Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA)

ASATA formed in January of 2000 in direct response to the charges against Berkeley landlord, Lakireddy Bali Reddy, who was convicted of bringing 25-100 people from his village in India to work for little or no pay in his restaurants and businesses. He was also convicted of trafficking at least 3 girls, some minors, for forced sex. ASATA focused on reframing the issues in the case from immigration fraud and sex scandal to issues of sexual and labor trafficking and exploitation, and urged the South Asian community to hold Reddy accountable for his exploitative actions.

Our actions:

• Outreach to undocumented workers
• General community education through workshops and conferences
• Continual contact with the media through actions at all of the hearings
• Letter writing campaigns
• Vigil for victims

Read related position statements, press releases, articles, and media mentions.