The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is deeply concerned by the detention of Tae Heung “Will” Kim, a Korean-born researcher and longtime U.S. legal permanent resident, who has been held by immigration officials at San Francisco International Airport since July 21 without access to legal counsel or meaningful communication with his family. Kim, a PhD student at Texas A&M University working on a potential vaccine for Lyme disease, returned to the U.S. after a two-week visit to South Korea for his brother’s wedding. The lack of transparency around his prolonged detention and the denial of due process raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns.
“This situation is profoundly troubling,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “Mr. Kim has lived in the United States for nearly his entire life and is contributing to critical research that could save lives. Detaining a legal permanent resident without access to an attorney or explanation is not only a threat to civil liberties—it sends a chilling message to immigrant scholars that their rights and humanity can be disregarded. That even Green Card holders are no longer safe is chilling and should raise alarm in everyone. We urge immediate transparency and resolution to ensure the rule of law and due process are upheld.”
AASF calls on immigration authorities to immediately provide due process, ensure Mr. Kim’s access to legal representation, and clarify the basis of his detention. The research community and all communities must be safeguarded against arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement that jeopardizes both human dignity and national progress.
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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a nonprofit organization promoting belonging, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.
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