During a recent visit to the Chung Cheng Association in New York, State Senator Qiu Yiwen articulated her qualifications and advantages in advocating for the rights of the Chinese community. She received support from the association and several other Chinese organizations, which encouraged their members to vote actively in the upcoming elections.
Senator Qiu shared that her mother is Hakka, making her the only state senator in New York with Chinese as her native language. Having risen from a regular international student and a reporter for a Chinese community newspaper, she feels she has a deep understanding of the concerns and needs of new immigrant families. She highlighted a specific instance in 2017 when proposed reforms by the city’s education department severely conflicted with the values of the Chinese community and harmed their interests. At that time, as a legislative assistant and a school board member, she leveraged her resources and efforts to push forward a resolution aimed at protecting special high schools.
She emphasized that the Chinese immigrant community, like many other marginalized groups, faces issues such as gambling, alcoholism, drug addiction, as well as economic and mental health challenges. If representatives from these communities lack similar immigrant backgrounds, it can be difficult for them to truly grasp the pain and struggles that arise from these issues. Senator Qiu noted that while mainstream American society is increasingly aware of the challenges faced by Asian Americans, there is still a need for the right person, using the right approach, to “raise our visibility.”
Qiu explained her principle is focused on prevention rather than remediation, aiming to proactively guard against things that could harm Asian and Chinese individuals. Her goal in speaking up for the Chinese community extends beyond merely helping them integrate into the mainstream; she strives to elevate their status to ensure that they are recognized as equals within the so-called “mainstream.”
Chung Cheng Association Chairman He Weimen expressed support for Senator Qiu’s re-election campaign, highlighting her identity as the daughter of a Hakka family. Along with various Hakka organizations in New York, the association called upon its members to participate actively in the voting process, fulfilling their democratic rights and responsibilities. The meeting also featured representatives from the overseas Chinese community, including Chairman He Shiyang of the senior members’ committee, Senior Member Yuan Tong, and representatives from various associations, emphasizing a united front in support of Qiu’s candidacy.
