CASL in the Media: Lisa Wright Featured in Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ

When local news outlets shine light on urgent community issues, it creates awareness and momentum for change. That’s why it’s so critical for organizations like us to speak up. We’re proud that our own Lisa Wright, director of government affairs and advocacy at CASL, was recently featured in a joint investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ examining the growing impact of immigration enforcement on Asian communities across Illinois.

The article highlights a troubling trend: Asian families across the region are being impacted by immigration arrests, often quietly and without widespread media attention. In many cases, stigma, fear and a false sense of security have kept families from speaking publicly – limiting awareness and access to critical resources.

Lisa addressed that reality directly.

“You risk losing somebody you love, you risk access to information, access to resources that could really save your life or somebody’s life,” she said in the article.

She also underscored the importance of unity and coalition-building during this moment.

“Each ethnicity has an organization that represents them, and sometimes they can operate in their silos. It’s so important that we coalesce and build a coalition together.”

As immigration enforcement actions increasingly impact Asian families at routine check-ins, airports, workplaces and outside homes, Lisa’s leadership reflects our broader commitment to advocacy, education and collective action. We believe that when trusted community organizations partner with local media, it can strengthen public understanding and ensure families are not facing these challenges alone.

We’re grateful to the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ for elevating these stories, and proud to see Lisa representing our community with clarity, urgency and courage.

Read the full article here.