Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer is asking for over $600,000 in taxpayer funding for a nonprofit organization in New York City. This request stems from findings by a council investigation which suggested that the organization was advising individuals on how to evade immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) arrests.
In a formal request to the Senate Budget Subcommittee, Schumer specifically sought $600,000 for the Chinese American Planning Council (CPC). The group has faced scrutiny following reports that linked it to organizations accused of facilitating significant financial support from the Chinese government, allegedly promoting interests aligned with the Chinese Communist Party.
Schumer’s request, submitted in May and made public in early June, aligns with annual federal funding priorities set forth by Senate leadership. This issue caught attention earlier when it was noted by a Washington-based outlet.
There has been no comment from Schumer’s office regarding inquiries from the media.
Earlier in April, a project formerly tied to the Heritage Foundation released video evidence suggesting that CPC staff were instructing attendees on techniques to evade ICE during a seminar. Carlin Cowen, the organization’s Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, was recorded sharing strategies on how to manage potential encounters with federal immigration officials, including suggestions to “enhance physical space” and to have a list of designated responders in case ICE visits.
This undercover footage prompted the House Homeland Security Committee to investigate CPC, requesting documents related to the organization’s past seminars and how taxpayer funds—approximately $1 million—have been allocated over the years.
It’s been revealed that around 55% of CPC’s revenue is derived from federal and state grants. Since 2022, the organization has received over $1.4 million in federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, with additional funds potentially coming from New York State.
Moreover, a survey indicated that CPC was receiving funds from entities connected to the Chinese government.
Founded in 1965, CPC aims to support Chinese Americans, immigrants, and low-income communities. However, recent financial records highlight the involvement of state-owned enterprises like the China Industrial and Commercial Bank and the Bank of China in providing financial assistance to CPC.
CPC shares ties with another nonprofit, the Committee of 100 (C100), which seeks to foster positive dialogue between the U.S. and China. C100 has issued statements aimed at countering claims that they promote the Chinese Communist Party, though these statements did not directly refute specific reports about their operations.
In light of ongoing congressional inquiries into funding linked to the Chinese government, a watchdog group has raised questions about CPC’s tax-exempt status. The Center for Advancement of Security in America (CASA) filed a complaint with the IRS, urging a review based on the organization’s seminars against ICE and its connections to the Chinese government.
It’s noted that while foreign donations to U.S.-based nonprofits are typically allowed, concerns arise over potential links between foreign donors and illegal activities associated with the Chinese government.
A representative for West Virginia GOP Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who chairs the relevant subcommittee, has not commented on Schumer’s funding request.
