The 2018 midterm elections marked a historic moment for the South Asian community in Illinois as Ram Villivalam (D) became the first South Asian American to be elected to the Illinois General Assembly. He will be representing Illinois State Senate…
Protecting Work Authorization for H-4 Visa Holders
In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will rescind the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) program for H-4 visa holders, and the new rule is expected to be released in coming months. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),…
SAAPRI Hosts Fall Fundraising Event: The State of South Asian American Influence & Power in Illinois
On Saturday, September 29th, SAAPRI held our fall fundraiser The State of South Asian American Influence & Power in Illinois. We would like to thank all those who were able to join us and support this critical community event. Our panelists, Ram Villivalam,…
SAAPRI’s Statement on the World Hindu Congress 2018
Last weekend, the second annual World Hindu Congress (WHC) convened in Chicagoland. WHC 2018 states its purpose as a global platform for Hindus to connect and impact the common good. However, there have been troubling accounts of violence and reports…
Ahimsa Breaks Barriers: SAAPRI and Kalapriya’s Series on Community Violence Draws Diverse Audiences at Shedd Park in Little Village
On Friday, July 13, SAAPRI and the Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, conducted its second event in a series of Night Out in the Park events titled “Ahimsa: The End of Violence.”…
June 30th marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 – signed into law on October 3, 1965 and effective on June 30, 1968 – was a watershed piece of immigration legislation that has had tremendous impact on the country and the South…
Our Immigrant Families at Risk: Border Policy, Muslim Ban, and a Broken System
The Trump administration’s attack on immigrants and families has continued in devastating and cruel ways. In April 2018, the administration implemented its “zero-tolerance policy” for migrants crossing the border, many of whom are seeking asylum in the U.S. This policy…
South Asian Americans Make History in IL Primary Elections
The March 20th Illinois Primary elections were historic for the South Asian American community in Illinois. Not only were there numerous South Asian American candidates running for positions in all levels of government, but for the first time in Illinois…
DACA Reinstatement Information (updated as of 1/26/2018)
2017: SAAPRI’s Year in Review
2017 has been a year of new beginnings for SAAPRI, as we charged ahead with a focus on developing new means of community engagement. Below is a review of some of the initiatives of which we have been a part. Ahimsa:…