SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus, accepted the Community Advocate Award from the South Asian Bar Association’s Northern California’s chapter (SABA) with a firm reminder: civil liberties are under threat, and immigrant communities must stand together to defend them.
Founded in 1972, the Asian Law Caucus is the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to serving and defending the rights of Asian Pacific American communities. Under Kohli’s leadership, the organization has played a key role in defending immigrants’ constitutional rights, including filing a lawsuit on Inauguration Day this year challenging the Trump administration on birthright citizenship.
“This award means so much because it’s our own community recognizing the tireless work of my team,” Kohli told Diya TV. “They’re working day and night to protect our constitutional rights.”
Kohli’s remarks come at a time of deep concern within immigrant and civil rights circles. While debates rage over the extent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) power and tactics—especially against international students and green card holders—Kohli warned that recent enforcement efforts mark a disturbing break from precedent.
“What we’re seeing today is unprecedented,” she said. “There’s a lack of due process, even for lawful permanent residents. And we’re now anticipating attacks on naturalized citizens.”
Kohli cited exclusive reports of green card holders being stopped at U.S. borders and allegedly pressured to relinquish their status voluntarily, a practice she characterized as unlawful and in violation of constitutional protections. She also noted that the Trump administration had established an office to review and potentially denaturalize U.S. citizens, raising alarm bells among immigration advocates.
“This goes to the heart of our democracy,” Kohli said. “Many of us came to this country fleeing corruption and lawlessness. Now we’re seeing those same patterns of denial of due process here in the U.S.—something most people never imagined could happen.”
While the courts remain a critical battleground, Kohli acknowledged that the justice system itself is facing challenges. Nonetheless, she encouraged people not to be discouraged, but to take action through civic engagement and community solidarity.
“It’s really important that all of us stand up—not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors and friends,” she said. “This is not a time to remain silent. You have influence. Call your legislators. Show up at protests. It is your right to do that here in America.”
Kohli’s advocacy underscores a growing movement within the Asian American community to resist overreach in immigration enforcement and defend civil liberties. The Asian Law Caucus, part of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice network, has been central to litigation and public policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
“This moment is about more than just policy,” Kohli concluded. “It’s about who we are as a country—and whether we live up to the promises of our Constitution.”
