South Asian American Policy and Research Institute - SAAPRI

DCA Policy Update: HJRCA28
Learn more in SAAPRI's latest Democracy & Civic Action Policy Update.
https://www.saapri.org/8588/democracy-civic-action-policy-update-june-2026/

📢 Access to Justice Policy Update: Expanded Green Card Re-Vetting Reviews

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a new initiative to review previously approved green card cases, expanding scrutiny beyond new applicants and undocumented immigrants.

While most permanent residents will not be affected, the policy highlights the importance of maintaining accurate immigration records and documentation. Learn more in SAAPRI's June Access to Justice Policy Update.
https://www.saapri.org/8615/access-to-justice-june-policy-update/

ATJ Policy Update: Overseas Green Card Processing Directive

A new federal directive would require many temporary visa holders to leave the U.S. and complete their green card process abroad rather than adjusting status from within the country.

With over a million South Asians waiting in employment-based green card categories, this change could create additional delays, uncertainty, and family disruption for many immigrants. Learn more in SAAPRI's June Access to Justice Policy Update.
https://www.saapri.org/8615/access-to-justice-june-policy-update/

Vote-by-Mail Tracking and Election Accessibility: These bills would establish a statewide ballot tracking system and expand voter accessibility measures, including Election Day protections and a proposed state holiday for general elections.

Read the full policy update:
https://www.saapri.org/8588/democracy-civic-action-policy-update-june-2026/

Illinois lawmakers are considering the Judicial Campaign Reform Act (SB 0143), which would create a public financing option for judicial elections and help reduce the influence of large campaign donors. Supporters say the proposal could strengthen public trust in the judiciary and promote fairer, more independent courts.

Learn more in SAAPRI's latest Democracy & Civic Action Policy Update,
https://www.saapri.org/8545/health-equity-wellness-policy-update-may-2026/

For 25 years, the South Asian American Policy & Research Institute has worked to elevate South Asian voices through research, advocacy, civic engagement, and community-driven change.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reflect on the impact we've built together and look ahead to the work still to come. From advancing health equity and access to justice to strengthening democracy and civic participation, SAAPRI remains committed to ensuring South Asian communities are seen, heard, and represented.

Join us in celebrating 25 years of impact by investing in a future rooted in equity, representation, and community power.
Support South Advocacy, https://secure.givelively.org/donate/apna-ghar-inc-our-home/support-south-asian-advocacy-this-aanhpi-heritage-month

Are you aware of HB4180? This bill went into effect in Illinois at the start of this year. Championed by Rep. Nabeela Syed, it expands insurance coverage for essential breast cancer screening and treatment options.

Under this bill, mammograms and molecular breast imaging must be covered by all insurance companies for all patients. Women and men alike are encouraged to take use of these resources and get screened for breast and chest cancer annually, without any deductibles or copays.

Similarly, insurance policies that already cover mastectomies must also provide coverage for prosthetic devices or reconstructive surgeries incident to mastectomies, such as surgeries that allow for breast symmetry.

Read our May Health Equity & wellness policy update, here:
https://www.saapri.org/8545/health-equity-wellness-policy-update-may-2026/

A federal court blocked parts of a proposed immigration rule that would have shortened deportation appeal deadlines and fast-tracked dismissals before full case review.

This ruling is especially significant for South Asian asylum seekers, many of whom face language and legal barriers while navigating the immigration system.

Read the full update: https://www.saapri.org/8535/access-to-justice-policy-update-may-2026/

This , we’re reflecting on the importance of ensuring South Asian American stories are not only celebrated but taught, preserved, and meaningfully integrated into how we understand American history.

From speaking with educators at the DuPage County Social Studies Conference on February 27, 2026 to guest lecturing at Northwestern University on culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction, one thing has been clear: teachers and students are eager for deeper, more inclusive histories and conversations.

Since the passage of Illinois’ Act (Teaching Asian American Community History), educators across the state have been working to bring Asian American history into classrooms, often while learning these histories themselves for the very first time. SAAPRI’s Oral History Project directly supports the goals of the TEAACH Act by providing authentic, localized historical content that helps students and educators better understand the South Asian American experience in Illinois. Themes of migration, identity, belonging, and resilience resonate broadly with students learning about immigrant histories and American identity more broadly.

For educators newer to Asian American historical content, SAAPRI also offers professional development and workshops designed to help build confidence and capacity in the classroom. Through our educational engagement and oral history work, we hope to continue supporting more inclusive, thoughtful, and community-centered learning experiences for students across Illinois.

Please feel free to connect with us at [email protected] to learn more.



And to support our work by investing in SAAPRI, click the link below
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/apna-ghar-inc-our-home/support-south-asian-advocacy-this-aanhpi-heritage-month

This , we’re reflecting on the importance of uplifting South Asian women’s leadership, storytelling, and community voices across every space, from policy and civic engagement to arts, literature, and culture.

Earlier this year, on March 8, 2026, SAAPRI ED Shobhana J Verma was honored to be recognized alongside several inspiring South Asian women leaders during an International Women’s Day celebration hosted by Chicago Indian Arts at K**a Restaurant & Bar in Chicago. Moments like these are powerful reminders of how important it is to continue creating spaces where South Asian voices, stories, and experiences are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Through SAAPRI’s work advancing civic participation, language access, research, and equity-focused policy initiatives, we continue to see how deeply connected representation, storytelling, and community engagement truly are.

We’re also excited to support the incredible work of , whose mission to preserve and promote Indian arts, literature, cinema, music, fashion, and dance continues to build meaningful platforms for community expression and cross-cultural dialogue here in Chicago. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the upcoming on May 30 at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago!



And to support our work by investing in SAAPRI
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/apna-ghar-inc-our-home/support-south-asian-advocacy-this-aanhpi-heritage-month