Chinese Youth Volunteers learn about restrictive laws targeted Asian communities in the U.S. / Civic Engagement with Stephanie Sun

Reported by Melanie Huynh, NEPCA volunteer, 11/19/2024

This is the fifth time that The Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association (NEPCA) has hosted a free SAT Prep Class for low-income students and volunteers in the Northeast Philadelphia area. In addition to SAT preparation, these students are given opportunities to actively engage in civic education and community services.

On 11/16/2024, after regular SAT class, there was a special presentation by Stephanie Sun, Vice President of the League of Women Voters in Pennsylvania and former Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (GACAPAA). She discussed the history of restrictive laws that have targeted Asian communities in the U.S., including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Page Act of 1875, which barred Chinese immigration, and exclusionary clauses in state constitutions on Asian immigrant property ownership.

Stephanie also shared the painful history of the Japanese American internment camps during World War II and highlighted the ongoing struggles caused by discriminatory policies. She raised concerns about Project 2025, which proposes a revival of the Trump-era “Chinese Initiative” which implements many prohibitions on Chinese immigrants in every aspect, such as education, employment, and social media apps like WeChat, TikTok, and Temu, often used by Asian American communities. She warned of the growing anti-Asian sentiment and highlighted current restrictions on Asian immigrant property ownership and Asian Immigration Education.

This eye-opening discussion was an important moment for the students in our SAT Prep Class. Beyond studying for their exams, they were encouraged to think critically about the world around them and the role they can play in advocating for change. By learning about the history of restrictive laws and the challenges that continue to affect Asian Americans, these students gained a deeper understanding of civic engagement and the importance of standing up for justice.

As they continue to prepare for their futures, NEPCA founder and president Mingchu Pearl Huynh hopes the civic engagement workshops imbeded in the SAT program will inspire them to not only succeed academically but to also become thoughtful, engaged citizens who work to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

We are very grateful to Stephanie Sun for her valuable time and the insights she shared with our students. We look forward to continuing to provide more opportunities for civic education and community engagement through our programs.

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