First Vietnamese American NBA champion!
Jaylin Williams became the first Vietnamese American NBA champion on Sunday evening when the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a 4–3 Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #86
Foreign students now have to make their social media accounts public to get a U.S. visa. At WWII incarceration sites, new signs are asking visitors to report anything “unpatriotic.” In Little Saigon, Vietnamese Americans are speaking out against ICE raids. And a Filipino American lawmaker was told to “go home” after a speech — just for calling the Philippines her “home country.” We also look at rising anti-Asian bias linked to COVID coverage, Jaylin Williams making NBA history, and the films making waves at this year’s Austin Asian American Film Festival.
Trump admin orders social media checks for foreign students seeking visas
The State Department is requiring all foreign nationals seeking student and exchange visas to make their social media accounts public for government review as it resumes processing applications.
“Entire online presence”
All applicants for F, M and J nonimmigrant visas for student exchanges and research programs will be subject to review. Consular officers must examine applicants’ “entire online presence” for any indications of “hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles” of the United States, according to a diplomatic cable first reported by The Free Press.
Officials are instructed to search online databases and “take screenshots to preserve the record against possible later alteration or loss of the information.” They must also flag “support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence,” with the endorsement of Hamas cited as an example. Applicants who refuse to make their accounts public may be denied visas.
Behind the requirements
The measures come amid the Trump administration’s broader efforts to limit international student access to U.S. universities. The FBI, according to the cable, has long warned that “foreign powers seek access to American higher education institutions to, among other things, steal technical information, exploit U.S. research and development and spread false information.”
In late March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked at least 300 visas and was canceling more each day. The administration also moved to block foreign students from attending Harvard University, though a federal judge has indefinitely extended prohibiting the ban. Student visa processing was eventually halted in late May.
Broader implications
Free speech advocates have criticized the policy as ideological screening. “This policy makes a censor of every consular officer, and it will inevitably chill legitimate political speech both inside and outside the United States,” Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told the Associated Press.
Under the guidelines, priority will be given to students applying to universities where international students comprise less than 15% of the student body. Foreign students reportedly make up more than 15% of the total student body at almost 200 U.S. universities, including all eight Ivy League schools and 26 public universities. International students pursued more than 1.3 million degrees in U.S. higher education in 2023 and often pay full tuition, providing substantial revenue for many institutions.
South Korean students, the third-largest group of international students in the U.S., had already been advised by Seoul-based agencies in May to carefully manage their online presence, with one counselor telling male students to avoid posting “anything extreme or disgusting on social media, like pictures of grenades or weapons.”
U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide have five business days to put the new vetting procedures into effect.
Visitors to WWII Japanese American incarceration sites urged to report “negative” U.S. history narratives
The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) has criticized signs installed at former World War II incarceration camps that ask visitors to report historical content they consider negative toward the U.S.
Catch up
The reporting system stems from President Donald Trump’s March 27 executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” followed by a Department of Interior memorandum on May 20 and National Park Service guidance on June 9. The signs use QR codes and targets materials that officials say “disparage Americans”
Around 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated in various locations during World War II, which now feature the new signage. At Manzanar National Historical Site, which locked up some 10,000 people, one notice specifically asked passersby to report “any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur and abundance of landscapes and other natural features.”
“Deeply disturbed”
JANM President and CEO Ann Burroughs released a statement on June 18 criticizing the reporting system. “JANM is deeply disturbed by this new directive, especially at historical sites like Manzanar and Minidoka where Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II,” Burroughs said. She called the broader policy an effort to “suppress historical narratives that challenge their preferred version of events” and “erase the contributions of people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized communities.”
The museum, which supports diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies amid government pressure, has already lost about $1.7 million in federal funding, including a $175,000 education grant that supported teacher workshops reaching more than 21,000 students. It was also damaged by graffiti in the recent immigration protests, though some demonstrators stepped up to clean the mess.
Why this matters
Burroughs defended the museum’s historical approach, saying history “does not yield to censorship or political ideologies” and that learning requires honest examination of the past. Dennis Arguelles, Southern California director of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), expressed similar concerns, telling KPIX, “it seems like a clear attempt to whitewash history.” He believes National Parks has “no choice” but to comply with the directives.
