Since 1972, we’ve been fighting with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities for civil rights and systemic change that builds a more just and caring world.

Asian Law Caucus

Woman wearing a scarf and black jacket holds a microphone at a rally. A group of community members and faith leaders holding signs stand behind her.

Since 1972, we’ve been fighting with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities for civil rights and systemic change that builds a more just and caring world.

On A Mission

Fighting for community power, security and justice

Protestors walk down the street holding a banner reading "let's stop tearing families apart"

Our Work

A world where

All people are valued and treated with dignity

Women with a mic in her hand speaks facing the camera surrounded by people holding signs.

Issues

A world that upholds

A fair and humane immigration system

Two women are hugging in front of a group of people and one is wearing sunglasses

Issues

A world that defends

Inclusive and accessible democracy

Group of people stand in front of California State Capitol holding protest signs

Issues

Four people hold a banner with the Asian American Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus logo outside at a rally

Together we build power

From the 1970s to the 2020s

We are fearless

SPOTLIGHT

2022

For years, Valstock Management harassed elderly tenants in Chinatown with intimidation tactics and created a climate of fear. The tenants advocated for their rights and in 2022, they won settlement in a discrimination case to remain in their long-time, rent-controlled homes without harassment.

Our Work
4 individuals pose together for a photo next to a scroll of Chinese calligraphy.
SPOTLIGHT

2002

Amid the heightened anti-immigrant discrimination and scapegoating following 9/11, Bay Area Filipino airport screeners were treated as security risks based solely on their lawful non-citizenship status. ALC, Filipino Advocates for Justice, and other community groups helped them organize and fight for their jobs back.

News & Resources
An overshot view of an airport check-in with many people in line carrying luggage.
SPOTLIGHT

1982

With other local organizations, we sued the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services (the precursor to ICE) to stop illegal workplace raids in factories. As a result of the lawsuit, International Molders & Allied Workers Union Local 164 v. Nelson, the federal agency banned warrantless raids.

Issues
An empty factory showing machines, hardhats, and other equipment.
SPOTLIGHT

1972

In one of our earliest cases, Chann v. Scott, we defended Chinatown youth against the San Francisco Police Department’s racially discriminatory dragnets. The successful class action lawsuit solidified our role as the country’s first legal aid organization focused on serving low-income Asian Americans.

Our History
News clipping with the heading 'Chinatown Arrest Brutality Charged'.