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IT'S ASIAN WISCONZINE'S
15TH YEAR!!
15TH YEAR!!
| VOL. XV NO. 8 AUGUST 2019 |
We have a new look, not only to reflect our magazine's warm focus on issues we care about, but also to highlight that season in
Wisconsin where beautiful colors of nature change to signify a future rebirth.
On our 15th year, we're rebooting, hoping to continue our work with greater enthusiasm and lots of inspiration.
Take this new journey with us and together, let us explore news and ideas that would help us get more informed and our minds
more active.
We are dedicating this new rebirth to our beloved supporters and readers in Wisconsin and beyond!
Wisconsin where beautiful colors of nature change to signify a future rebirth.
On our 15th year, we're rebooting, hoping to continue our work with greater enthusiasm and lots of inspiration.
Take this new journey with us and together, let us explore news and ideas that would help us get more informed and our minds
more active.
We are dedicating this new rebirth to our beloved supporters and readers in Wisconsin and beyond!
Editor's Corner/Over a Cup of Tea
Thoughts on US and North Korea relations
With the very recent friendly meeting between US President Trump and North Korea’s Chairman Kim Jong
Un at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, optimism and positive thoughts naturally entered my mind. I would
admit that the “meeting” of the two leaders, no matter how short, was historic, regardless of any opposing
remarks from anyone else. No US President has ever set foot on the Korean Demilitarized Zone, much less
shake hands with a North Korean leader, so I give Trump that credit, regardless of foreign policy
Thoughts on US and North Korea relations
With the very recent friendly meeting between US President Trump and North Korea’s Chairman Kim Jong
Un at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, optimism and positive thoughts naturally entered my mind. I would
admit that the “meeting” of the two leaders, no matter how short, was historic, regardless of any opposing
remarks from anyone else. No US President has ever set foot on the Korean Demilitarized Zone, much less
shake hands with a North Korean leader, so I give Trump that credit, regardless of foreign policy
Heidi M. Pascual
Publisher & Editor
2006 Journalist of the year
for the State of Wisconsin
(US-SBA)
Publisher & Editor
2006 Journalist of the year
for the State of Wisconsin
(US-SBA)
NATIONAL CAPACD
MOBILIZES MEMBERS TO
PROTECT OUR
COMMUNITIES
In June, National CAPACD
hosted a webinar on the
Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)’s
proposed rule, “Housing and
Community Development Act
of 1980: Verification of Eligible
Status.” This rule would
significantly change HUD’s
regulations by further
restricting eligibility for federal
housing assistance based on
immigration status. -- READ
MORE
MOBILIZES MEMBERS TO
PROTECT OUR
COMMUNITIES
In June, National CAPACD
hosted a webinar on the
Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)’s
proposed rule, “Housing and
Community Development Act
of 1980: Verification of Eligible
Status.” This rule would
significantly change HUD’s
regulations by further
restricting eligibility for federal
housing assistance based on
immigration status. -- READ
MORE
| Limit, Leverage, and Compete: A New Strategy on China |
By Melanie Hart and Kelly
Magsamen
Magsamen
| Building a More Dynamic Economy: The Benefits of Immigration |
Tom Jawetz
Center for American Progress. American Progress is the nation’s
foremost progressive think tank dedicated to improving the lives of all
Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership
and concerted action.
When I think of the contributions that immigrants—people from all
over the world, of all backgrounds, skills, and levels of educational
attainment—make to our country, I am reminded of something I often
heard from my former boss and your colleague, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-
CA), who speaks of immigrants as people who have “enough get-up-
and-go to get up and go.”1 For hundreds of years, that really has been
an important part of the story of America, so it is no surprise that in
every state and in communities all across the country, immigrants and
their children are helping to build a more dynamic economy and
ensure a shared prosperity for all. -- READ MORE
foremost progressive think tank dedicated to improving the lives of all
Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership
and concerted action.