JANM pledges to continue its current historical programming despite the policy changes.
Orange County Viet Americans challenge Rep. Derek Tran over his response to ICE raids
Vietnamese American activists in Orange County’s Little Saigon are demanding Rep. Derek Tran take bolder action against federal immigration raids targeting Asian and Latino communities.
Catch up: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been conducting sweeps across Los Angeles and Orange County for over two weeks now, with local watchdog groups tracking at least 50 to 60 arrests during a three-day span. Tran, who represents these communities, responded to the operations in a press conference last Tuesday. “What ICE is doing right now is not making us safer. Living in fear does not make us safer,” he declared, calling for agents to focus on violent criminals rather than community members. However, activists note that earlier this month, Tran, following an antisemitic terrorist attack in Colorado, voted for a House resolution expressing gratitude to law enforcement agencies, including ICE.
What they’re saying: VietRISE, which organizes in Little Saigon — the world’s largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam — has directly challenged Tran’s record. “Derek Tran, you are the definition of a disappointing elected official. You campaigned on a beautiful, powerful story of refugee resilience, but you’ve used that power that you built off of our communities to harm immigrant communities today,” said executive director Tracy La, as per KABC.
After a June 10 incident in Westminster in which a man was tackled by what appeared to be a Border Patrol agent, VietRISE immigration advocacy manager Indigo Vu told NBC4, Vietnamese people are deeply impacted by threats of deportation and detention. And we stand in solidarity with our Latino neighbors who are enduring the same kind of unjust enforcement.” Santa Ana Councilmember Thai Viet Phan also emphasized cross-community unity, saying, “Whether you’re Vietnamese, Latino, wherever you’re from, this impacts all of us.”
Why this matters: An estimated 15% of California’s Asian population lacks legal documentation. Language barriers compound the challenges they’re facing. Unsurprisingly, fear has altered daily life in ethnic neighborhoods, with residents reportedly avoiding even their own local stores.
VietRISE has begun holding community patrols throughout Little Saigon, hoping to alert workers before ICE agents arrive.
Filipino American New Hampshire state rep told to “go home”
New Hampshire State Rep. Luz Bay says a Republican lawmaker told her to “go home” after she spoke in honor of Philippine Independence Day at the State House.
“Home country”
In a speech delivered on June 12, Bay said the incident followed remarks she gave “exactly a week ago,” on June 5, during which she reflected on her heritage and referred to the Philippines as her “home country.” Afterward, an unnamed Republican colleague questioned how someone who called another country “home” could serve in the New Hampshire legislature.
She returned to the floor to address the exchange and affirm her right to serve. “Let me say it clearly,” she said. “I am here because I belong here.” A video of her remarks, posted by the New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus on June 14, has since been widely shared on social media and has drawn support from advocacy groups.
Bay’s background
Born in the Philippines, Bay immigrated to the U.S. and earned a Ph.D. in educational measurement and statistics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She lives in Dover and was first elected to the New Hampshire House in 2022. Now serving her second term, she is also a three-time cancer survivor and marathon runner.
“My constituents in Strafford County District 21 elected me under the same laws, with the same legitimacy as anyone in this room,” she said. “My birthplace does not make me less American. My accent does not disqualify me from public service. And my identity as a Filipino American does not make me a guest. I am a citizen. I am a public servant. And I am home.”
A broader message
Bay placed her experience within a larger American narrative, drawing attention to the country’s immigrant roots: “Unless you are Indigenous to this land … you too are descended from immigrants. Some of our families came centuries ago. Others came fleeing war, poverty, persecution, or simply searching for the promise that America holds.”
She added, “To question my right to be here is to misunderstand what makes America what it is — a place where democracy is enriched by diversity, where freedom means the opportunity to serve, and where strength lies in our shared commitment to justice, not in the sameness of our origins.” Bay concluded, “This is my home. This is my country. And I’m not going anywhere.”
