[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E854-E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues in the 
Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus to commemorate May as Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month.
  The Asian Pacific American experience displays a journey 
characterized by triumphs and struggles. Like many groups of people who 
came to America from other shores, Asian Pacific Americans embraced the 
values of this nation and worked to build a better life in this country 
while contributing to a stronger America. Indeed, these citizens have 
enriched our society in virtually every field and facet.
  Today, I am pleased to recognize such notable Asian Pacific Americans 
as nuclear physicist Samuel Chao Chung Ting whose work earned him the 
Nobel Prize. Architects like I.M. Pei and Minoru Yamasaki have made 
enormous contributions to their profession. I extend my appreciation to 
athletes like Sammy Lee, Kristi Yamaguchi, Michelle Kwan, and Michael 
Chang who have represented the United States with inspiration and 
excellence. Our nation has been enriched by Asian Pacific Americans 
like these who have done so much to earn the applause of their fellow 
Americans.
  As we celebrate the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans, we must 
also remember the obstacles they endured. Asian immigration into the 
United States began in the mid 1800's. These immigrants came to work in 
hopes of a better life. Unfortunately, America did not always extend 
the torch of liberty to these immigrants. In 1882, Congress passed the 
Chinese Exclusion Act prohibiting immigration from China. Further, in 
1917, Congress acted to prohibit immigrants from an area called the 
Asiatic Barred Zone which included most of Asia and a majority of the 
islands in the Pacific Ocean. These actions displayed the resistance 
that America showed towards Asian Americans at that time.
  One of the most staggering reminders of the discrimination that these 
Americans faced is the unconscionable internment of more than 100,000 
Japanese Americans during World War 11. Branded as disloyal to the very 
flag they saluted, these Americans of Japanese descent endured 
tremendous hardship during one of our nation's most trying times. 
History would eventually vindicate these loyal Americans as not even a 
single documented case of sabotage or espionage was committed by an 
American of Japanese ancestry during that time. Indeed, the Japanese 
American soldiers of the 44nd combat regiment, the most decorated group 
of soldiers in American history, proved their devotion for this country 
as they fought for our nation even as their own family members stood 
locked behind barbed wires.
  Truly, Asian Pacific Americans of every stripe have proven their love 
for their country. I am privileged to represent Los Angeles, home to 
the largest Asian Pacific American population in the United States. 
This is a thriving community of people who exemplify American values 
and a love for our nation. That is

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why it is so appropriate that we celebrate the profound contributions 
of Asian Pacific Americans to this country. Accordingly, I stand with 
my colleagues in observing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month 
and salute this rich and diverse community.

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