SAAPRI is dedicated to advancing justice for South Asian American communities through research, advocacy, and grassroots engagement. By uncovering key issues and gaps in policy, we empower our communities with data-driven solutions that reflect their lived experiences.
Our work focuses on bridging the disconnect between policy decisions and the real needs of South Asian Americans. We conduct research, analyze data, and engage directly with community members to inform meaningful change.
From civic engagement and immigration to healthcare access, economic development, and addressing hate crimes—SAAPRI tackles critical issues impacting our communities. As demographics and needs evolve, we remain committed to adapting and expanding our efforts to uplift South Asian American voices at local, state, and national levels.
SAAPRI’s current programming is centered around three key areas:
Democracy & Civic Action
SAAPRI’s Democracy & Civic Action program empowers South Asian Americans to engage in the political process and advocate for meaningful representation. Despite being one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S., South Asian Americans remain underrepresented in policymaking and civic life. Through advocacy, education, and engagement, SAAPRI works to close this gap and dismantle systemic barriers to participation.
Our efforts include voting rights initiatives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, census outreach, redistricting advocacy, and data-driven reports that analyze civic engagement trends. We also advocate for language access in elections to ensure voters with limited English proficiency can fully participate in the electoral process. While much of our work has been Illinois-focused, SAAPRI’s advocacy extends beyond state lines, building a stronger, more civically engaged South Asian American electorate nationwide.
Health Equity & Wellness
SAAPRI’s Health Equity & Wellness program addresses health disparities and literacy gaps within South Asian American communities through research, advocacy, and community engagement. We explore how social conditions, environment, and genetics impact health outcomes, working to improve healthcare access and awareness.
Through our Community Health Forum, we host educational events featuring experts, advocates, and community members to share insights on critical health issues. From our Women’s Health Series and Breast Cancer Series to collaborations like our recent Neurodivergence Event with UIC’s AIPhA, we create spaces for learning, dialogue, and action. Our work also includes data collection, reports, and community-driven initiatives addressing language barriers, senior and women’s health, and gender-based violence—ensuring our communities have the knowledge and resources they need.
Access to Justice
SAAPRI’s Access to Justice program tackles key challenges facing South Asian Americans, including hate crimes, anti-Asian violence, immigration barriers, and cultural invisibility in education. Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, we work to combat discrimination, improve reporting mechanisms, and push for policies that protect our communities.
Our efforts include fighting hate through the Against Hate Initiative, addressing immigration challenges, and ensuring accurate representation in education through TEAACH Act advocacy and our Oral History Project. By amplifying South Asian American voices, we strive for equity, justice, and meaningful change.
These focus areas serve as the foundation for SAAPRI’s ongoing work, ensuring that its efforts align with the most pressing needs and priorities of the South Asian American community.
Democracy & Civic Action
Access to Justice
Health Equity & Wellness
TEAACH Act Advocacy Project