South Asian Group Mobilizes Nationwide to Defend Civil Rights and Democracy

SAFA shifts focus to state-level battles, particularly court races and redistricting efforts, ahead of 2026 midterms

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A dynamic, fractured painting of a diverse group of people marching and holding protest signs, with overlapping, geometric waves of vibrant colors conceptually representing the collective action and resilience of the South Asian American community.SAFA's nationwide mobilization aims to turn 'anguish and fear into action' as the South Asian American community rallies to defend civil rights and protect democratic institutions.Jersey City Today

Citing a 'constant assault' on immigrant communities and fundamental freedoms, South Asians for America (SAFA) has launched a nationwide mobilization effort to turn 'anguish and fear into action' ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The organization is focusing on state-level battles, particularly court races and redistricting efforts, which it sees as critical safeguards in the coming election cycle.

Why it matters

With federal protections increasingly under strain, SAFA believes state-level battles over the judiciary and redistricting will be crucial in defending civil rights and protecting democratic institutions in the 2026 elections. The group's efforts reflect growing concerns among South Asian Americans about threats to voting rights and immigrant communities.

The details

SAFA is leading intensive phone banking efforts in support of Judge Chris Taylor's campaign in Wisconsin, as activists frame state courts as a last line of defense for voting rights. In Virginia, longtime advocate Shyamali Hauth is spearheading a campaign urging voters to support the state's Redistricting Amendment. The organization has also joined the South Asian American Justice Collaborative in opposing an executive order that seeks to reinterpret the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause.

  • On April 1, SAFA joined the South Asian American Justice Collaborative outside the U.S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in a case challenging birthright citizenship.
  • On April 7, SAFA is mobilizing supporters to vote for Judge Chris Taylor in the Wisconsin state court election.

The players

SAFA

South Asians for America, a national organization that aims to mobilize the South Asian American community to defend civil rights and protect democratic institutions.

Neha Dewan and Harini Krishnan

SAFA's Co-National Directors, who are encouraging supporters nationwide to get involved in the organization's efforts.

Vik Verma

A SAFA organizer leading intensive phone banking efforts in support of Judge Chris Taylor's campaign in Wisconsin.

Shyamali Hauth

A longtime SAFA advocate spearheading a campaign urging Virginia voters to support the state's Redistricting Amendment.

Janhitha Veeramachaneni

A SAFA youth leader who helped organize an 'ICE OUT' rally in Jersey City, protesting the treatment of immigrant communities and calling for an end to local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“Citing what it calls a 'constant assault' on immigrant communities and fundamental freedoms, SAFA is shifting its focus to state-level battles, particularly court races and redistricting efforts, which it sees as critical safeguards in the coming election cycle.”

— SAFA

“The resilience of community leaders offers a sense of hope amid growing anxiety. We are encouraging supporters nationwide to sign up for volunteer shifts, emphasizing that collective action will be key to protecting democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms.”

— Neha Dewan and Harini Krishnan, SAFA Co-National Directors

What’s next

SAFA is urging the community to get involved by signing up for volunteer shifts on its website, https://www.saforamerica.org/.

The takeaway

SAFA's nationwide mobilization efforts reflect the growing concerns among South Asian Americans about threats to civil rights, voting rights, and democratic institutions. By focusing on state-level battles, the organization aims to build a last line of defense against these threats in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.