When I think of the contributions that immigrants—people from all
over the world, of all backgrounds, skills, and levels of educational
attainment—make to our country, I am reminded of something I often
heard from my former boss and your colleague, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-
CA), who speaks of immigrants as people who have “enough get-up-
and-go to get up and go.”1 For hundreds of years, that really has been
an important part of the story of America, so it is no surprise that in
every state and in communities all across the country, immigrants and
their children are helping to build a more dynamic economy and
ensure a shared prosperity for all. -- READ MORE
agreements (or disagreements) that may result from such a historic moment. I believe that such meeting is an opening door for more serious
talks on various levels of government to resolve decades-long issues on global security, human rights, and other pertinent issues. Of course,
results of such serious discussions are another matter. For now, however, I would like to believe that good thinking foreign policy advisers
as well as citizens’ feedback could give the U.S. a positive position in its negotiations with North Korea.
The major issue we are facing is the nuclear capability of North Korea, and how much it is willing to give up in order to help create better
relations with the US and the global community as a whole. We in Southeast Asia have been fearing North Korea’s nuclear power,
particularly during its missile ballistic tests. Southeast Asian countries fear extinction if and when North Korea and the US go to war. Thus,
the current seeming willingness of North Korea to negotiate, via Trump’s diplomatic strategy, is actually allaying such fear and building hope
that a diplomatic solution is close at hand.
To my mind, the 1994 Agreed Framework didn’t seem to have accomplished anything, but more hatred and accusations of violations.
However, the 2019 Hanoi Summit (though without any concrete positive progress) and thereafter, following Trump’s friendly approach to
Kim Jong Un, seem to open a friendly door that seemed remotely possible before. Added to this is the fact that Seoul is open to a friendly
negotiation as well, and support seems to also come from China and Japan (to a lesser degree).
I guess what is important right now is to take advantage of this diplomatic moment and forge an agreement with North Korea that would
keep both countries’ self-esteem and self-respect. Pride is, most times, the killjoy when we talk about mending relationships. It seems
Trump has decided to create a name for himself in history, and I won’t criticize him for this one, because indeed, if Trump succeeds in
building positive US-North Korea relations with both nations “victorious” in important ways without sacrificing any US interest, then he
deserves that honor in history. -- READ MORE
talks on various levels of government to resolve decades-long issues on global security, human rights, and other pertinent issues. Of course,
results of such serious discussions are another matter. For now, however, I would like to believe that good thinking foreign policy advisers
as well as citizens’ feedback could give the U.S. a positive position in its negotiations with North Korea.
The major issue we are facing is the nuclear capability of North Korea, and how much it is willing to give up in order to help create better
relations with the US and the global community as a whole. We in Southeast Asia have been fearing North Korea’s nuclear power,
particularly during its missile ballistic tests. Southeast Asian countries fear extinction if and when North Korea and the US go to war. Thus,
the current seeming willingness of North Korea to negotiate, via Trump’s diplomatic strategy, is actually allaying such fear and building hope
that a diplomatic solution is close at hand.
To my mind, the 1994 Agreed Framework didn’t seem to have accomplished anything, but more hatred and accusations of violations.
However, the 2019 Hanoi Summit (though without any concrete positive progress) and thereafter, following Trump’s friendly approach to
Kim Jong Un, seem to open a friendly door that seemed remotely possible before. Added to this is the fact that Seoul is open to a friendly
negotiation as well, and support seems to also come from China and Japan (to a lesser degree).
I guess what is important right now is to take advantage of this diplomatic moment and forge an agreement with North Korea that would
keep both countries’ self-esteem and self-respect. Pride is, most times, the killjoy when we talk about mending relationships. It seems
Trump has decided to create a name for himself in history, and I won’t criticize him for this one, because indeed, if Trump succeeds in
building positive US-North Korea relations with both nations “victorious” in important ways without sacrificing any US interest, then he
deserves that honor in history. -- READ MORE
OUTSTANDING ASIAN AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES IN THE MADISON AREA
By Jonathan Gramling
Part 1
DeForest High School
Blaipa Chang devoted her stay at DeForest High to academic excellence, the
Hmong community and her faith community. Blaipa honed her leadership skills
as the secretary of the All School Asian Club. Her traditional Hmong dance
group, Ohia Seev, competed at the Hmong New Year. Blaipa also devoted a lot
of her free time volunteering with her church, The Church of the Latter Day
Saints, at places like the Second Harvest and The River food pantries, Ronald
McDonald House, Lacy Garden, Brat Fest and Susan G. Komen Race for the
Cure. Blaipa earned high honor roll recognition. Blaipa’s commitment to her
faith and academics earned her a SOAR scholarship from Brigham Young
University and a Brigham Young grant.
