Reports/Publications
SAALT has developed the following reports, factsheets, and publications. All are available for download free of charge, or contact SAALT at info@saalt.org for hard copies.
In Our Own Voices: Narratives of South Asian New Yorkers Affected by Racial and Religious Profiling - Download
In the wake of reports of surveillance of Muslim communities by the New York City Police Department, it is important to recognize that Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities have been the targets of suspicion by state & national law enforcement agencies for the past decade. The results of a recent documentation project confirm that South Asians endure heightened scrutiny without any evidence of wrongdoing. The impact is severe, affecting community members’ personal lives and sense of identity, as well as basic decisions regarding livelihood, worship, and education.
A Demographic Snapshot of South Asians in the United States (2012) - Download
South Asians have grown at a rapid rate in the last ten years, growing in both metropolitan areas and immigrant gateway centers. over 3.4 million South Asians live in the United States today, and comprise the second largest Asian ethnic group. South Asians are becoming an increasingly powerful and robust segment of the American electorate.
Your Home, Your Family, Your Security: A Guide for the South Asian Community (2012)
(English; Urdu; Hindi; Punjabi; Bangla)
Chhaya Community Development Corporation(Chhaya CDC) and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) are proud to release a new resource for South Asian community members, "Your Home, Your Family, Your Security: A Guide for the South Asian Community." This guide provides basic information to homeowners on:
Momentum: SAALT's Annual Newsletter (2011) - Download here.
Building An America For All of Us: A Campus Workshop Guide (November 2011)
Tailored to student groups, this interactive workshop guide provides discussion points and engaging exercises designed to explore the impact of the decade since 9/11 on the South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities in the United States. Download the facilitator's guide here, and a cheat sheet with plans, statistics, and policies here.
South Asian Small Business Merchant Project: Know Your Rights (November 2011)
SAALT's collaboration with Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center helps small business owners navigate rules and regulations and is available in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Bangla. Download here.
Community Resilience (September 2011)
SAALT's report about presents the stories of success, resistance and resilience of individuals, organizations and communities in the decade after September 11th. Download here.
From Macacas to Turban Toppers: The Rise in Xenophobic and Racist Rhetoric in American Political Discourse (October 2010)
SAALT's report about the rise in racists, xenophobic and Islamophobic rhetoric in political discourse, and how it impacts political participation and civic engagement. Download here.
How to Meet Indian Citizenship Renunciation and Surrender Certificate Requirements: Information for Former Indian Citizens (September 2010)
SAALT's factsheet on the process for renouncing Indian citizenship and surrender of Indian passports available here.
SAALT Montgomery County Resources Brochure (June 2010)
SAALT and APALRC's guide to Montgomery County's resources on health care, unemployment insurance, housing, and other social services - available in: English, Hindi, Urdu, and Bangla.
SAALT Issue Briefs on Impact of Racial and Religious Profiling on South Asian Community (March 2010)
SAALT has developed 3 issue briefs that highlight the impact of racial and religious profiling on the South Asian community. Read the briefs on surveillance, travel and immigration.
Health Care Reform Becomes Law (March 2010)
SAALT factsheet about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Read the factsheet here.
Health Reform: Why it is Important to the South Asian Community by Priya Murthy (December 2009)
SAALT's Policy Director, Priya Murthy, wrote an article for the quarterly newsletter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. The article highlights various aspects of the health reform debate and their impact on the South Asian community. Read the article here.
Courting the South Asian Vote: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by Deepa Iyer and Priya Murthy (October 2009)
SAALT’s Deepa Iyer and Priya Murthy recently published an article called Courting The South Asian Vote: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back in the Winter 2009 edition of the St. John’s Journal of Legal Commentary. The piece presents a case study of the pattern of “othering” faced by South Asian Americans in the United States by examining xenophobic rhetoric in political discourse. Iyer and Murthy argue that even as South Asian civic participation is on the rise, such racist and xenophobic rhetoric can limit the full and equal participation of South Asians in the American political process. Read the article here.
