Cecilia Wang is Leading the Fight For Birthright Citizenship

Daughter of immigrants brings history to bear in fight for birthright citizenship

American Civil Liberties Union Legal Director Cecillia Wang, the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, has filed lawsuits challenging racial profiling, illegal arrests and mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants. But when she appears before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, she will be arguing against the Trump administration over a question that is fundamental not only to the nation but also to her own family.

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In Supreme Court fight over birthright citizenship, a great-grandson hears echoes of 1898

As the Supreme Court hears arguments over the legality of Trump's executive order stripping birthright citizenship -- a guarantee established by the landmark 1898 ruling that affirmed the American citizenship of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in the United States -- his great-grandson Norman Wong worries that the principle enshrined by his ancestor's case may be in peril.

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Trump officials invoke racist scholars and white supremacists in push to end birthright citizenship

Trump’s attempt to unilaterally rewrite the Constitution to determine who gets to be an American is relying on century-old legal arguments from white supremacists, a former Confederate officer and a case that denied citizenship to Native Americans. In their briefs to the court, Trump administration lawyers cite several scholars who campaigned against birthright citizenship in the 1800s, a movement fueled by anti-Black and anti-Chinese racism in the aftermath of Reconstruction and a rise in anti-immigrant views. Ah, going back to the classics, I see. I would expect nothing less than the worst.

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Alex Duong, comedian and Blue Bloods actor, dies at 42

Alex Duong, the comedian and actor who starred on several episodes of Blue Bloods, has died. He was 42. Duong had been battling alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of tissue cancer, since 2025. In addition to being a fixture in the Los Angeles standup scene, Duong also appearances in shows such as Everybody Hates Chris, Dexter, Death Valley, The Young and the Restless, and Pretty Little Liars.

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KPop Demon Hunters Ceramic Mug Derpy and Sussie

This awesomeness of this Kpop Demon Hunters Derpy and Sussie mug is self-explanatory.

They Call Us Bait, Bridgerton, Hamlet, The Pitt, and More

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.

What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

In this episode, we welcome back our best pals in podcasting, cultural critic/journalist/educator Rebecca Sun and Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA, to re-connect, reset, and share what they've been watching/consuming/experiencing in pop culture and beyond. They discuss, among other things, Asians in the Regency romance of Bridgerton; the possibility of a brown James Bond in Riz Ahmed's offbeat comedy Bait; the audacity of multiple Asians cast members as health care workers on The Pitt; and how far pretty privilege can get you on The Traitors. Also: Jeff finally watched Pop Star Academy. This episode is sponsored by Chinese Republicans, a new play from Roundabout Theatre Company.

Jeremy LIn's Got a New Gig with ESPN

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Jeremy Lin shines in Luka Dončić breakdown on ESPN's 'NBA Today'

Yes, you love and remember him from the era affectionately known as Linsanity. But after retiring from pro basketball last year, Jeremy Lin has a new gig -- with ESPN. The former New York Knick debuted as a special guest commentator on the network this week. On Friday, in a segment on NBA Today, Lin walked studio hosts Malika Andrews and Tim MacMahon through what makes Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić so dynamic. And did a pretty awesome job. This is a good look. It's great to see him on this next chapter of his career and I'm hoping we'll see more of him on this side of the coverage.

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How casinos in New England are exploiting Asian communities for profit

It's no secret that casinos deploy sophisticated strategies designed to entice people to wager beyond their means. And their favored target: people of Asian descent. A three-part Boston Globe series found that New England's largest casinos are relentlessly targeting people of Asian descent across the region, often with devastating results, driving people toward addiction and sapping wealth from Asian communities.

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Another Alysa Liu mural in Oakland — this one with Kristi Yamaguchi

Another mural for a champion. Two champions, actually. Artist Julie Engelmann has created a mural celebrating hometown hero Alysa Liu -- at the Oakland Ice Center, where Liu first learned to skate -- alongside 1992 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, who also hails from the area.

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THE AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD RESISTANCE PLAYBOOK: A New Documentary Film

The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook is a feature-length documentary that follows the Auntie Sewing Squad founded by Kristina Wong, a collective of mostly BIPOC women volunteers who came together on social media with a mission: to protect vulnerable communities from COVID-19. This national network of hundreds of Aunties, Uncles, and non-binary volunteers turned their living rooms into "sweatshops," where they sewed and donated cloth facemasks to counter the US government's failure to provide protective gear for its people. They are currently in the homestretch to complete the film, and are asking for crowdfunding assistance. Your contribution would support editing, sound design, color correction, and other aspects of postproduction before they get the documentary out into the world. For more information, go here.