East High School
Tenzin Choekyi has had an eye on a health career as she strove for academic
excellence at East High. Tenzin participated in Health Occupations and
Professions Exploration. She planned for college through AVID/TOPS and
GEAR-UP. She was also involved with the Tibet Club. Out in the community,
Tenzin volunteered with St. Mary’s Hospital, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and
the UW Health East Clinic. She was also active with MSCR leaders in training,
the Saturday Tibetan School and the Tibetan Youth Association. Tenzin’s
excellence won her a Service “E” pin, an honor cord and an El Circulo Español
recognition. Tenzin will be attending UW-Madison this fall.
A National Honor Society member, Laura Dinh has had her mind on STEM
while taking her academic game to the next level at East. Laura was active with
Women of STEM, student congress and DECA. She competed in track & field
and played with the philharmonic orchestra. Laura also interned with Summit
Credit Union and was a teacher’s assistant. Out in the community, Laura was a
STEM volunteer at Goodman Community Center and was active with the St.
Peter’s Catholic Church youth group. For her excellence, Laura is on the honor
roll with distinction, an inductee into the World Language Society and was
named an Outstanding Young Person by the Urban League. -- READ MORE
GRADUATES IN THE MADISON AREA
By Jonathan Gramling
Part 1
DeForest High School
Blaipa Chang devoted her stay at DeForest High to academic excellence, the
Hmong community and her faith community. Blaipa honed her leadership skills
as the secretary of the All School Asian Club. Her traditional Hmong dance
group, Ohia Seev, competed at the Hmong New Year. Blaipa also devoted a lot
of her free time volunteering with her church, The Church of the Latter Day
Saints, at places like the Second Harvest and The River food pantries, Ronald
McDonald House, Lacy Garden, Brat Fest and Susan G. Komen Race for the
Cure. Blaipa earned high honor roll recognition. Blaipa’s commitment to her
faith and academics earned her a SOAR scholarship from Brigham Young
University and a Brigham Young grant.
East High School
Tenzin Choekyi has had an eye on a health career as she strove for academic
excellence at East High. Tenzin participated in Health Occupations and
Professions Exploration. She planned for college through AVID/TOPS and
GEAR-UP. She was also involved with the Tibet Club. Out in the community,
Tenzin volunteered with St. Mary’s Hospital, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and
the UW Health East Clinic. She was also active with MSCR leaders in training,
the Saturday Tibetan School and the Tibetan Youth Association. Tenzin’s
excellence won her a Service “E” pin, an honor cord and an El Circulo Español
recognition. Tenzin will be attending UW-Madison this fall.
A National Honor Society member, Laura Dinh has had her mind on STEM
while taking her academic game to the next level at East. Laura was active with
Women of STEM, student congress and DECA. She competed in track & field
and played with the philharmonic orchestra. Laura also interned with Summit
Credit Union and was a teacher’s assistant. Out in the community, Laura was a
STEM volunteer at Goodman Community Center and was active with the St.
Peter’s Catholic Church youth group. For her excellence, Laura is on the honor
roll with distinction, an inductee into the World Language Society and was
named an Outstanding Young Person by the Urban League. -- READ MORE
| Testimony Before the U.S. House Committee on the Budget |
Chairman Yarmuth, Ranking Member Womack,
and members of the committee, thank you for
inviting me to testify before you today on this
important topic. My name is Tom Jawetz, and I
am the vice president for Immigration Policy at the
and members of the committee, thank you for
inviting me to testify before you today on this
important topic. My name is Tom Jawetz, and I
am the vice president for Immigration Policy at the
| The Time Is Right for a Deal With North Korea |
| By Michael Fuchs and Abigail Bard |
Introduction and summary
The United States and the international community have been attempting to
deal with North Korea’s nuclear program for decades. The situation has
evolved over time; today, North Korea has nuclear weapons and likely the
ability to deliver them as far as the continental United States.1 But the basic
premise of negotiations remains the same: How much nuclear capability
would North Korea be willing to give up for what level of normalization of
relations with the United States and the rest of the world? The contours of
numerous deals—from the 1994 Agreed Framework to the reported deal
discussed at the 2019 Hanoi summit—are variations on this essential bargain
between the United States and North Korea.
