Chinese American Citizens Alliance - Portland Lodge

09/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: September 4, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

Chinese American Citizenship Is Not Conditional

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) unequivocally rejects any suggestion that Americans should be detained, confined, or treated as suspect because of their Chinese ancestry, family ties, or presumed foreign loyalty.
Recent remarks on a public podcast suggesting this possibility are deeply troubling. Collective punishment based on race or ancestry is incompatible with the Constitution, equal protection, and the basic principle that every American is entitled to be judged as an individual.

History shows the devastating consequences when fear and prejudice are allowed to override civil liberties. The incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II was a grave injustice—not a precedent to revisit or extend to another community.

C.A.C.A. supports vigorous public debate and freedom of expression. At the same time, we reject rhetoric that casts Chinese Americans as perpetual foreigners or treats their citizenship and loyalty as conditional.

We stand with all Americans committed to ensuring that the injustices of wartime incarceration are never repeated. We call on elected officials and community leaders to reject ethnic scapegoating, uphold constitutional rights, and help ensure that no community is made less safe because of its heritage.

Chinese American citizenship is not conditional. Civil rights are not conditional. They must be defended for everyone.

Recent remarks on a public podcast suggesting this possibility are deeply troubling. Collective punishment based on race or ancestry is incompatible with the Constitution, equal protection, and the basic principle that every American is entitled to be judged as an individual.

09/04/2026

“While Chinese immigrants are remembered for constitutional victories, including rulings that established birthright citizenship and strengthened equal protection, they have another legacy: they led a nationwide campaign against the federal government’s expansion of immigration powers….”

Long before immigration raids and deportations became political flashpoints, Chinese immigrants defied the federal government’s expansion of immigration powers in the late 19th century.

08/26/2026

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance Inaugural Mental Health Mini-Grant Program application deadline is August 31, 2026. This pilot initiative offers one-time mini-grants to community-based organizations tackling mental health disparities in Asian communities — from stigma and linguistic barriers to the shortage of culturally responsive providers. If your organization is doing this vital work, don't miss your chance to apply!

08/26/2026

Reminder: Aug 31 deadline to apply for C.A.C.A. Mental Health Mini-Grant Program - https://mailchi.mp/.../reminder-aug31-grant-application...
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The Chinese American Citizens Alliance Inaugural Mental Health Mini-Grant Program application deadline is August 31, 2026. This pilot initiative offers one-time mini-grants to community-based organizations tackling mental health disparities in Asian communities — from stigma and linguistic barrie...

08/11/2026

The SF Library branch in Chinatown is a 1921 Carnegie landmark, one of the oldest and most beloved in the entire city system. And this fall, it's closing for a roughly $28 million renovation that will keep it shut for about two and a half years.
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The brick building at 1135 Powell Street opened in 1921 as one of San Francisco's Carnegie libraries, designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh. It started life as the North Beach Branch and wasn't renamed for Chinatown until 1958. In 1972, as the neighborhood's needs changed, the branch launched Chinese-language and Chinese American collections that turned it into a genuine cultural anchor. In 2010, it took its current name, honoring Him Mark Lai, the self-taught "dean of Chinese American history," whose research rescued much of that community's story from being lost.
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For more than a century, it has been far more than a place to borrow books. It's a multilingual gathering spot with staff who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese, and one of the busiest branches around.
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The big fix is its first major renovation in roughly three decades. The plan is ambitious: a seismic upgrade, a restored terra cotta façade and grand upstairs reading room, the removal of a little-used mezzanine, a new staircase opening up the rooftop, and an expanded community room that seats up to 100. There will be a new gallery devoted to Chinese and Asian American history, bigger rooms for kids and teens, and modern heating and cooling so the branch can double as a clean-air respite center on smoky or scorching days. The beloved site-specific artwork Take Root returns to its original spot.
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The neighborhood won't go without. A temporary branch will open two blocks away at 950 Grant Avenue to keep books and programs running throughout construction.

08/06/2026

Strategies for Applying for University Scholarships, a workshop for parents in southwest Washington.
• Some scholarships go unclaimed simply because no one knows about them.
• Others are fiercely competitive, with thousands vying for a single spot.
• A sound strategy can often be worth thousands.

08/03/2026

Annual visit with our former Tsunami basketball coach, Phong Nguyen who now lives in Hong Kong and Randy Choy at Huber’s.

08/02/2026

The Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association - CCBA Annual Community Picnic.

Date: Sunday, August 2
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

08/01/2026

Dr. Kristin Wong will be at the Lan Su Chinese Garden on Saturday for a special event featuring her new book, Portland’s Chinatowns.

Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: Lan Su Chinese Garden
Cost: Free with admission or membership

Join "Portland's Chinatowns" author Dr. Kristin Wong to explore the deeply layered history of the Chinese American immigrant experience from the 1850s to present day.

07/30/2026

Save the date. The 2026 Jade International Night Market is coming.

Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Location: PCC SE Campus.

One month away! The 2026 Jade International Night Market is coming — Saturday, August 29, 4–10pm at PCC SE Campus. 🎉

This year is extra special — it's our 10th anniversary of the Jade International Night Market and we're expecting our biggest celebration yet! With over 120 food and retail vendors, performers, and cultural showcases representing communities from across the Asian diaspora and beyond, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Our theme this year is "Jade in Motion: Charging Forward with Hope." Inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse, it's about embracing movement, courage, and growth — honoring where we come from while continuing to push forward.

The spirit of momentum comes to life in this year's visuals thanks to the students of RODEO, the student-run in-house design studio at Portland State University. RODEO gives PSU students real-world design experience while giving organizations like ours real-world creative work — and this year, their students brought "Jade in Motion" to life through our event flyer, t-shirt design, Jade Dollars, and more. Their talent and dedication shine through every piece, and we're so grateful for the partnership. 🧡

Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and get ready to celebrate 10 years of community, culture, and connection with us.

📍 Portland Community College, SE Campus
🗓️ Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm