On Wednesday, February 11th, our ECE Asian and Asian American Studies instructors convened virtually for an enriching and topical discussion surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States. Please engage with the event overview below:
Teaching the 14th Amendment & Birthright Citizenship: Making Sense of the Political Moment Through Asian American Histories
Birthright citizenship—a cornerstone of the 14th Amendment—is once again under attack. In partnership with Asian Law Caucus, this workshop delved into the history and ongoing relevance of the 14th Amendment, exploring how Asian Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping its legacy. Together, we examined landmark moments including the Chinese Exclusion Act, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and Executive Order 14160, and reflected on the broader question: Who gets to be an American citizen? Educators left with historical context, up-to-date legal insights, and ready-to-use resources to teach this critical topic in their classrooms.
Guest Contributor Bios
Sulynn Miao, Teach Asian American Stories
Sulynn Miao has a background in education and mental health, with a focus on youth, identity, and intergenerational healing. As Curriculum & Program Manager at AAPI New Jersey, she develops educational resources, community programs, and professional development centered on Asian and Pacific Islander histories. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University.
Kimberly Leung, Asian Law Caucus
Kim Leung is a civil rights attorney with experience in both state and federal courts. She is part of the legal team challenging Executive Order 14160 in New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Donald J. Trump, a case defending birthright citizenship. Kim is a staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus, where she works with community partners on voting rights, civic engagement, and language access. Previously, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in Illinois. Based in Chicago, Kim also serves on the boards of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago and the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community.
All of us at ECE extend our sincere thanks to the workshop’s attendees, guest contributors, and faculty coordinator Jason Chang, Ph.D. for their tireless commitment to providing enriching educational opportunities to ECE instructors and students alike.
We look forward to the next workshop already!
UConn AAAS courses offered through Early College Experience.