Like all diplomacy, the ever-changing variable is the political will on each
side. Today, the environments in the main capitals—Seoul, Washington, D.
C., Tokyo, Pyongyang, and Beijing—are still complicated, but there is an
opening for at least a partial deal. A progressive government in Seoul is keen
to develop inter-Korea relations, while Pyongyang has shown at least a
temporary willingness to engage. Meanwhile, an erratic and unpredictable U.
S. president looking for political wins has upended the traditional U.S.
playbook on North Korea; the prime minister of Japan is wary of engaging
North Korea, but he prioritizes the U.S.-Japan alliance and is willing to go
along with the diplomacy; and China wants to deflect pressure from the
United States. This combination presents a genuine opportunity for
diplomatic progress—if only for the time being.
There are three main elements to making progress with North Korea: 1)
understanding the politics in each capital to ensure that any deal will not
unravel; 2) allowing each side to come away portraying itself as the victor;
and 3) enacting a substantive agreement that advances enough that each side
has a reason to stay invested in the process. This report details each of
these elements in turn.--READ MORE
The United States and the international community have been attempting to
deal with North Korea’s nuclear program for decades. The situation has
evolved over time; today, North Korea has nuclear weapons and likely the
ability to deliver them as far as the continental United States.1 But the basic
premise of negotiations remains the same: How much nuclear capability
would North Korea be willing to give up for what level of normalization of
relations with the United States and the rest of the world? The contours of
numerous deals—from the 1994 Agreed Framework to the reported deal
discussed at the 2019 Hanoi summit—are variations on this essential bargain
between the United States and North Korea.
Like all diplomacy, the ever-changing variable is the political will on each
side. Today, the environments in the main capitals—Seoul, Washington, D.
C., Tokyo, Pyongyang, and Beijing—are still complicated, but there is an
opening for at least a partial deal. A progressive government in Seoul is keen
to develop inter-Korea relations, while Pyongyang has shown at least a
temporary willingness to engage. Meanwhile, an erratic and unpredictable U.
S. president looking for political wins has upended the traditional U.S.
playbook on North Korea; the prime minister of Japan is wary of engaging
North Korea, but he prioritizes the U.S.-Japan alliance and is willing to go
along with the diplomacy; and China wants to deflect pressure from the
United States. This combination presents a genuine opportunity for
diplomatic progress—if only for the time being.
There are three main elements to making progress with North Korea: 1)
understanding the politics in each capital to ensure that any deal will not
unravel; 2) allowing each side to come away portraying itself as the victor;
and 3) enacting a substantive agreement that advances enough that each side
has a reason to stay invested in the process. This report details each of
these elements in turn.--READ MORE
| To Begin Solving Student Debt, the Education Department Must Factor In Race and Ethnicity By Victoria Yuen |
In fall 2017, the U.S. Department of Education released shocking findings about the
long-term outcomes of student borrowers of color, particularly those who are black
or African American. The data showed that the average black or African American
borrower who entered college in the 2003-04 academic year had made no progress
paying down their debt by 2015; in fact, they owed more than they originally
borrowed. Even worse, nearly half of black or African American student borrowers
had defaulted on their loans within the 12-year time period. These findings revealed
a repayment crisis for black borrowers and raised serious questions about how the
American higher education system serves all communities of color. --READ MORE
long-term outcomes of student borrowers of color, particularly those who are black
or African American. The data showed that the average black or African American
borrower who entered college in the 2003-04 academic year had made no progress
paying down their debt by 2015; in fact, they owed more than they originally
borrowed. Even worse, nearly half of black or African American student borrowers
had defaulted on their loans within the 12-year time period. These findings revealed
a repayment crisis for black borrowers and raised serious questions about how the
American higher education system serves all communities of color. --READ MORE
| APIAVote Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Census Citizenship Question and Encourages Census Participation |
| NEWS NEWS NEWS |