March 26, 2021
New York, NY
On March 16, 2021, UNITED SIKHS attended a Town Hall hosted by Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). The event yielded nearly 11,000 participants from the 6th congressional district and the greater New York area. Topics of discussion ranged from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles faced by New York residents, public confidence in safety measures, and the recent, unfortunate surge in hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans. Along with Rep. Meng, a panel of medical and economic experts took questions from concerned residents.
COVID-19: Vaccines, Public Confidence, Economic Future and Variant Viruses
The majority of questions focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and congressional efforts to help communities adapt to “the new normal.”  As discussed by Rep. Meng, Congress is currently focused on working closely with the Biden administration in order to disburse vaccines to all in the foreseeable future.  Rep. Meng expressed her sympathy for those facing difficulties in registering for and receiving the vaccine, noting that, “Not enough vaccines were being administered to enough people.” Medical experts on the panel reassured those tuned in, emphasizing that those who can get a vaccine, will get a vaccine. Presently, there is no specific criteria regarding demographics such as race or gender, nor is there a confirmed length of time that the vaccine provides immunity. The vaccine does protect against the B.1.1.7 variant of the COVID-19 virus, which was rumored to originate in the United Kingdom.
Those in the greater New York area can check the regularly updated site for vaccine distribution here. The V-safe app is also available as a monitor provided by the CDC in order to record how patients are doing after being vaccinated.
On the economic front, Congress is currently working on providing support to small businesses that were affected by COVID-19 protocols. In New York, Governor Cuomo increased restaurant capacities to 25%, with New York City establishments being open at 50% capacity as of March 19, 2021. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill approved by Congress and President Biden includes $28 billion for smaller restaurants and bars. This portion of the relief bill does not require restaurant owners to pay back any amount borrowed and can be spent on any type of safety equipment and supplies that will help them battle the pandemic and keep their workers safe.  Unemployment benefits at this time will decrease but will be extended for 79 weeks. State legislators are also proposing legislation that will potentially lower rent, mortgages and property taxes. 
Asian-Americans: Gate Crime Surge and the Response
Rep. Meng also commented on how hate crimes have increased against the Asian-American community who are being blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. As a daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, she expressed how personally affected she has been by the surge in hate crimes and how in 2020 she introduced a resolution in Congress that condemned rising violence against Asian-Americans. This bill was also included in an executive memo signed by President Biden. Currently, a resolution is circulating in Congress which will dedicate resources and personnel from the Department of Justice to address hate crimes, raise community awareness and educate the public about the issue.  
The New York Police Department is also prepared to address Anti-Asian Hate Crime through its  task force and the judges of the courts of New York are emphasizing counseling and education to abate hate crimes, rather than incarceration, where appropriate. 
UNITED SIKHS appreciates all efforts by the current administration to address the ongoing pandemic and the surge in racial discrimination against Asian-Americans. 
We at UNITED SIKHS will continue to advocate for all marginalized communities with your help, donations and volunteerism.
UNITED SIKHS
By: Celina Mahabir, ICHRA Fellow