Quarter of Americans now view the U.S. as a dictatorship: poll
A new poll shows that 24% of Americans believe the U.S. has become a dictatorship, marking a significant increase since President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House.
Key findings
The June 16-18 YouGov poll shows sharp partisan divisions on perceptions of American democracy. Democrats are five times more likely than Republicans to view the U.S. as a dictatorship, with 35% agreeing compared to just 7% of the latter. Independents fall in between at 30%, while voters who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris show even higher concern at 37%.
Beyond the dictatorship question, only 13% of Americans say democracy functions “very well,” while 56% believe the nation faces a constitutional crisis. More than a quarter (28%) believe the U.S. is no longer a democracy, while 48% say the country lacks adequate checks and balances.
The big picture
The overall 24% figure represents a notable jump from early February, when 18% of Americans reportedly held the same view. The increase has been most pronounced among independents, who doubled their agreement from 18%. This may not be surprising as recent events have drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes, including a parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary that coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Trump faces broader approval challenges, with other recent polls showing majority disapproval of his performance. An earlier Economist/YouGov poll conducted June 13-16 found 54% disapproval and 41% approval, while a Pew Research poll held from June 2-8 recorded 58% disapproval and 41% approval. Trump’s handling of Iran especially draws significant criticism, with only 37% from the YouGov poll expressing approval. Meanwhile, 60% — including 53% of his own 2024 voters — opposed U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.
Lawsuit alleges United Airlines kicked off wrong Asian woman after flight delay
An Asian woman is suing United Airlines, claiming she was wrongfully removed from a flight after being mistaken for another Asian passenger seated several rows away. The lawsuit accuses the airline of racial profiling and negligent conduct that caused lasting emotional harm.
Flight diversion and confrontation
The incident occurred on August 29, 2024, aboard United Flight UA1627 from Las Vegas to Washington, D.C. Severe weather forced the flight to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where passengers remained on the tarmac for an extended delay.
During that time, a male passenger began experiencing a medical emergency, according to PYOK. Christine Kim, one of the plaintiffs and a real estate professional, questioned a flight attendant’s decision to dismiss the man’s symptoms as a panic attack. The lawsuit describes the crew member’s response as “snarky.” Passengers were eventually allowed to deplane and wait in the terminal.
Misidentification and removal
As passengers began reboarding an hour later, Jacquelyn Chiao, Kim’s business partner and a fellow plaintiff, was stopped at the gate and told she could not return to the flight due to an earlier incident. Chiao, who had remained seated during the entire delay and had been quietly reading her Kindle, says in the lawsuit that she had no involvement in the exchange with the crew.
The plaintiffs allege that Chiao was misidentified based solely on her ethnicity, despite being seated seven rows away from Kim at the time of the incident. Three co-workers stood by Chiao, and as a result, all four women were barred from reboarding, escorted out of the airport by police. They were left to make their own travel arrangements home.
Lawsuit details
The complaint, filed in March 2025 in the District of Maryland, accuses United of racial discrimination and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.
United reportedly claimed that one of the women had physically pushed a flight attendant, an allegation the plaintiffs deny. The complaint cites multiple witnesses, including an off-duty United employee who allegedly observed the incident. That witness has not been named, citing fear of retaliation.
United has filed a motion to dismiss and the court has allowed the plaintiffs to amend their complaint.
COVID-19 coverage spurred rise in anti-Asian hate, especially among Trump supporters
A recent study published in American Politics Research finds a clear link between COVID-19 news coverage and declining favorability toward Asians. Researchers discovered that as national media attention on coronavirus intensified — and COVID-19 deaths increased in respondents’ states — public perception of Asians dropped significantly. The study highlights how contextual pandemic coverage, particularly early reporting emphasizing the virus’s origins in China, triggered scapegoating across the U.S.
The effect was notably stronger among individuals who supported then-President Donald Trump. The research shows that partisan cues and pandemic-related rhetoric deepened bias, with Trump supporters exhibiting a steeper drop in pro-Asian sentiment compared to others. Earlier studies further trace this pattern to the use of terms like “China virus” and “Kung flu” by Trump and his allies, which corresponded with surges in anti-Asian online content and real-world hate incidents.