Resources on the Health Insurance Reform Debate and the South Asian Community (September 2009)
During the summer and fall of 2009, Congress and the Obama Administration have been focused on reforming the country's health care and insurance systems. Many South Asians living in the United States would be affected by changes in health care and health insurance policy. SAALT has developed two resources pertinent to the national dialogue on health care reform. "What You Need to Know About the Health Insurance Reform" answers questions about the debate; includes basic definitions for terminology; and provides ways for South Asians to get involved in the discussion. "Health Care Issues Affecting South Asians in the United States" provides information and resources on health issues impacting the community.
Washington DeSi: South Asians in the Nation's Capital (July 2009)
In response to the lack of information about the South Asian community in the Washington DC metropolitan region – home to the nation’s fifth largest South Asian population – APALRC and SAALT launched the South Asian Community Empowerment (SACE) project in early 2009 that included a multi-language needs assessment, focus groups, interviews, and relationship-building with community organizations. Washington DeSi: South Asians in the Nation's Capital provides findings from surveys of nearly 200 South Asians living or working in DC, as well as trends gathered from focus groups and interviews. Read the report here.
This report was developed through the generous support of the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.
What You Need to Know to Become a U.S. Citizen: A Guide for South Asians (April 2008) (English; Bangla; Hindi; Gujarati;)
Check out this new informational guide on citizenship for the South Asian community which will assist immigrants in understanding the changes and requirements of the naturalization process. This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about how the naturalization process works; obstacles faced by South Asian applicants; the content of the new naturalization exam to be implemented in October 2008; and information to assist elderly immigrants seeking naturalization.
Developed through the generous support of the Murthy Law Firm, this brochure is the first in a series of immigration-related resources that SAALT will be producing this year.
A National Action Agenda: Policy Recommendations to Empower South Asian Communities in the United States (2008)
This report sets forth issues affecting the South Asian community and provides recommendations for
policymakers, community-based organizations,
stakeholders, allies, media, and the general public. A National Action Agenda is
a product of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations
(NCSO), a network of groups around the country that provide services
to, organize, and advocate on behalf of South Asian communities, and
individual experts and advocates in various fields. A
National Action Agenda includes the following components with detailed
recommendations: Civic and Political Participation, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties, Data Collection, Economic Justice, Gender Equity,
Health Care, Immigrant Rights, LGBTIQ Rights, and Youth Empowerment.
Building Community Strength Report
This report provides critical insights into the needs and opportunities faced by organizations serving, advocating for, and organizing South Asians in America. Building Community Strength synthesizes the results of a needs assessment and interviews with 31 community-based organizations serving South Asians around the country, while highlighting best practices and recommendations for stakeholders to better assist South Asian organizations - and by extension - South Asian community members. The report, made possible through support from the Citi Foundation, includes examples of best practices used by South Asian groups, and recommendations to guide further research and action. We hope that organizations, community members, grantmakers, and stakeholders will use the report as a tool and resource to increase awareness of the South Asian community; to garner additional resources; and to access policymakers.
American Backlash: Terrorists Bring War Home in More Ways Than One
The purpose of this report is to document an ugly, but nonetheless important, section of American history. News accounts of the tragedy are justifiably replete with stories of heroism, courage, and strength in the wake of the September 11 attacks. News of the backlash, however, was not widely reported, especially in the national media during the first week after the attacks. Most news accounts merely repeated the same horrific incidents of backlash, giving the impression that it was limited to a few, isolated incidents scattered around the country. The reality, however, was that bias incidents were far more widespread than were reported. These fears were captured more accurately in stories reported by local press which form the foundation of this report. Rather than let these local stories slip into obscurity, this report is designed to
compile the stories to provide a more accurate picture of American reaction to this tragedy.
Other Reports/Publications Include:
About the Community
In Our Own Voices: Narratives of South Asian New Yorkers Affected by Racial and Religious Profiling - Download
In the wake of reports of surveillance of Muslim communities by the New York City Police Department, it is important to recognize that Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities have been the targets of suspicion by state & national law enforcement agencies for the past decade. The results of a recent documentation project confirm that South Asians endure heightened scrutiny without any evidence of wrongdoing. The impact is severe, affecting community members’ personal lives and sense of identity, as well as basic decisions regarding livelihood, worship, and education.
A Demographic Snapshot of South Asians in the United States (2012) - Download
South Asians have grown at a rapid rate in the last ten years, growing in both metropolitan areas and immigrant gateway centers. over 3.4 million South Asians live in the United States today, and comprise the second largest Asian ethnic group. South Asians are becoming an increasingly powerful and robust segment of the American electorate.
