OCA Reaffirms Commitment to AANHPI Communities with the Start of New Administration

Written By Socheata Sun

For Immediate Release

January 23, 2025

Media Contact: 
Socheata Sun, Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates marks the beginning of a new presidential administration by reaffirming its dedication to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs), particularly in light of Day One executive orders threatening their rights and safety.

“The Executive Orders eliminating the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and birthright citizenship are a stark reminder of how executive actions can directly harm our communities,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “These, along with an onslaught of other harmful executive orders including the sudden and drastic layoff of all federal DEI employees across the country, underscores the urgent need for advocacy and action. OCA remains committed to ensuring that our government truly represents the citizens of our country, and that AANHPIs can live without fear and discrimination, fully embraced as integral members of society.”

To address these challenges, OCA has outlined several ongoing priorities that will guide its advocacy efforts in the coming years:

  • Bridging the digital divide: Expanding internet access for underserved communities, combating harmful misinformation, and protecting elders from emerging technological threats.

  • Addressing intergenerational challenges: Promoting policies that promote mental and physical wellbeing, providing aging and caregiving resources, and addressing environmental justice issues disproportionately affecting AANHPIs.

  • Defending voting rights: Working with national coalition partners to safeguard the fundamental right to vote, reduce barriers to democratic engagement, and advocate for fair redistricting processes.

  • Protecting families from immigration challenges: Advocating against targeted family immigration measures, restricted access to services like Medicaid, and instances of racial profiling and discrimination.

  • Empowering the next generation of leaders: Maintaining leadership programs such as the OCA National Internship Program, APA Y-Advocate, APIA-U Leadership, and the JACL/OCA Leadership Summit.

  • Expanding language access initiatives: Forming a Language Access Corps to ensure that AANHPI communities are educated on policies affecting their daily lives in an inclusive and accessible manner.

###

About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.

Socheata Sun
Next

OCA Honors President Carter’s Lifetime of Accomplishments