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ADVOCACY: A VOICE FOR SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITY
As part of our commitment to the South Asian community and the broader public interest in the Sunshine State, SABA Florida occasionally participates in legal filings and public commentary on matters of significant impact. Below are the official records of the organization’s recent activities and pleadings.
Current Initiatives & Historical Context
- Defending Birthright Citizenship & The Fourteenth Amendment Citizenship is a constitutional guarantee, not a conditional privilege. SABA Florida proudly joined the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO), Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, SABA North America, and over 30 allied organizations nationwide in filing a historic amicus curiae brief in the United States Supreme Court.
This brief challenges Executive Order 14,160, which threatens to undermine birthright citizenship and resurrect a dangerous system of contingent citizenship. Drawing on the long and often overlooked history of South Asian migration—from United States v. Thind to the present day—our advocacy emphasizes the devastating real-world stakes of this Executive Order: family destabilization, economic harm, and the risk of statelessness for U.S.-born children. SABA Florida remains fiercely committed to ensuring the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of belonging remains unequivocal: if you are born here, you belong here.
Resource: SAAJCO Amicus Brief
2. Safeguarding Property Rights & Constitutional Protections SABA Florida, in alignment with SABA North America, has been deeply involved in monitoring and challenging legislation that impacts the rights of individuals based on national origin. A primary focus has been the legal challenge to SB 264, a Florida statute that restricts property ownership for certain non-citizens.
We continue to support the efforts in Shen v. Simpson, where a coalition of civil rights organizations is challenging the constitutionality of these restrictions. SABA Florida recognizes that such legislation not only impacts the real estate market but also reinforces harmful stereotypes that affect the South Asian diaspora.
Resource: ACLU Case Summary & Amicus Briefs (N.D. FL & 11th Cir. Appeal)
Legal Insight: View the Amicus Brief Supported by SABA National
3. Responding to Anti-Indian Rhetoric & Hate Speech In late 2025, our community faced a surge in xenophobic rhetoric, notably following disparaging remarks made by a Palm Bay City Councilman. SABA Florida took a decisive stand, partnering with SABA North America to issue a formal joint statement to Governor Ron DeSantis calling for accountability and a rejection of anti-Indian sentiment.
Our Action: Read the SABA Florida & SABA North America Joint Statement, both here AND here.
Media Coverage: Trends regarding this rhetoric were highlighted by The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, and Florida Today.
4. Unity in Our Voices: Leadership in Action Advocacy is not only about reaction—it is about empowerment. Our “United Voices” program was launched to provide our members with the tools to speak up with power and purpose. Through digital broadcasts and community forums, we highlight leadership in action and the importance of civic engagement.
5. The South Asian Bar Association of Florida (SABA Florida) and the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America) have issued a joint statement in opposition to Florida Senate Bill 1134. This legislation, as currently drafted, would prohibit county and local governments from supporting or participating in cultural activities that highlight the diverse communities, causes, and milestones that make our state vibrant.
Notably, opposition to the measure has been bipartisan, with several Republicans in the Florida Legislature joining their colleagues to vote against the bill, citing concerns over its impact on local community engagement.
View the Full Joint Statement
United Voices became a partnership with SABA NA and it was broadcast nationwide.
6. SABA FL wishes Governor DeSantis and his family a very happy Holi and invites him and his family to the celebrate Holi at SABA FL’s 4th Annual Holi & Spring Festival at Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek on March 14, 2026
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