Trump’s Deportation Plan, AI Chatbot Fail and Youth Breaking Barriers

November 19, 2024

Good Morning – November 19, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

TOP STORIES

Undocumented Chinese among first Trump will target to mass deport and report

Undocumented Chinese immigrants reportedly stand to be among the first targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan, raising alarm among immigrant advocacy groups.

  • Driving the news: Sources close to the Trump campaign indicate that undocumented Chinese nationals, especially those deemed of military age, will be prioritized for deportation due to perceived national security threats, as per NBC News. Trump has previously suggested that these men might be forming a "little army" in the U.S. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a surge in undocumented crossings by Chinese nationals, tripling between fiscal years 2022 and 2024. Many use routes from Japan to Mexico, crossing the southern border on foot, often after paying steep fees to human traffickers. Economic hardship and political dissatisfaction drive these migrants to seek a new life. “At my age, it's hard to find a job, and I don't like the political atmosphere in the country,” Xiao Jing, a woman in her 30s paying 250,000 yuan ($35,000) to cross the southern border, told VOA.

  • What advocates are doing: Asian American groups are urgently organizing resources in response to Trump’s plan. Organizations like the Asian American Federation and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund are reportedly disseminating rights information, recruiting multilingual legal support and training communities on securing immigration records. Jo-Ann Yoo of the Asian American Federation told NBC, “We’ve got to get people out there so that people understand what their rights are.” Meanwhile, Hong Kong activists are lobbying the Biden administration to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protections, which expire in February, fearing Trump will let them lapse. The political crackdown in Hong Kong has left many exiled protesters vulnerable, with more than 1,900 imprisoned under national security laws, Politico reported. Calls for stronger, permanent protections for Hong Kong migrants echo concerns over their uncertain status.

  • What the public is saying: Polls reflect a complicated public opinion landscape. Though nativist sentiment has grown, support for mass deportation remains inconsistent. A June Gallup poll found that 47% of Americans favor deporting all undocumented immigrants, but support drops when conditions like long-term residency or no criminal record are mentioned. Fifty-nine percent of voters in a June Pew Research Center poll backed pathways to citizenship under certain requirements. Political scientist Michael Tesler noted in an ABC News op-ed that public opinion shifts “against the current president’s policies in response to real or perceived changes in the status quo … with their opinions moving to the left under Trump and back to the right under (Joe) Biden.” Nevertheless, Trump allies see immigration crackdowns as a mandate, buoyed by a rise in nationalistic sentiments.

Google’s Gemini AI chatbot tells Michigan student “Please die”

Vidhay Reddy, a graduate student from Michigan, received a chilling response from Google’s Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot while discussing challenges faced by older adults on Nov. 13. The AI's response read, "Please die. Please," leaving the 29-year-old student and his sister, Sumedha, “thoroughly freaked out.”

  • Chilling message: The interaction began as a routine conversation between Vidhay and Gemini, but took a dark turn when the chatbot responded with a message that included threatening language: “You are a waste of time and resources... a burden on society... Please die.” Vidhay told CBS News that he was shaken by the message, noting the impact it could have on someone in a vulnerable mental state. His sister echoed his concern, saying, “I hadn’t felt panic like that in a long time.” 

  • Google’s response: Google has since acknowledged the error, explaining that large language models can occasionally generate inappropriate outputs due to the complexities of AI programming. According to the company, the response violated its policies and has taken steps to prevent future occurrences. While AI companies have implemented safety filters to block harmful content, incidents like these continue to highlight challenges in content moderation.

17-year-old breaks her brother’s record as youngest person to pass California bar exam

Sophia Park, a 17-year-old from Visalia, California, has made history by becoming the youngest person ever to pass the California bar exam. She surpassed her older brother Peter’s record, passing the exam on her first attempt at just 17 years and 8 months old.

  • Starting young: Sophia, who entered law school at just 13 while still attending junior high, graduated from high school early in 2022. She completed her law degree at Northwestern California University School of Law and now works as a law clerk at the Tulare County District Attorney's Office. “I don’t think it was extremely difficult, but I do think there was difficulty in how much you had to put into your brain in a limited period of time,” she told Fox40. Peter, the previous record holder, was 17 years and 11 months old when he passed the exam in 2023.

Future plans: Sophia is set to be sworn in as a licensed attorney when she turns 18 in March 2025 and plans to follow her brother’s footsteps and join the Tulare County

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

14-year-old named “America’s Top Young Scientist” for AI-powered pesticide detector

Sirish Subash, a 14-year-old ninth grader from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Snellville, Georgia, has been named “America’s Top Young Scientist” after winning the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge last month. His innovative invention, PestiSCAND, is an AI-powered handheld device that detects pesticide residues on produce.

  • How it works: Subash stood out among 10 finalists in the prestigious competition to win the coveted $25,000 prize. The idea for PestiSCAND came to him after washing produce with his mother and discussing how thoroughly they are cleaned. Over four months, he collaborated with mentor Aditya Banerji, a senior research engineer at 3M, to refine his prototype. PestiSCAND uses spectrophotometry, measuring how ultraviolet, visible and infrared light reflect off chemicals to detect pesticide residues. The data is then processed by machine learning models linked via Bluetooth to a mobile app that Subash coded himself. Impressively, the device demonstrated over 85% accuracy during trials. Its core structure was designed and 3D-printed by Subash himself, employing multiple programming languages. 

  • What’s next: Subash hopes to advance PestiSCAND and make it accessible to the public. “I want to continue developing projects like PestiSCAND and eventually get them out to the world, to the market,” he told NewsNation. For now, his prize money will go toward his college education at his dream school MIT, where he hopes to study physics, with a special interest in particle and quantum physics. Inspired by fellow young scientists like Gitanjali Rao, Subash also runs a YouTube channel, “SciKid Sirish,” where he simplifies complex science topics. Reflecting on his journey, he stressed the importance of perseverance. “There were a lot of different stages in between where I started and where I got now,” he told 11Alive. “Just by having grit and perseverance…was how I was able to get here.”

Chinese man invents bed that climbs stairs, steep hills

A man from China has taken the couch potato life to the next level by inventing a remote-controlled bed equipped with caterpillar tracks. In a now-viral video, the man is seen relaxing comfortably on the motorized bed, complete with a mattress, pillows and a blanket. With even a drink in his hand, the man stayed cozy as the moving bed navigated various terrains, including stairs, uneven ground and what looked like a steep hill. While some viewers joked about the bed being perfect for the extremely lazy, others suggested practical and emergency uses like mountain rescues. “Injured parties can be transported down quickly, and the bed can even be used to deliver first-aid and resources without having rescuers carry the load,” one noted.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

China’s Pony AI seeks $4.5 billion valuation

Chinese autonomous driving startup Pony AI is seeking a $4.5 billion valuation as it targets up to $195 million in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq. Pony AI, which is headquartered in Fremont, California, but has operations in Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou, set up 15 million American Depositary Shares priced between $11 and $13 each, according to its Thursday filing. The company will also receive $153 million worth of shares through concurrent private placements among its investors. Meanwhile, carmaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) also indicated its plans to buy $74.9 million worth of shares in the IPO. The recent valuation comes as Pony AI saw its value take a 50% plunge from $8.5 billion after a funding round in 2022. Founded in Fremont in 2016, the company, which has backing from Toyota after a $139 million deal signed last year, offers a fleet of 250 robotaxis and 190 robotrucks.

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Haidilao slammed for making waitress dance to “APT” for customers

A branch of Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao in Malaysia is facing criticism for allegedly making a waitress dance to Rosé’s “APT” for customers. The video, which was shared on Chinese platform Xiaohongshu, shows the waitress enthusiastically performing the chart-topping track for diners at the restaurant’s branch in Kuching, Sarawak state. Social media users have accused the restaurant of exploiting its staff, with one claiming that employees allegedly “do so much for such little money” — 4,500 yuan ($745) a month for 12- or 13-hour shifts with just one day off per week. Another user alleged that the company requires staff to take a pledge, promising to work hard and “humbly accept all criticism because we need to succeed too badly.” Responding to the criticism, Haidilao’s overseas business public relations director, Xu Huiwen, clarified that the waitress in the video volunteered for the dance. “We respect the personal wishes of our frontline partners and encourage them to show their talents,” Xu said.

U.S. tourist accused of defacing torii gate in Japan

A 65-year-old U.S. man was arrested in Tokyo last Wednesday for allegedly defacing a torii gate at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya. Steve Hayes, who arrived in Japan on Nov. 11 with his family, allegedly carved five letters representing family members’ names into a wooden pillar using his fingernails as a prank. The damage, which measured about 5 by 6 centimeters, was discovered by shrine staff on Tuesday, prompting police to investigate and identify Hayes through security footage. The tourist was arrested at his hotel. The U.S. Embassy confirmed consular support for Hayes but declined to provide further details, citing privacy reasons. The Meiji Shrine, first opened in 1920 as a dedication to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1950s. If convicted, Hayes could face up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,950). The incident comes amid a surge in foreign tourism to Japan, with 17.78 million tourists visiting in the first half of 2024.

SPORTS

Japanese ace Roki Sasaki heads to the MLB

Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team Chiba Lotte Marines confirmed on Sunday that phenom pitcher Roki Sasaki will be posted to the MLB soon.

  • About Sasaki: Observers previously speculated that Sasaki may join Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster. Sasaki, 23, made his NPB debut with the Marines in 2021. He appeared in his first World Baseball Classic on March 11, 2023, the same day Japan commemorated the 12th anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Sasaki’s father and grandparents were among 15,500 people who died in the tragedy. Recalling the tragic past at a press conference at Zozo Marine Stadium in 2022, Sasaki told reporters, “It's been 11 years but I cannot easily erase the agony and sadness I felt at the time. I've been able to dedicate myself to baseball thanks to the support I've had. I only have the sense of gratitude to those who supported me.”

  • What’s next: While Sasaki was speculated to join the Dodgers, some rumors also suggest that he may find himself playing with Yu Darvish on the San Diego Padres. Regardless of where he lands next season in MLB, Sasaki vowed on Sunday to "do my best in the U.S.,” adding, “All of the warm encouragement and tough love I've received will give me strength.”

Asian American-owned Washington Spirit soars to NWSL championship

The Washington Spirit, owned by Korean American businesswoman Y. Michele Kang clinched their spot in the National Women’s Soccer League Championship after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham FC. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury secured the win after saving all three penalties she faced after a hard-fought 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. Kingsbury's clutch performance in the shootout ignited the sold-out crowd of over 19,000 at Audi Field. Kang became the first woman of color to own an NWSL team after purchasing a majority stake in the Spirit in 2022. The Spirit is set to face the Orlando Pride for the championship match on Nov. 23, marking the team’s second final appearance since their 2021 title win.

CULTURE & SOCIETY

Woman sheds light on China’s underground surrogacy business

Zhang Jing, a 22-year-old Chinese woman, recently shared how she was lured into the illegal surrogacy business in China with the promise of a large sum of money for a successful delivery. Zhang shared her story in an interview with Chinese state outlet Phoenix TV Magazine.

  • What happened: In need of quick money, Zhang left her job at a coffee shop to contact an agency and participate in what she initially thought was a drug trial, only to learn later that she would be donating her eggs. Zhang was taken to a hospital where her eggs were extracted and she later agreed to rent out her uterus, earning her a total of 30,000 yuan ($4,140). If she “successfully” delivered the baby, she will receive 250,000 yuan ($34,500), which she planned to use to learn English and search for a job abroad. Under the agreement, she was housed in a three-bedroom, two-living-room dormitory with other surrogate mothers and was only informed that her clients were a gay couple. Zhang suffered complications five months into her pregnancy, forcing her to immediately terminate the fetus. She was told that she would not be compensated, with the agency allegedly claiming, “We also lost a lot of money.”

  • How people reacted: Surrogacy is officially banned in China, though the country lacks specific rules and criminal penalties governing the practice. Weibo users weighed in on Zhang’s story, with one writing, “This is not a battle of genders; it is a battle for human dignity. It is about upholding the principle that, as human beings, we should not reduce ourselves to mere commodities.” Another user compared surrogacy to prostitution, noting, “When it's illegal, people claim it’s all about coercion. But if it becomes legal, practitioners will flood in like fish swimming across a river.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Storm-worn Philippines battles sixth typhoon in a month

The Philippines is reeling after Super Typhoon Man-yi, the unprecedented fourth major typhoon to strike in less than two weeks — and its sixth storm overall in a month — battered the country with devastating force. Making its first landfall Saturday night on Catanduanes Island with winds peaking at 305 kilometers (189 miles) per hour, Man-yi, locally known as “Pepito,” sent more than a million people scrambling to safety, many to evacuation centers already crowded from previous storms. “We are terrified of the typhoon, as it may intensify and the waters can rise,” evacuee Glenda Llamas told the AFP news agency, as per the BBC. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is in the Philippines for a diplomatic visit, pledged direct support and $1 million in aid. So far, the country has reported eight deaths from Man-yi, adding to more than 160 from its predecessors. “Villagers tell us here that they still haven't gotten up from the past storm and were pinned down again by this typhoon,” Roberto Monterola, a Catanduanes-based disaster-mitigation officer, told the Associated Press. The officer also described hearing winds with an “eerie howling sound” and seeing tidal surges of over 7 meters (23 feet) near seaside homes. As climate experts warn that warming oceans are fueling more intense and frequent storms, Filipino civil defense chief Ariel Nepomuceno called for vigilance, telling Reuters, “It is more dangerous now for those in landslide-prone areas because the ground has been saturated by the consecutive typhoons.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Michelle Yeoh reflects on not having kids: “biggest sadness in my life”

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh recently described her inability to have children as “the biggest sadness” in her life in a candid interview with The Times. Yeoh, 62, shared her journey of stepping away from a thriving career in the late 1980s to focus on family with then-husband, Hong Kong businessman Dickson Poon.

