Introduction

OCA Applauds the Introduction of Congressional Resolutions Addressing Chinese Exclusion Laws

Washington, D.C. - OCA applauds the bipartisan introductions of H. Res. 282 and S. Res. 201, expressing regret for the passage of discriminatory laws against the Chinese in America, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The passage of this Act marked the first time in our nation’s history that Congress expressly singled out a group of immigrants for denial of citizenship rights.

"OCA deeply appreciates the leadership and commitment from the resolutions’ cosponsors and will work tirelessly to help Congress pass these resolutions,” said Michael Lin, Former OCA National President and Chair of the 1882 Project Steering Committee. “We are dedicated to educating the American public on the discriminatory effects that the Chinese Exclusion Laws had on other Asian Pacific American communities in the years following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and of their significance to all Americans.”

The resolutions address a series of legislative measures passed between 1879 and 1904 that severely restricted the immigration of Chinese persons to the United States and violated the civil rights of Chinese immigrants already living in America. H. Res. 282 was introduced by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Judy Biggert (R-IL), Mike Coffman (R-CO), and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), and S. Res. 201 was introduced by Senators Scott Brown (R-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Daniel Akaka (D-HI).

“It is long overdue that Congress officially acknowledges these ugly laws, and expresses the sincere regret that Chinese Americans deserve,” said Rep. Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), in a national press conference announcing the introduction of the House resolution. “The last generation of settlers impacted by this legislation [is] leaving us, giving Congress a short window to make amends to those who were directly affected.” While the laws were repealed in 1943 in order to strengthen the alliance between the United States and China during World War II, Congress has never formally acknowledged or expressed regret for the pain and suffering endured by Chinese immigrants as a result of the discriminatory laws. In addition to finally providing such acknowledgment, H. Res. 282 and S. Res. 201 recognize the significant contributions of Chinese Americans to the growth and success of the United States.

Rep. Chu was joined by fellow House cosponsors Reps. Biggert and Coffman in a press conference that closed out Asian Pacific American Heritage month on Capitol Hill. The press conference also included in attendance grassroots constituents and national Asian Pacific American community leaders. “America’s strength has always derived from the principles of our founders and our ongoing struggle to live up to those ideals,” said Rep. Biggert. Rep. Coffman added that the resolution represented “an important step in acknowledging a great injustice in American history when Congress, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enacted a series of discriminatory measures against Chinese Americans that not only limited their rights but denied them citizenship.” The Senate companion resolution was also filed on Thursday, spearheaded by Senators Brown and Feinstein.

“Today we take a step toward expressing regret over an unfortunate period in U.S. history when Chinese immigrants were discriminated against because of their race,” said Sen. Brown. “Chinese Americans have been a critical component of our national fabric and have contributed to our country in so many ways. This resolution expresses our nation’s gratitude for their contributions.” Sen. Feinstein remarked that “[t]he enactment of Chinese exclusionary laws is a shameful part of our history that must not be forgotten. I hope this resolution will serve to inform those who may not be aware of this regrettable chapter in our history, and bring closure to the families of immigrants who lived through this difficult time.”

OCA's first-ever National Civil Rights Fellowship Program!

Washington, D.C. - OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), is excited to announce a new program at OCA, one that will help ensure that we continue to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) and all Americans for generations to come. On April 17, 2011, the OCA National Board unanimously approved the creation of OCA’s first-ever National Civil Rights Fellowship Program. This two-year fellowship will provide hands-on training for talented young leaders on issues like immigration, hate crimes & hate speech, education, and glass ceilings. Beginning this June, OCA will recruit and select one new Fellow each year. In a tremendous show of support, OCA chapters have already stepped up to kick-off the fundraising campaign for the first fellowship by pledging a matching grant of $25,000.

Program will not only help launch the career of the next APA civil rights leader, but also be matched dollar-for-dollar. Please help us raise an additional $25,000 with a dollar-for-dollar matched gift today, by clicking donate now!

Housed at the OCA National Center in Washington, DC, each Fellow will work closely with the OCA National Center staff and coalition partners in the civil rights and social justice arena to advance the well being of APA communities. Fellows will not only focus on select policies and legislation affecting APAs in the nation’s capital through outreach to entities like the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, but also work closely with OCA’s 80 chapters and affiliates across the country to engage our members on issues important to local communities. As OCA prepares to engage APA community members in their civic duties in 2012 through citizenship workshops, voter registration campaigns, and voter education initiatives, the Fellow will also play an essential role in ensuring our community is visible and heard. We hope you take a moment today to pledge your support for OCA’s National Civil Rights Fellowship Program.

To make a tax deductible contribution today click here, or call Associate Director of Development, Victoria J. Rumsey at 202.223.5500. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to OCA!

OCA Applauds Senate Confirmation of First Asian Pacific American Federal District Court Judge in Northern California

Washington, D.C. - OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, congratulates Judge Edward M. Chen on his confirmation today to become the first-ever Asian Pacific American and Chinese American Federal District Court Judge in the history of the Northern District of California. The Senate confirmed Judge Chen 56 - 42, who has waited over 600 days for today’s vote..

“OCA and the entire Asian Pacific American community can finally celebrate the confirmation of Judge Chen,” said George C. Wu, Executive Director of OCA. “Through his leadership and commitment to the community, Judge Chen is an enormous source of pride for OCA chapters in the Bay Area and throughout the country.”

Judge Chen has served as the U.S. magistrate judge for the Northern District of California since 2001. One of the many highlights from his distinguished career as a litigator prior to the bench is Judge Chen’s role on the legal team that overturned the conviction of Fred Korematsu. Judge Chen joins 13 other active Asian Pacific American Article III judges in the nation, 7 of whom were nominated by President Obama.

OCA acknowledges and thanks all those who have paved the way for this historic confirmation vote, including President Obama for his nomination; Senate Majority Leader Reid and the Senate Republic Leadership for the agreement on Judge Chen’s roll call vote; Senators Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer and Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy for their long-term support; and OCA partners, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Asian American Justice Center for their steadfast leadership on behalf of the community.