[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN SAN ANTONIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2021

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in San Antonio, Texas, and 
across the United States. Since 1977, every May, we celebrate and 
recognize the accomplishments of AAPI communities. Though a modest 
population, we have a vibrant community of AAPIs in San Antonio that 
contribute greatly to our city's prosperity.
  Since 1860s, immigrants of Asian descent began migrating to Texas and 
Southwestern States and today the AAPI community account for 5 percent 
of the total population in Texas, and it's one of the fastest growing 
communities in the United States. Like many immigrants, Asian Americans 
were often unwelcome and suffered racism and discrimination. For 
example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited individuals 
arriving or staying in the United States solely based on their 
ethnicity.
  Today, AAPI communities continue to face discrimination and even 
violence, which is often underreported. During COVID-19, hate crimes 
against AAPIs have grown exponentially and the community is still 
living in fear. In recognition of the continued threats that AAPI 
communities endure, Congress passed legislation that President Biden 
signed into law to ensure hate crimes against AAPIs are investigated 
and prosecuted. Our Nation must come together and work to address 
centuries of discrimination that impedes our Nation from its full 
promise of equality and justice for all.
  Over the generations, AAPI communities have made significant 
contributions in the arts, government, business, medicine, and 
education. In San Antonio, our city is led by Ron Nirenberg, the city's 
first mayor of Asian descent. I'm also particularly proud of AAPI 
veterans, including 33 individuals who have been awarded the 
Congressional Medal of Honor, and also AAPI men and women who serve our 
Nation in uniform.
  Madam Speaker, I am grateful for our Nation's AAPI communities, and I 
am proud to recognize their accomplishments. Thank you.

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