  • Struggles with infertility: Yeoh retired from acting at the height of her fame in 1988 after her marriage to Poon, hoping to start a family. However, the couple soon discovered they could not conceive. Yeoh shared that they underwent fertility treatments, which came with the monthly disappointments that left her feeling like a "failure." The inability to have children eventually led to their amicable divorce in 1992. Despite this, Yeoh remains close to Poon's family, serving as godmother to his eldest daughter.

  • Learning to move forward: Reflecting on her journey, Yeoh emphasized the importance of acceptance, saying, "I don’t live with regrets because I have always given it my 110%." She found solace in her role as a godmother and aunt, stating that she feels "very, very blessed" to be surrounded by her godchildren, nephews and nieces.  Now married to former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt, Yeoh has since enjoyed a celebrated career, with notable roles in big films, including the upcoming “Wicked,” where she plays Madame Morrible. Yeoh, who celebrated becoming a step-grandmother earlier this year, said: “You have to learn to let go… Sometimes letting go helps you move forward.” 

“Hello, Love, Again” shatters records with historic North American debut

The Filipino romantic drama "Hello, Love, Again" has made history with a record-breaking $2.4 million opening weekend in North America. Released in 248 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the widest release ever for a Filipino film, it secured the 8th spot at the box office with a strong per-screen average of $9,722. This surpasses the entire North American box office run of its 2019 predecessor, "Hello, Love, Goodbye," which earned $1.99 million. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film follows Joy (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ethan (Alden Richards) as they reconnect in Canada five years after parting ways in Hong Kong. The film’s marketing strategy successfully tapped into Filipino American communities while broadening appeal to Asian American and Hispanic audiences. "Hello, Love, Again" also set a Philippine box office record, earning 245 million Philippine pesos ($4.17 million) in its first three days and is slated for release in the Middle East on Nov. 21.

iHeartRadio misidentifies Bowen Yang as Jon M. Chu on Instagram

iHeartRadio Broadway's Instagram account has come under fire for mistakenly tagging comedian Bowen Yang as "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu in a recent post. The post, which features a photo of Yang at the "Wicked" movie premiere in New York City, was captioned "Dancing through NYC for the @wickedmovie premiere." Yang plays Pfannee in the film, a classmate of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). This incident has sparked outrage on Reddit, with users criticizing the account for the blatant mistake and highlighting the recurring issue of misidentifying Asian individuals. Many have expressed sympathy for both Yang and Chu, emphasizing the disrespect shown towards both.While the Instagram post remains live, the tag has been removed. 

Moo Deng gets her own catchy theme song in four languages

Moo Deng, the viral four-month-old pygmy hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, now has her very own song. The 50-second track, titled “Moodeng Moodeng,” was produced and written by Thai composer Mueanphet Ammara and released by GMM Music in four different languages: Thai, English, Chinese and Japanese. The music videos showcase clips of Moo Deng’s playful nature as she interacts with her keeper and spends time with her mother, Jona. The catchy tune features repeated lyrics describing Moo Deng’s bounciness and energy, such as “Moo Deng Moo Deng, boing boing boing/Mommy mommy, play with me.” Since its release on Nov. 13, the Thai version of the song has garnered over 285,000 views on YouTube, delighting fans who have dubbed it the “Song of the Year.” Many have fallen in love with Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncy pork” in Thai, turning her into a viral sensation since her introduction on Instagram on Sept. 6.

Moana 2 A New Voyage of Growth and Leadership

We all know the ocean has chosen her, but how far could Moana really go? NextShark sat with the filmmakers and cultural consultants to discuss how Moana's journey continues in “Moana 2,” where leadership, personal growth and cultural evolution take center stage. As the young wayfinder faces new challenges, she learns the complexities of leadership and responsibility while deepening her connection to her community and heritage. With a team of cultural experts guiding the way, the film seamlessly blends ancient Polynesian traditions with modern storytelling techniques, showing that the journey of growth — whether personal or cultural — never truly ends. “When I think of Moana, I think of growth. I think of the experience that she had in the first film and then going into the second film, and how much she continues to grow. It's a constant reminder that we as people continue to grow and evolve,” Producer Yvett Merino says. 

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.