On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, SAAPRI and the Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition (PAVE) are holding our 12th Asian American Action Day at the State Capitol in Springfield, IL! We’re heading to Springfield because policies are passed through stories and our…

Standing Up: Your Rights with ICE and Law Enforcement!
Description Join us on April 24 for an essential discussion on understanding your rights when interacting with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Whether facing a police stop, an ICE encounter, or another law enforcement interaction, knowing your rights can make…
Launch of Cook County’s new “I Speak Cards” and Language Access Month
On April 15, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Johri Verma delivered remarks at a press conference alongside Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, 13th District Commissioner Josina Morita, Sheriff Tom Dart, Mariyana Spyropoulos, George Cardenas and Fritz Kaegi, celebrating the launch…
Rooted in Story: AANHPI Voices & Oral Histories for Educators
On April 14th, 2025, SAAPRI Executive Director Shobhana Verma and Education Consultant Julie Thomas Achettu shared SAAPRI’s Oral History Project and curriculum, offering educators valuable tools to teach South Asian American history and create inclusive classrooms. The SAAPRI exhibit “Memories and Milestones”…

Navigating the Early Days of the Trump Presidency 2.0
Description On April 10, SAAPRI and SAAJCO hosted a critical conversation on civil rights, immigration policies, and community protections in this new political landscape. Experts and advocates broke down the changes, provided key insights, and shared actionable steps to stay…
Chicago Voter Engagement Forum
On April 5, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended and served as a speaker and panelist at the Chicago Voter Engagement Forum, hosted by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
Advocacy for Amendment to Cook County Human Rights Ordinance
As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of limited English proficient (LEP) populations, SAAPRI was proud to participate in recent efforts to advance language justice across Cook County. On March 11th, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana…
Press Release: Engaged Communities Series
SAAPRI and SAAJCO Launch Engaged Communities Series to Spotlight Civil Rights and Community Action March 3, 2025 – At a time when civil rights and community engagement are more critical than ever, the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute…
Supporting South Asian Immigrants: Insights from Community and Advocacy Organizations
This survey will help us learn about the immigration challenges faced by lawyers and community-based organizations who advocate on behalf of South Asian American immigrant communities.
South Asian Immigrant Experiences: Challenges & Opportunities
This survey will help us learn about the immigration challenges faced by South Asian Americans.