Unlike other associations that worked to preserve  traditional Chinese customs and culture, the C.A.C.A. looked to encourage Chinese Americans  to participate in American democracy and civic life. It tackled various social issues, such as voting rights for the Chinese American population, segregation in schools, and discriminatory housing and business practices. . Some of the national organization’s biggest accomplishments include combating the separation of spouses under the 1924 Immigration Act, creating the “death benefit fund” so that members could properly bury their loved ones, and  publishing the Chinese Times, once one of the largest Chinese American newspapers in circulation. Through the efforts of C.A.C.A., the Senate (2011) and the House (2012) passed a Statement of Regret for the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Among many, getting invited to become a C.A.C.A. member was seen as a “recognition of one’s own personal character ” and as an individual who was willing to work to support the Chinese American community. Today, the C.A.C.A. continues to champion  Chinese American  citizen rights through  local, state, and national political  avenues. In 2018  C.A.C.A. played a vital role in lobbying for the passage of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act, which  gave recognition to the more than 20,000 Chinese Americans veterans who served during WWII. The Los Angeles lodge, or chapter, of C.A.C.A. has been one of the most active lodges in promoting the afore-mentioned social and political initiatives.  “L.A. Lodge” has produced a disproportionately large number of leaders in the national C.A.C.A., including as national president.