On April 28, representatives of Asian Pacific American organizations, including SALDEF, met with the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee to discuss issues affecting the APA community. The meeting was chaired by Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) and attended by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV), was also attended by Senators Daniel Akaka (HI) and Byron Dorgan (ND). Also in attendance were Congressmen Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and Mike Honda (D-CA). The meeting was organized by the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), of which SALDEF is a member. In light of pending legislation, the group discussed issues related to social security, immigration, civil rights, health care, and education. SALDEF National Director Preetmohan Singh highlighted legislation called the REAL ID Act which would place restrictions on drivers licenses and change asylum laws. SALDEF appreciates the Senate Democrats recognition of these important issues to the Sikh and broader Asian American community and hopes to meet with Republican leaders in the near future.
