1882 PROJECT APPLAUDS THE PASSAGE SENATE RESOLUTION ADDRESSING CHINESE EXCLUSION LAWS

WASHINGTON, DC – The 1882 Project applauds the bipartisan passage of Senate Resolution 201, which addresses the passage of discriminatory laws against the Chinese in America, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

While these laws were repealed in 1943 to strengthen the alliance between the United States and China during World War II; until yesterday, Congress had never formally acknowledged or expressed regret for the pain and suffering endured by Chinese immigrants and their American descendants as a result of the discriminatory laws.

Senate Resolution 201 was passed last night by unanimous consent. The prime sponsor, Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), upheld the traditions of his predecessors, Senators George Hoar and Henry Dawes, who opposed exclusion from the first moment. He also stood in the shoes of another Massachusetts Senator, Charles Sumner, who worked tirelessly to erase the stain of racism in America.

Senator Brown’s co-sponsor, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), understood all too well the effects of a policy that germinated in her state. Long a champion of civil rights and a friend of the Asian American community, she worked with Brown to shine the light of truth on a sad historical record and to make things right.

“The 1882 Project deeply appreciates the leadership of the resolution’s cosponsors and the Senate, and the community for their support,” said Michael C. Lin, Chair of the 1882 Project Steering Committee. “With this momentum, now we need to galvanize the community to ensure the passage of the companion House Resolution 282. More importantly, we will embark on educating the American public on the impact of these discriminatory laws had on Asian American communities and their significance to all Americans.”

Carolyn Chan, Grand President of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, stated on this occasion that “The passage of this resolution is a historic milestone. It marks a substantial step along a road the Chinese American Citizens Alliance began over a hundred years ago to correct discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Laws first enacted in 1882. While savoring this accomplishment, we know there are other steps to take. The companion House Resolution 282 needs to be passed and we must continue to educate the public about the history and consequences of these laws. The pride we have in today’s passage is the pride in being part of a nation that has political institutions and values that allow for self-examination and can admit mistakes so that we can build a more perfect union for all.”

“This is an important moment of closure. All Americans who care about our shared ideals of belonging should celebrate this resolution. It shows the strength of our democracy, able to correct mistakes.” explained Frank Wu, Vice Chair of the Committee of 100.

“The Senate passage of the resolution SR201 is a day to remember for Chinese Americans and indeed for all Americans. The Chinese American community must double our efforts to pass the resolution in the House in the coming months. However, our community still has a long way to go and it is now up to us to write the next chapter of a rich and rewarding Chinese American life” said Haipei Shue, President of the National Council of Chinese Americans.

“The JACL applauds the Senate for its quick passage of this bill. History can be an important teacher to present and future generations. Because Chinese American history has been ignored by most historians, this is a milestone in bringing to American minds that bias and prejudice creates decades of pain and suffering. This is a significant reminder of a chapter in American history that needs to be understood.” commented by Floyd Mori, National Director of the Japanese American Citizens League.

"The Senate’s unanimous support of Resolution 201 represents a victory, not only for our community, but all groups that may have suffered in the past as a result of exclusionary policies. This reaffirms the beliefs of so many immigrants that we are a nation built on diversity, inclusion, and opportunity," said OCA National President Ken Lee.