Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund: Protecting the Rights of Asian-Americans across the Country

In 1974, there were roughly 1.5 million Asian-Americans living in the United States. Four decades later, that population has boomed to around 15 million. As the Asian-American population continues to grow, the need to protect their civil rights becomes greater. 

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund was founded in 1974 by a group of students, activists, and lawyers in Lower Manhattan. The idea behind the organization was to be able to educate Asian Americans about their rights and to provide legal aid to those who can’t afford it. Part of the group’s advocacy is also to stop human trafficking, as well as the occurrences of hate crimes against Asian Americans.

The organization has done a lot for the Asian American community by litigating cases that made sure that back wages and overtime pay is given to those working as laborers in the domestic services, hotel, restaurant, and garment industries.  They also help immigrants get over the language barrier and help them understand their rights