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No Other Choice Limited Edition Poster

"They didn't really send you the eel, did they?" I must have this incredible No Other Choice poster by acclaimed artist James Jean, celebrating legendary director Park Chan-wook's cinematic masterpiece. Limited edition print of 1000. Available from NEON.

Man Sentenced to Probation in Killing of "Grandpa Vicha"

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Judge orders man convicted in death of ‘Grandpa Vicha' to be released on probation

On Thursday, a San Francisco judge ordered probation for the man who was convicted in the 2021 death of an elderly man who became known as "Grandpa Vicha." 25-year-old Antoine Watson was sentenced to a total of eight years in the unprovoked attack and death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee. Since Watson, who was 19 years old at the time of the attack, has already served five years in jail and earned additional credit for good behavior, Judge Linda Colfax suspended the remaining two years of his sentence and ordered him to be released on probation. Watson was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault for the violent attack, which was caught on camera and became a flashpoint in the "Stop Asian Hate" movement. Is this justice?

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CNN Original Series: K-Everything

In the CNN Original series K-Everything, hosted and executive produced by Tony-award nominated actor, director, producer, and social advocate Daniel Dae Kim, is a cultural exploration of Korea's explosive global influence. Across four immersive episodes, Kim explores the forces behind Korea’s cultural rise, tracing how distinct traditions evolved into global phenomena. The series premieres May 9, and airs weekly on CNN.

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Ryan Coogler's 'X-Files' Pilot Casts Himesh Patel Opposite Danielle Deadwyler

Himesh Patel will star opposite Danielle Deadwyler in Ryan Coogler's reboot of The X-Files. According to the official logline, the series will follow "two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents" who "form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena." I love this pairing, and I can't wait to see how Coogler's take on this series.

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Kelly Marie Tran’s Art-Forgery Caper 'Forge' Lands May Release (Exclusive)

Forge, a crime caper starring Kelly Marie Tran, will get a theatrical release in May. The film, directed by Jing Ai Ning, centers on Miami-based siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang, who run an art forgery ring and are recruited by a disgraced millionaire to create counterfeit masterpieces for his family's collection. Meanwhile, FBI Art Crimes agent Emily Lee investigates a string of forgeries in the area. The film also stars Andie Ju, Brandon Soo Hoo, Edmund Donovan, Eva De Dominici, T.R. Knight, Jack Falahee and Sonya Walger.

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Ryan Gosling to Star in Next Movie From 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Directing Duo Daniels

We've finally got some news about the next project from Daniels -- Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert -- the acclaimed directing duo behind the smash hit Everything Everywhere All at Once: the movie will star Ryan Gosling. And that's pretty much it. Other details are slim, but the untitled feature will reportedly start shooting this summer, and is set for release in 2027.

Take the Asian American Food Habits Research Survey

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Asian American Food Habits Survey

Putting out this call again. Help out some academic researchers who are some interesting work around Asian Americans and food. The study, administered by Dr. Oliver Wang (California State University Long Beach), Kelli Kimura (UC Irvine), and Sam Titus (UC Irvine), aims to explore intersections between food and identity, especially as it relates to the diverse community of Asian Americans. You can help this team out by completing an online survey.

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‘Forgotten Island’ Trailer: H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in Filipino Folklore-Inspired Animated Movie

Dreamworks Animation has released the first trailer for its upcoming animated feature Forgotten Island. Set in the 1990s, H.E.R and Liza Soberano voice Jo and Raissa, two best friends who are about to go their separate ways. As they celebrate their last night together, the pair stumble on a magical portal -- a gateway to stories they've heard about growing up, places in Filipino folklore where shapeshifters, demons, witches and monsters exist -- and their friendship is put to the test as they seek to find their way back home.

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'Monstress' Adult Animated Series in the Works at Amazon From Former 'One Piece' Showrunner

An adult animated series based on the hit comic book series Monstress is in development at Amazon MGM Studios from Steven Maeda, a co-creator and former showrunner on Netflix's One Piece. Set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world, Monstress tells the story of a young woman with a literal monster living inside of her. On a quest to understand her past and avenge her mother's murder, she's joined by a colorful ensemble including a talking cat and a hybrid fox/human girl as they’re thrown into a war between human and otherworldly forces.