Your Home, Your Family, Your Security: A Guide for the South Asian Community (2012)
(English; Urdu; Hindi; Punjabi; Bangla)
Chhaya Community Development Corporation(Chhaya CDC) and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) are proud to release a new resource for South Asian community members, "Your Home, Your Family, Your Security: A Guide for the South Asian Community." This guide provides basic information to homeowners on:
- How to avoid foreclosure
- Options for individuals whose homes are currently in foreclosure
- How to avoid foreclosure rescue scams
- Resources for housing counseling.
Momentum: SAALT's Annual Newsletter (2011) - Download here.
Building An America For All of Us: A Campus Workshop Guide (November 2011)
Tailored to student groups, this interactive workshop guide provides discussion points and engaging exercises designed to explore the impact of the decade since 9/11 on the South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities in the United States. Download the facilitator's guide here, and a cheat sheet with plans, statistics, and policies here.
South Asian Small Business Merchant Project: Know Your Rights (November 2011)
SAALT's collaboration with Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center helps small business owners navigate rules and regulations and is available in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Bangla. Download here.
Community Resilience (September 2011)
SAALT's report about presents the stories of success, resistance and resilience of individuals, organizations and communities in the decade after September 11th. Download here.
From Macacas to Turban Toppers: The Rise in Xenophobic and Racist Rhetoric in American Political Discourse (October 2010)
SAALT's report about the rise in racists, xenophobic and Islamophobic rhetoric in political discourse, and how it impacts political participation and civic engagement. Download here.
How to Meet Indian Citizenship Renunciation and Surrender Certificate Requirements: Information for Former Indian Citizens (September 2010)
SAALT's factsheet on the process for renouncing Indian citizenship and surrender of Indian passports available here.
SAALT Montgomery County Resources Brochure (June 2010)
SAALT and APALRC's guide to Montgomery County's resources on health care, unemployment insurance, housing, and other social services - available in: English, Hindi, Urdu, and Bangla.
SAALT Issue Briefs on Impact of Racial and Religious Profiling on South Asian Community (March 2010)
SAALT has developed 3 issue briefs that highlight the impact of racial and religious profiling on the South Asian community. Read the briefs on surveillance, travel and immigration.
Health Care Reform Becomes Law (March 2010)
SAALT factsheet about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Read the factsheet here.
Health Reform: Why it is Important to the South Asian Community by Priya Murthy (December 2009)
SAALT's Policy Director, Priya Murthy, wrote an article for the quarterly newsletter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. The article highlights various aspects of the health reform debate and their impact on the South Asian community. Read the article here.
Courting the South Asian Vote: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by Deepa Iyer and Priya Murthy (October 2009)
SAALT’s Deepa Iyer and Priya Murthy recently published an article called Courting The South Asian Vote: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back in the Winter 2009 edition of the St. John’s Journal of Legal Commentary. The piece presents a case study of the pattern of “othering” faced by South Asian Americans in the United States by examining xenophobic rhetoric in political discourse. Iyer and Murthy argue that even as South Asian civic participation is on the rise, such racist and xenophobic rhetoric can limit the full and equal participation of South Asians in the American political process. Read the article here.
Resources on the Health Insurance Reform Debate and the South Asian Community (September 2009)
During the summer and fall of 2009, Congress and the Obama Administration have been focused on reforming the country's health care and insurance systems. Many South Asians living in the United States would be affected by changes in health care and health insurance policy. SAALT has developed two resources pertinent to the national dialogue on health care reform. "What You Need to Know About the Health Insurance Reform" answers questions about the debate; includes basic definitions for terminology; and provides ways for South Asians to get involved in the discussion. "Health Care Issues Affecting South Asians in the United States" provides information and resources on health issues impacting the community.
Washington DeSi: South Asians in the Nation's Capital (July 2009)
In response to the lack of information about the South Asian community in the Washington DC metropolitan region – home to the nation’s fifth largest South Asian population – APALRC and SAALT launched the South Asian Community Empowerment (SACE) project in early 2009 that included a multi-language needs assessment, focus groups, interviews, and relationship-building with community organizations. Washington DeSi: South Asians in the Nation's Capital provides findings from surveys of nearly 200 South Asians living or working in DC, as well as trends gathered from focus groups and interviews. Read the report here.
