Two years ago, the Heritage Foundation published a detailed document titled the “2025 Plan,” which spans over 900 pages and proposes reforms across multiple facets of American society. Recently, on October 4, the Ethnic Media Service hosted an online conference that brought together experts to delve into the implications of the “2025 Plan,” particularly concerning its potential impact on minority groups, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
The “2025 Plan” is regarded as an extreme approach to social reform. Key provisions that could significantly affect the AAPI community include measures to restrict immigration pathways and target AAPI and other immigrant groups for large-scale arrests, detention, and deportation without the necessity of warrants. Furthermore, the plan proposes scaling back the H-1B visa program, halting visa issuance to Chinese students and researchers, expanding tariffs on “Made in China” products, criminalizing abortion, and cutting benefits for low-income families.
While it was initially seen as a roadmap for a potential second Trump administration, Trump has since distanced himself from the document. Manjusha P. Kulkarni notes that despite Trump’s disavowal, he has previously supported several key aspects of the plan. She highlights the alignment between the rhetoric found in Trump’s policies and that of the “2025 Plan.” Regardless of its implementation, the plan’s fostering of anti-Asian sentiment could have enduring negative effects on society.
AAPI Equity Alliance Executive Director Manjusha P. Kulkarni emphasized the alarming rise in anti-Asian hate crimes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that the plan exacerbates this hatred. She pointed out specific provisions within the plan that are detrimental to the AAPI community, stating, “They are trying to demean Asians whenever they can.” The terminology used, such as “illegal aliens” and “criminal,” to describe Asians is particularly troubling, as it contributes to the rise in anti-Asian violence.
Sulma Arias, Executive Director of the People’s Action Institute and People’s Action, remarked that the plan appears to be the result of extensive planning, backed by powerful interest groups. She urged the public and grassroots organizations to familiarize themselves with the plan’s contents and prepare for its far-reaching implications.
Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, raised significant concerns regarding how the plan threatens the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and minorities, particularly in relation to essential healthcare rights and military service.
Yvonne Gutierrez, Strategy Director for Reproductive Freedom for All, stressed the importance of voters understanding the ramifications of the “2025 Plan” to be adequately prepared. She shared a striking example of a woman with cancer who discovers she is pregnant just before starting chemotherapy in a state with a six-week abortion ban; her only recourse is to seek medical assistance in another state.
As these discussions continue, advocates are sounding the alarm about the dangers posed by the “2025 Plan,” emphasizing the critical need for public awareness and action.