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Oscar-Winning Pioneering Chinese-American Cinematographer James Wong Howe Gets Biopic

Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau has been attached to direct The Cinematographer, a biographical feature on the life of pioneering Chinese American cinematographer James Wong Howe. Winner of two Academy Awards, Wong is considered one of the most influential cinematographers in film history, with credits that included The Rose Tattoo (1955), Hud (1963), Algiers (1938), Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940), Kings Row (1942), The North Star (1943), Air Force (1943), The Old Man and the Sea (1958), Seconds (1966) and Funny Lady (1975).

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Bangarang Skate Deck

RU-FI-O! Hook fans, you're gonna want this Bangarang skateboard deck from Patti Lapel, featuring everybody's favorite Lost Boy, the one and only Rufio, as portrayed by Dante Basco. Only 30 made!

Man Wanted in Anti-Muslim Subway Hate Crime

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Random subway attack investigated as hate crime

An attack at a subway station in Brooklyn is being investigated as a possible hate crime. A reportedly approached a 20-year-old woman March 17 at the 9th Avenue subway station and made Islamophobic statements before grabbing her and throwing her to the ground. He then grabbed the victim's phone and threw it to the ground. Authorities are asking for the public's help identifying the suspect.

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18-year-old man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Alberta highway shooting

In Canada, a man has been charged with second-degree murder in the deadly shooting of a Sikh man on a highway south of Edmonton. 18-year-old Jimmy Gassner has been charged in the killing of Birinder Singh, an international student from India, who was fatally shot on March 14. Community members are calling on police to investigate it as a potential hate crime.

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Schools Hire Asian Teachers at Half the Rate of Other Groups, Research Finds

School hiring processes play a crucial role in determining the racial demographics of the American teacher workforce -- including by putting non-white teaching candidates at an apparent disadvantage -- according to a study released in February. In dozens of school organizations around the country, Asian American applicants to teaching jobs were significantly less likely than those of other groups to advance at each stage of the hiring process.

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Trailer: The Furious

Hell yes. Check out the brutal trailer for The Furious, the latest from action choreographer-turned-director Kenji Tanigaki. Starring Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, and Yang Enyou, the movie follows an unlikely duo on a rampage of revenge after their loved ones are kidnapped by traffickers. Martial arts madness ensues. Say no more. I'm in.

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McDonald's and Netflix Call on Fans to Pick a Side with Two New KPop Demon Hunters-Inspired Meals

I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner. After dominating charts, screens and playlists worldwide, Kpop Demon Hunters is taking on the Happy Meal. Starting March 31, Netflix and McDonald's are partnering up for two all-new meals for adults -- The HUNTR/X Meal and The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal -- and exclusive photocards that unlock first-access content for a limited time. Also: The Derpy McFlurry.

Stinky Tofu Too Stinky For San Gabriel?

And Other Items of Note From Angry Asian America.

Neighbor complaints get a classic 'stinky' dish booted from local restaurant

Haters! Stinky tofu is no longer on the menu at Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel, California after the city received complaints about the dish's aroma. But the family behind the restaurant is fighting to bring back the popular Taiwanese street food, prized for its distinct, potent stench.

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AAPI adults mostly think Trump has done more harm than good on immigration

Most Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders believe the Trump administration has done more harm than good on the issue of immigration and border security in his second term so far, according to a new survey from AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

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Johnny Itliong breaks silence on sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez

Johnny Itliong, son of the late labor leader Larry Itliong, says he has spent decades trying to speak out about Cesar Chavez's alleged misconduct -- long before revelations that Chavez was allegedly sexually assaulting women and minors came to light. But Johnny Itliong says he was told to keep quiet.

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When your culture becomes a meme: the 'jarring' effect of Chinamaxxing

"China is not a new concept. So what does it feel like for your culture to become a trend? From North America to Australia, those from the Chinese diaspora who I spoke to all used the same word to describe Chinamaxxing: jarring – though with varying levels of indignation.

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Riz Ahmed is his own worst critic. His new show 'Bait' explores that

In his new comedy series Bait, Riz Ahmed stars as a struggling British Pakistani actor named Shah who lands an audition to be the next James Bond. Ahmed talks to Fresh Air about what James Bond represents in Bait, playing with a multiplicity of genres in the series, and working with the one and only Patrick Stewart, who has the weirdest voice role ever.