US Presdent-Elect Donald Trump

Washington, DC: Nov. 9, 2016 — Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, issued the following statement:

“Last night America elected Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States. As a civil rights organization, we are deeply troubled that the rhetoric espoused in the campaign has emboldened voices of hate and bigotry against immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQI communities, women, people with disabilities, and communities of color. As the administration turns to the difficult task of governance, we call upon President-elect Trump and his new Administration to send a message of unity beginning today.

Throughout the country, Asian Americans turned out in record numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote. We will not accept this vote as a repudiation of our steadfast belief that our communities are an equal and valued part of America.

As we reflect on the democratic principles that have brought us to this point, we must remember that the democratic system includes checks and balances to safeguard the rights of all of us, not just the majority. Advancing Justice | AAJC will work hard to fight for those checks and balances, to fight against hate, and to fight for an agenda inclusive of our communities’ needs.

President-elect Trump said, “Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream.” Our community has an equal stake in the American dream. It’s a dream for a fair and equitable society for all of us where our community has an equal seat at the table; where every immigrant has a pathway to citizenship; and where every vulnerable community is treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

We call upon President-elect Trump to commit to working with our communities and to keeping the dream alive for all who call America home.”

The mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans. We strive to empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities across the country by bringing local and national constituencies together, advocate for federal policy that reflects the needs of Asian Americans, and promotes a fair and equitable society for all.