These findings coincide with broader data showing that anti-Asian hate crimes surged — from 158 reported incidents in 2019 to 279 in 2020 and 746 in 2021 based on FBI statistics. While coverage of the COVID-19 crisis remains essential, the study’s results underscore the urgent need for responsible journalism. Experts noted that non-stigmatizing language could play a critical role in preventing public health reporting from fueling racial animus.
VinFast opens 1st California dealership after dropping direct sales model
VinFast has opened its first California dealership in San Diego, expanding its retail presence in the U.S. after ending its direct-to-consumer sales model.
Dealership operations: The location, operated by Sunroad Automotive Group, will offer sales, leasing, test drives and service for its VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs. Sunroad staff received training from VinFast ahead of the launch to ensure vehicles could be serviced on-site.
Change in sales strategy: VinFast entered the U.S. market in 2022 planning to sell vehicles directly to buyers, but early setbacks included shipping delays, limited service access and poor market visibility. In 2023, the company reported a net loss of $2.39 billion despite a 91% increase in revenue. Later that year, VinFast began offering franchise agreements to local auto dealers. California, which leads the country in EV adoption, is a key focus in its revised retail approach.
Expansion and manufacturing plans: VinFast says it now has more than 30 dealerships across 15 states and plans to open additional locations in California and elsewhere. It is also constructing a $4 billion electric vehicle plant in Chatham County, North Carolina, with production expected to begin in 2026.
How Celine Song’s matchmaking job inspired her new film “Materialists”
Long before directing the A24 romantic comedy “Materialists,” Celine Song worked as a professional matchmaker in New York City. That experience, she tells Today.com, directly shaped the story, characters and themes of her second feature film.
Real job turns character study
Song worked for six months at the dating service Tawkify while trying to build a playwriting career. In that role, she learned how clients often described ideal partners in strictly measurable terms.
“It’s height, weight, income, net worth, job title and race,” Song was quoted as saying. “That’s what people will tell you when you ask who they want to date.”
Those insights helped shape the character of Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a luxury matchmaker who connects wealthy clients based on status, appearance and financial benchmarks.
The film’s heart
In “Materialists,” Lucy starts dating a wealthy client (Pedro Pascal) while reuniting with her financially struggling ex (Chris Evans), which forces her to question whether love can survive without material security.
That tension mirrored Song’s own life at the time. “I had just gotten married, so I was figuring it all out myself,” she said in a recent Reddit AMA. “Neither of us was making any money from our art … and it made me wonder if we were as worthless as mates to each other as the conversations with my clients would suggest.”
In a separate Entertainment Weekly interview, she noted the film explores not just dating but the emotional risk of believing in love. “What’s amazing about ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is that the person who is going to pay off your debt and your family’s debt is also going to be the love of your life,” Song said. “What an amazing fantasy but we know in life that’s not necessarily true.”
John Woo’s “Hard Boiled” leads new 4K restorations of Hong Kong cinema classics
John Woo’s “Hard Boiled” (1992) will headline the digital debut of Shout! Studios’ Hong Kong Cinema Classics label on June 24, kicking off a new initiative to restore and reintroduce iconic films from Hong Kong’s golden age. Available in 4K across major U.S. platforms, the series begins with a June premiere and expands in July with a wider slate of high-definition releases.
Digital release schedule: The first wave of titles arrives June 24 with “Hard Boiled” (1992) and Ringo Lam’s “City on Fire” (1987). On July 8, the “A Better Tomorrow” trilogy—“A Better Tomorrow” (1986), “A Better Tomorrow II” (1987), and “A Better Tomorrow III” (1989)—joins the digital lineup. August releases include Tony Ching’s “A Chinese Ghost Story” (1987), “A Chinese Ghost Story II” (1990), and “A Chinese Ghost Story III” (1991) on August 5, and Woo’s “Bullet in the Head” (1990) on August 19.
Restoration and preservation: Each film has been restored in 4K from original camera negatives, with remastered audio and newly translated subtitles, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Film Archives. Many of the films have been unavailable outside Asia for decades.
