[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9266 of April 30, 2015

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific
Islanders spans the world and the depths of America's history.
Generation after generation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have
forged a proud legacy that reflects the spirit of our Nation--a country
that values the contributions of everyone who calls America home. During
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we honor the
perseverance of those who courageously reached for their hopes and
dreams in a new land, and we celebrate the important impact the AAPI
community has made on our Nation's progress.
From the more than one million immigrants who journeyed across the
Pacific and arrived on Angel Island to the Chinese-American laborers who
risked their lives to link our coasts by rail, the determination of this
vibrant community represents the best of our national character. In each
chapter of our country's story--in places like Selma and the grape
fields of Delano, during the moments where our Nation's destiny has been
decided--AAPIs of all backgrounds have set inspiring examples as leaders
and trailblazers, united by a common hope for civil rights, equal
treatment, and a better tomorrow for all Americans.
Through times of hardship and in the face of enduring prejudice, these
women and men have persisted and forged ahead to help strengthen our
Union. Native Hawaiians have fought to protect their treasured tra

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ditions, language, and lands. And AAPI patriots have defended the
beliefs for which we stand. Seventy years ago, the United States and our
allies secured a lasting peace throughout the Asia Pacific region and
much of the world--a victory achieved in part by thousands of Filipino
Americans who fought valiantly but were denied compensation, and also by
Japanese Americans who served this country even as the freedom of their
loved ones was denied.
Fifty years ago, the United States opened new doors of opportunity to
more Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants through the Immigration and
Nationality Act of 1965, ending the arbitrary and outdated policies that
unfairly limited the potential of entire regions. This year also marks
the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, which brought new
Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, and Laotian communities to this country.
But as we recognize the enormous progress America has made, we must also
acknowledge the many struggles AAPIs continue to experience in the face
of persistent inequality and bigotry, including barriers to equal access
to education, employment, and health care. South Asian Americans--
especially those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh--too often face
senseless violence and harassment due only to the color of their skin or
the tenets of their faith. And to this day, many AAPIs continue to live
in the shadows and are separated from their families due to our broken
immigration system.
My Administration is committed to addressing these unmet needs and the
ugly discrimination that still exists. I was proud to re-establish the
White House Initiative on AAPIs soon after I took office, to foster
opportunities for increased access to and involvement in Federal
programs. As part of that effort, my Administration is expanding its
regional network of Federal leaders and hosting community meetings
across the country to better understand the needs of the diverse AAPI
community. Last year, I announced my intent to take actions that would
allow more high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay
and contribute to our economy, and I continue to call on the Congress to
pass comprehensive immigration reform. To highlight the tremendous
growth of the AAPI community and my Administration's commitment to
increasing opportunity for AAPIs everywhere, this month we will host the
White House Summit on AAPIs--an unprecedented and historic all-day
convening of senior Federal officials and community leaders from across
the country.
As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we
pay tribute to all those in the AAPI community who have striven for a
brighter future for the next generation. Together, let us recommit to
embracing the diversity that enriches our Nation and to ensuring all our
people have an equal chance to succeed in the country we love.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2015 as Asian
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans
to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/AAPI to learn more about our efforts on
behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this
month with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA