The U.S.-Asia Law Institute has an opening for a student research assistant.
The RA will work to advance and protect the rights of Asian Americans and immigrants through policy and legal analysis and research at the intersections of national security, civil rights, and racial justice. The work will be done under the joint supervision of USALI Executive Director Katherine Wilhelm and Asian American Scholars Forum Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa. Possible assignments include:
Research legislation and administrative policies on disclosure requirements in light of many prosecutions against Asian Americans and immigrants being rooted in failure to disclose issues.
Analyze past, current, and potential iterations of the National Defense Authorization Act, determine areas with potential for negative impact on Asian Americans and immigrants, and offer recommendations on the prevention of racial bias and profiling in national security policies.
Conduct research on pending legislation to determine areas with potential for negative impact on Asian Americans and immigrants, and offer recommendations on the prevention of racial bias and profiling in national security policies.
Conduct research on immigration and racial justice issues of Chinese international students such as denial of entry including government rationale and frequency. Explore the effects of the Proclamation barring Chinese graduate students and researchers from studying or working at U.S. universities if previously affiliated with Chinese institutions that are a part of China’s government’s military-civil fusion strategy.
Advocate with legislators and executive branch officials to protect and advance the rights of Asian Americans and immigrants, particularly in the areas of profiling, hate, surveillance, and racial bias.
Draft community education materials, coordinate meetings, and conduct outreach
Can work be done remotely? Yes.
Qualifications (be specific regarding class level: 1L, 2L, 3L or LL.M.): 2L or higher.
Passion for Asian American civil rights and issues
Interest in combating racial profiling of Asian Americans and immigrants as well as the intersections of immigration, national security, and technology
Detail oriented and ability to meet deadlines
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
Approximate Dates of Employment: November 1, with the possibility of continuing in the spring term. Option to work for academic credit or pay.
Approximate Number of Hours/Week: 16-20 hours per week.
Materials to Submit for Application (Resume, Transcript, Cover Letter): Submit resume, unofficial law school transcript, and cover letter indicating reasons for interest and highlighting any relevant past research/familiarity with subject matter. Send via email to Stephany Ramos at ramoss@mercury.law.nyu.edu.
Deadline for submission: October 15, 2022. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so please apply as early as possible.
Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all. AASF was founded in response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S. and increasing profiling and racial bias of Asian Americans and immigrants. We are a leading national voice fighting for the rights of the Asian American and immigrant scientific and academic community. We represent the individuals, families, and communities most directly affected by the profiling of Asian American scientists, researchers, and scholars and unjust prosecutions conducted before and under the now defunct Department of Justice’s “China Initiative.”