South Asian American Policy and Research Institute - SAAPRI

Over 300 advocates, organizers, and community members came together in Springfield for the 13th Asian American Action Day.

On May 6, 2026, SAAPRI and the Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition (PAVE) gathered at the State Capitol for a day of civic engagement and advocacy. AAA Day gave SAAPRI’s Democracy and Civic Action Fellow, Chitra Iyer, alongside volunteers from PAVE organizations, the opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and advocate for issues impacting Asian American communities across Illinois.

This year, PAVE highlighted a range of legislative priorities, including funding for immigrant services and access to justice, protections around personal data and immigration information, healthcare access for immigrant communities, education initiatives, and culturally inclusive food access in state-run facilities.

Together, participants navigated the halls of the Capitol, connected with legislators, shared their lived experiences, and helped elevate the priorities and perspectives of Asian American communities in Illinois.

Birthright citizenship has long been a foundational principle of U.S. law, guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment and upheld for more than a century.

Our latest Access to Justice Policy Update examines ongoing litigation surrounding birthright citizenship and recent legal efforts that could reshape how citizenship is interpreted and protected in the United States.

Swipe through to learn more about the case, what’s at stake, and why this issue matters.

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

South Asian American Policy and Research Institute - SAAPRI was honored to support the Chicago screening of SEAT AT THE TABLE: South Asians’ Rise in American Politics on Monday, May 11 at the Siskel Film Center as part of the 29th annual Asian American Showcase hosted by Foundation For Asian American Independent Media.

Grateful to the brilliant and inspiring directors Sarita Khurana () & Yoav Attias (), the Executive Producers RJ Narang, and Nick Rathod, and Producer Prerana Thakurdesai () for inviting to collaborate and help ensure this film reaches diverse South Asian audiences nationwide.

The documentary featuring powerful stories including Dr. Amish Shah in Arizona, IL State Rep. Nabeela Syed, NJ State Rep Ravinder Bhalla, and organizer Harini Krishnan captures a historic moment for our communities and the growing movement to expand representation and civic participation for South Asian Americans across the country in a deeply meaningful way. As we celebrate , we must continue doing the work to engage our communities, open doors for South Asian Americans, and ensure future generations have a seat at every table.

The screening was followed by a thoughtful post-film panel discussion with:
✨ Sarita Khurana
✨ State Rep. Nabeela Syed
✨ State Representative Kevin Olickal
✨ Shobhana Johri Verma
✨ Moderator Aditi Singh

Special thanks to Huu T. Ly, P.E. and the Foundation For Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) team for making this possible. Please learn more about and support FAAIM’s work if you’re not already connected.

Learn more: https://linktr.ee/seatatthetablefilm
🎬 Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qowk34qFwV4

Support SAAPRI: https://www.saapri.org/contact-us/donate/

The issue isn’t just missing data — it’s incomplete data.
When South Asian communities are grouped too broadly or only shown at high levels, key details get lost:
Where communities live.
What languages they speak.
What support they need.
And when those details are missing, so are we.

Mammograms cannot always detect breast cancer in women with denser breast tissues. An alternative screening method is available – molecular breast imaging.

MBIs are not as commonly talked about. Here, we have explained the benefits, risks, and procedure regarding MBIs. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of a breast cancer screening method to decide what is the best method for you.

This breast cancer awareness series expands upon our report - Breaking Barriers: Unpacking Breast Cancer Challenges & Triumphs for South Asian Americans, highlighting the unique experiences and barriers in awareness, screening, and treatment. https://www.saapri.org/7109/report-south-asian-americans-in-illinois-making-data-count-2024-2/

SEAT AT THE TABLE
Directed by Sarita Khurana, Yoav Attias
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 8:15 PM
(164 N. State)
Get your tickets now! -> www.faaim.org
With Post Film Q&A Panel with:
Sarita Khurana - Co-Director Seat at the Table Nabeela Syed - Illinois State Representative Kevin Olickal - Illinois State Representative Shobhana Verma - Executive Director, SAAPRI
Aditi Singh - Moderator, Lawyer & Policy Analyst
SEAT AT THE TABLE follows several prominent South Asian political candidates during the 2024 election cycle, alongside a community galvanized by the groundbreaking campaign of the first South Asian presidential candidate. Featured in the film is Nabeela Syed running for Illinois State representative for the 51st district that covers northwest suburban Cook and Lake Counties. The film captures a historic year for the South Asian diaspora as more candidates than ever run for office, providing us a rare front-row seat to the dynamic forging of power in America.

Use the code below for a special discount code for this screening: “SAAPRI29”

|HeritageMonth

Every year, data helps tell the story of our communities: who we are, where we live, and what we need.
But when South Asians are undercounted or misrepresented, that story becomes incomplete.
And incomplete data leads to incomplete decisions.
Understanding how our communities are counted is one step toward making sure we’re seen, and supported.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Naperville with MAFS (Metropolitan Asian Family Services) for an important conversation on health screenings, prevention, and protecting the future of South Asian communities.

This gathering created space for community members to learn more about preventative care, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations around health and wellness. We’re grateful to all who attended and contributed to this discussion on strengthening health equity in our communities.

Stay connected for more upcoming events, resources, and conversations from SAAPRI.

This May, we proudly celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month and recognize all of the contributions made.

At SAAPRI, we are dedicated to elevating the voices of South Asian Americans as an important part of the AANHPI community by advancing data equity, ensuring representation in policy discussions and advocating for the community at a local, state and national level.

Throughout the month we will be highlighting more about the contributions, achievements and continued challenges facing South Asians Americans. Join us in celebrating and recognizing the whole AANHPI as an important demographic in the United States and support our work by investing in SAAPRI during the month of May!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/apna-ghar-inc-our-home/support-south-asian-advocacy-this-aanhpi-heritage-month

We often think democracy begins and ends at the ballot box.
But long before we vote, decisions are already being shaped, by how we’re counted.

In the midst of a critical election year, it’s important to ask: Who gets counted? How are we counted? And what gets lost in the process?
Our new Data & Democracy series breaks down how data, from the Census to voter estimates, quietly shapes representation, resources, and access.

We’re starting at the beginning: How does democracy count us? What is the Census? And why is being counted so important?

The U.S. Census is not just a population count. It directly influences how resources, political power, and public services are distributed across communities. Accurate data ensures fair representation, while undercounting leads to systemic disadvantages.

&Democracy

The SAVE Act aims to change voter registration in the U.S., impacting many communities. With the Senate's decision in April 2026, it's crucial to understand its effects on South Asian communities and more. Read our detailed policy update and share your immigration story with us.
https://www.saapri.org/8532/democracy-civic-action-policy-update-april-2026/
Connect with SAAPRI to stay informed and get involved.