Collector physical editions: Deluxe 4K UHD + Blu-ray editions begin July 29 with “The Jet Li Collection,” including “Fist of Legend” (1994), “Tai Chi Master” (1993), “Fong Sai Yuk” (1993), “Fong Sai Yuk II” (1993) and “The Bodyguard from Beijing” (1994). “City on Fire” (1987) will be released physically on August 26, followed by “Peking Opera Blues” (1986) on September 23. Each edition includes commentary tracks, archival extras and restored video transfers.
Cultural influence: The label showcases directors such as Woo, Lam and Hark, who revolutionized global action filmmaking with kinetic visuals and emotionally driven storytelling. The films also feature performances by Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li, Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Brigitte Lin — stars whose influence helped define an era.
Austin Asian American Film Festival explores grief and identity with “playful rebellion”
The 17th annual Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF), to be held June 25–29 at AFS Cinema, presents 11 feature films, shorts programs and expanded live events under the theme “playful rebellion.” This year’s lineup explores grief, identity and resilience through stories that mix humor, cultural nuance and emotional honesty.
Opening with heart and humor: The festival opens with the world premiere of “All That We Love” (2024), directed by Austin-based Yen Tan and co-written with Clay Liford. The film follows a group of friends coping with the loss of a beloved dog, starring Margaret Cho, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Atsuko Okatsuka.
Spotlight on legacy and autonomy: A standout documentary, “Chinatown Cha-Cha” (2024), captures the final international tour of 93-year-old Chinese American dancer Coby Yee. Closing night features “Sunshine” (2024), directed by Antoinette Jadaone, about a pregnant gymnast searching for abortion pills in the Philippines, where abortion remains illegal.
Shorts explore identity and connection: This year’s shorts program features stories of personal transformation and emotional nuance. Highlights include a suburban librarian discovering lives through forgotten bookmarks, a Saigon girl’s coming-of-age, and queer strangers connecting on a late-night subway. Each film brings intimate, often poetic insights into the AANHPI experience.
Expanding the experience: In addition to film screenings, AAAFF offers post-screening Q&As, nightly mixers, a red-carpet gala and the debut of its “The Trio Hall” variety show, a live event featuring music, comedy and experimental performance. Ticketing options include individual screenings, bundles and all-access badges, with student discounts available.
Jaylin Williams becomes first Vietnamese American NBA champion
Jaylin Williams became the first Vietnamese American NBA champion on Sunday evening when the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a 4–3 Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7.
Historic season complete: The 22-year-old forward, born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to a Vietnamese mother who emigrated from Saigon after the Vietnam War, helped secure OKC’s first title since the franchise relocated from Seattle. The win capped a milestone season for Williams, who was drafted 34th overall in 2022 and is the first NBA player of Vietnamese descent. Now in his third season, he posted steady contributions off the bench and remains a cultural figure for many Vietnamese and Asian American fans.
Defensive depth and floor spacing: Williams served primarily as a backup center this season, providing defense, energy and floor spacing. He averaged 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 16.7 minutes per game, shooting 39.9% from three-point range on a high-volume .692 three-point rate. While not part of the core playoff rotation, he offered reliable minutes throughout the year and filled a critical support role in the Thunder’s championship run.
Cultural roots and family legacy: Williams has spoken openly about his Vietnamese heritage and its influence on his upbringing. “My grandmama on my mom’s side is a little small Vietnamese lady. You can barely understand her English,” he told Andscape. “My mom, she knows a little bit of Vietnamese. We ate Vietnamese food all the time. We ate a lot of Pho.”
Inspiring the next generation: Williams said he often hears from young fans, particularly Asian Americans, who are proud to see someone who shares their heritage represented in the NBA. He recalled moments when children wearing his jersey would tell him they were also Vietnamese — something he found deeply meaningful.
Looking ahead: Oklahoma City is expected to exercise Williams’s team option next season, viewing him as a valuable contributor on a cost-effective deal. As the Thunder prepare to defend their title, Williams could play a larger role while continuing to represent a breakthrough moment for Vietnamese Americans in professional basketball.