This report was developed through the generous support of the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.
What You Need to Know to Become a U.S. Citizen: A Guide for South Asians (April 2008) (English; Bangla; Hindi; Gujarati;)
Check out this new informational guide on citizenship for the South Asian community which will assist immigrants in understanding the changes and requirements of the naturalization process. This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about how the naturalization process works; obstacles faced by South Asian applicants; the content of the new naturalization exam to be implemented in October 2008; and information to assist elderly immigrants seeking naturalization.
Developed through the generous support of the Murthy Law Firm, this brochure is the first in a series of immigration-related resources that SAALT will be producing this year.
A National Action Agenda: Policy Recommendations to Empower South Asian Communities in the United States (2008)
This report sets forth issues affecting the South Asian community and provides recommendations for
Building Community Strength Report
This report provides critical insights into the needs and opportunities faced by organizations serving, advocating for, and organizing South Asians in America. Building Community Strength synthesizes the results of a needs assessment and interviews with 31 community-based organizations serving South Asians around the country, while highlighting best practices and recommendations for stakeholders to better assist South Asian organizations - and by extension - South Asian community members. The report, made possible through support from the Citi Foundation, includes examples of best practices used by South Asian groups, and recommendations to guide further research and action. We hope that organizations, community members, grantmakers, and stakeholders will use the report as a tool and resource to increase awareness of the South Asian community; to garner additional resources; and to access policymakers.
|
"Raising Our Voices: South Asian Americans Address Hate"  Raising Our Voices is the 26-minute award-winning documentary, released in 2002, that
community leaders, students, educators, government officials and companies have
used to raise awareness and understanding of bias and hate crimes against the
South Asian community. View the documentary online: Part I & Part II Download: Fact Sheet |
American Backlash: Terrorists Bring War Home in More Ways Than One
The purpose of this report is to document an ugly, but nonetheless important, section of American history. News accounts of the tragedy are justifiably replete with stories of heroism, courage, and strength in the wake of the September 11 attacks. News of the backlash, however, was not widely reported, especially in the national media during the first week after the attacks. Most news accounts merely repeated the same horrific incidents of backlash, giving the impression that it was limited to a few, isolated incidents scattered around the country. The reality, however, was that bias incidents were far more widespread than were reported. These fears were captured more accurately in stories reported by local press which form the foundation of this report. Rather than let these local stories slip into obscurity, this report is designed to
compile the stories to provide a more accurate picture of American reaction to this tragedy. Other Reports/Publications Include:
About the Community
- Demographic Characteristics of the South Asian Community
- Making the Case: Why Build a South Asian Identity?
- New Jersey Issue Briefs
- A Community of Contrasts
- About SAALT in New Jersey
- Demographics of South Asians in New Jersey
- Impact of Bias and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in New Jersey
- Linguistic and Cultural Barriers for South Asians in New Jersey
- New Jersey Community Needs Assessment
- Organizations and Resources in New Jersey
- Middlesex County Resources Brochure
- The 2004 Elections: South Asian Voting Trends and Patterns
- The 2006 Elections: South Asian Voting Trends and Patterns
- Immigration Reform and the South Asian Community: Myths and Realities(September 2007 Update)
- "What You Need to Know to Become a U.S. Citizen: A Guide for South Asians (April 2008) (Bangla; Hindi; Gujarati)
- SAALT’s Testimony before House Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (April 2006) Hear a clip of the testimony here.
- The DREAM Act: Empowering Immigrant Youth and Opening Closed Doors
- The Continuing Impact of the Special Registration Program) (December 2005)
- Hate Crimes: A Quick Information Sheet for South Asians
- Hate Crimes: Community Wide Impact Factsheet
- The Impact of Operation Meth Merchant on South Asians (October 2006 Update)
- The Impact of Katrina on the South Asian Community (September 2005)
- "Raising Our Voices - South Asian Americans Address Hate" - A guide to the documentary
- "Raising Our Voices - South Asian Americans Address Hate" - Fact sheet
- South Asian Summit 2007 Report
- About the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations
- Quotes from the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations
- Diversity of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations
- About A National Action Agenda
