On April 30th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discussed the growth of the Asian population in the state as well as the many challenges facing the community. [I have witnessed] “a wide range of increasing needs and challenges facing…
Statement on Atlanta shootings
SAAPRI VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS MURDERS OF ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN ATLANTA Stop AAPI Hate: Together, we must work to stand in solidarity and stop AAPI hate and all hate crimes against people of color. On Tuesday, March 16th, six Asian American…
Statement on Anti-Asian hate crimes
In light of recent attacks against Asian Americans, SAAPRI stands in solidarity with Asian Americans and all people of color, and against all hate crimes. Since the onset of COVID-19 and throughout the pandemic, the US has seen a rise…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined 2021 Inauguration Day Celebrations on WGN-TV
In January of 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined the 2021 Inauguration Day celebrations virtually on WGN-TV, including the South Asian American community’s voice on the historical day. The 2020 General Election definitely confirmed one thing – Every single…
2020 Impact Report – Learning from 2020 and Looking to 2021
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma shares reaction to Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential Election on NBC News
On November 8th, 2020, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma shared her reactions on the election of Vice President Kamala Harris on NBC News. Seeing a daughter of immigrants parents embracing her biracial roots on her way to becoming the first…
SAAPRI advocacy mentioned in the Chicago Council for Global Affairs Report
In September of 2020, SAAPRI’s work was mentioned in Chicago Council for Global Affairs Report titled “A global welcome: Metro Chicago’s approach to immigrant inclusion.” In Chapter 3 titled “The ‘Most Immigrant Friendly City,’” under “Chicago’s Institutional Partners for Immigrant…
Statement on passing of NO BAN Act
HOUSE PASSES NO BAN ACT: A STEP FORWARD FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES On July 22nd, 2020, Congress passed the No Ban Act in a step forward for Muslim and immigrant communities. The No Ban Act would repeal the travel ban –…
2020 Statement on Trump Administration’s Immigration Policy
SAAPRI is committed to supporting immigrants in the United States, who like many of ourselves, our parents, and our neighbors, have helped build the fabric of this country. In recent days, the Trump administration has issued a series of directives…
Statement on Black Lives Matter movement
In the midst of a pandemic that is altering the course of human history, the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25th, 2020 has outraged and brought our communities together like never before. The past…