treatment.

Read more:
https://time.com/article/2026/05/17/Chinese-farmland-trump-students/

Trump has reversed his position on China buying farmland, even as Republicans move to ban it