Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)

Five years ago, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law in response to the alarming rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. The law marked a critical acknowledgment of the violence, discrimination, and fear that Asian American communities across the country were facing.

But legislation alone cannot end hate. Today, anti-Asian rhetoric, harassment, and violence continue to impact our communities. As we reflect on this anniversary, we remember why this law mattered: because our communities demanded to be seen, protected, and heard.

We honor the organizers, survivors, and advocates who pushed for action, and we recommit ourselves to building a future where every person can live with safety, dignity, and belonging.

144 years ago, the became the first federal law in U.S. history to ban immigration based on race and nationality. Driven by fear, racism, and scapegoating, the law separated families, targeted Chinese communities, and legitimized anti-Asian discrimination for generations.

But this history is also one of resistance. Despite exclusion and injustice, Chinese American communities organized, built community, challenged unjust laws, and continued shaping this country. Their resilience laid the foundation for future generations to continue the fight for equality, representation, and belonging.

Today, the legacy of exclusion still echoes in conversations around immigration, citizenship, and anti-Asian hate. Remembering this history reminds us why protecting our communities, defending democracy, and ensuring every voice is heard still matters. Swipe to reflect on the lasting impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act. →

AAPI voices have always shaped our story — through activism, art, leadership, organizing, and community. ✨

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re honoring some of the leaders and changemakers whose words continue to inspire generations to speak up, show up, and create change. Their stories remind us that representation matters, our communities are powerful, and our voices deserve to be heard.

Swipe through to hear from AAPI leaders who helped shape the past — and continue to inspire the future. ➡️

Are you registered to vote? 🗳️

Voter registration deadlines are approaching in several states, and now is the time to make sure your information is current. Even if you’ve registered before, your registration may have changed or become inactive after a move, name change, or missed elections.

From local school boards to federal elections, every election impacts our communities — and every vote starts with registration. Swipe to check upcoming voter registration deadlines and make a plan to vote!

🔗 Register to vote at the link in our bio!

TOMORROW at 5 PM ET: A conversation you don’t want to miss.

Join us for a powerful webinar unpacking the stories and legal strategy behind the amicus brief in Trump v. Barbara—and what it means for birthright citizenship today.

Featuring Professor Eric L. Muller alongside counsel John Nakahata and Rachel Grossman, and Larry Oda, whose family history brings the promise of the Fourteenth Amendment to life. Moderated by journalist Joie Chen.

🔗 Register at apia.vote/birthright26 or click the link in our bio.

📣 Calling all AAPI student organizations!

APIAVote is launching our 2026-2027 ambassador program designed to help you grow your leadership skills, build community power, and take action on your campus. Participants will receive training, connect with AAPI leaders and peers nationwide, and develop a customized campus action plan.

💡 Plus, organizations that complete the program will receive a $1,500 award.

Ready to make an impact? Learn more and apply at the link in our bio! If you have any questions, please contact our Youth Engagement Team via email at [email protected].

On Saturday, April 11th, APIAVote Ambassadors from the University of South FL, Emma and Huyen, collaborated with Hannah, APIAVote's FL Field Organizer, to engage voters at Philfest in Tampa, FL, one of the state's largest cultural celebrations for the Filipino-American community.

While sharing about the opportunity to vote in this year's midterms, they also heard concerns from community members on issues that matter most to them like affordability, healthcare, and ensuring their families have a future in the state of Florida.

Conversations like these are what power APIAVote's work. As midterms approach, we will continue to meet communities where they are and make sure every voice is heard!

As their internships come to a close, we’re proud to celebrate our three incredible interns who brought passion, thoughtfulness, and dedication to our work this winter. From supporting our local partners to get out the vote for primary elections across the country to working on projects to increase voter education and engagement, their contributions have made a lasting impact on our team and our mission.

We can’t wait to see what they do next!

On Wednesday, APIAVote joined organizations and community members in rallying at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC to defend birthright citizenship and show that our communities belong.

We’re not backing down. We’re organizing, mobilizing, and making our voices heard—because our futures, our families, and our rights are on the line.