New American Leaders

Happy Pride Month! Today and every day, we celebrate the many contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans and recognize their impact on our society and democracy from Stonewall to the streets to the ballot box. As a community of New Americans and BIPOC, we won’t stop fighting for our collective liberation until there’s true equity and until every American is treated equally and with dignity. Like Marsha P. Johnson said, there’s no pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.

"Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on Wednesday reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence." https://www.nytimes.com//justice-dept-asylum-gangs-domesti

Happy Immigrant Heritage Month! This month, we’re celebrating our heritage, communities, traditions, and the vital role that immigrants play in shaping U.S. politics and building an inclusive democracy where every American is represented. We'll be sharing stories of immigrant journeys and experiences over the next few weeks, but please share yours or your family's as well! Our stories are important and need to be heard.

Today on Memorial Day, and every day, we remember and honor all who have sacrificed everything for this nation, with special thoughts to the thousands of immigrant servicemembers who are still being denied a path to citizenship because of a Trump administration policy. Immigrants strengthen our military, and here's the proof: "Of the 3,500 recipients of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest honor for valor, more than 700 have been immigrants since it was first awarded in 1863." https://thehill.com//555950-celebrating-50-years-of-our-al

This Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate the strength, love, and traditions of immigrants and their families. But we also celebrate the alumni of our programs, the vast majority of whom are immigrants or identify as immigrants! Among them: 64% identify as immigrants... 40% are first generation immigrants 47% are second generation immigrants We're proud to be the first and only organization championing New Americans, immigrants, and refugees to run for office, win, and lead at all levels. Together, we're changing the face of leadership and creating a more inclusive democracy.

So far in 2021: 389+ bills have been introduced in 48 states restricting voting access 22 new laws have been enacted in 14 states making it harder to vote... We need more New Americans and BIPOC in office who will protect access to the ballot box and create a democracy that reflects everyone. https://www.brennancenter.org//voting-laws-roundup-may-2021

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As we continue to raise awareness about mental health, we must also acknowledge the different experiences BIPOC communities encounter with mental health and that there isn't nearly enough of an emphasis on mental health care for those communities in our society.

Today, the House will vote on a bill to make Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday. At the same time, however, Texas is banning teachers from talking about racism and suppressing voting rights (and 389 voter suppression bills have been introduced in 48 states so far in 2021). https://www.npr.org//senate-unanimously-approves-a-bill-to

June is Immigrant Heritage Month! This month, we must recognize and celebrate all immigrants and their endless contributions across the country. Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to share the stories of immigrants, highlight their experiences, and acknowledge the diversity of immigrant communities. This is also a time that allows immigrants to explore their own heritage and celebrate their unique, but major role within society!

Today is the 9th anniversary of the DACA program! But DACA is only temporary, and people in our community are still vulnerable to deportation, expulsion, and separation from their loved ones. Permanent protections are the only solution, which is why we need a pathway to citizenship NOW! Our undocumented communities and the more than 800,000 Dreamers living in the U.S. have waited long enough. It's time for citizenship for all.

"In his first four months, Biden nominated as many minority women to the federal bench as Trump had confirmed in his entire four years." Representation matters. https://www.washingtonpost.com//2021/biden-judge-diversity/

State legislatures have passed 24 laws in 14 states so far in 2021 to politicize, criminalize, and interfere in elections. The fix? Elect more New Americans and BIPOC to office who will put an end to the "greatest assault on voting rights since the end of Reconstruction." https://www.motherjones.com//14-gop-controlled-states-have

Say hello to the future leaders of America! Introducing our 2021 New American Fellows! These 18 New Americans are passionate, determined, committed to learning, and dedicated to serving their communities. During their fellowship, they will receive political guidance, mentorship, networking, and additional skills needed to run for office, win, and lead. Watch out for them soon on a ballot near you! #DemocracyNeedsUs

Today, the Austin City Council passed a resolution urging Congress to pass common-sense immigration reform and create a pathway to citizenship! Thank you to Austin City Councilmember Gregorio Casar and to the many other New American leaders across the country who are fighting to protect undocumented communities every day.

In honor of Pride Month and New American LGBTQ+ leadership, we just launched a special edition of our #ReadyToLead t-shirt! Purchase yours today to support our community and movement! https://www.bonfire.com/nalpista-pride/

We're proud to be a partner of the #GoldFuturesChallenge, a new online model for philanthropy that will award grants to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations and projects this fall! Applications are open todayapply now! bit.ly/GFC2021Apply To learn more about the challenge, visit goldfutureschallenge.org and register for their June 23rd webinar at 12 pm PT/3pm ET: bit.ly/GFC2021Webinar1 Gold Futures Challenge Asian American Futures Gold House

LGBTQ+ people are: 0.19% of elected officials 5.6% of the U.S. population 20% of our alumni in 2021... In order to have an inclusive democracy where every American is represented, we need more LGBTQ+ leaders in all levels of government. We're committed to making that happen and closing the representation gap in politics. Join us: https://newamericanleaders.org/join-our-movement/ See more

Congratulations to Alexandra Hunh, a second generation Vietnamese American, on following in Amanda Gorman's footsteps as the next National Youth Poet Laureate! She sees poetry as a means to self-expression and social justice, and has used it to process the rise in violence against Asian Americans. https://www.nbcnews.com//alexandra-hunh-nods-vietnamese-ba