Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Resolution Condemning Prejudice Against Asian Pacific Americans
July 20, 2000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved a resolution, sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), condemning all prejudice against individuals of Asian and Pacific Island ancestry in the United States and calling upon all executive agencies to act within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with existing civil rights laws.

“I introduced this resolution because I am deeply concerned about the reactions to allegations of espionage and illegal campaign financing that have called into question the loyalty of Asian Pacific Americans,” Senator Feinstein said. “Clearly, anyone who is suspected of engaging in illegal or unethical conduct, regardless of his or her ancestry, should be investigated. But an entire community should not be stereotyped as a result of the alleged actions of a few.”

“Throughout our history, Asian Pacific Americans have made profound contributions to all areas of life and when called upon, served our nation with honor,” Feinstein continued. “Just last month, the President honored 22 Asian Pacific Americans, including Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, with the Medal of honor for serving valiantly during World War II.”

Asian Pacific Americans have been subject to discrimination and unfounded accusations of disloyalty throughout the history of the United States, including:

• In the 1800s and continuing through the turn of the century, when people of Asian Pacific ancestry were prohibited from owning property, voting, testifying in court, or attending school with other people in the United States;
• The Chinese Exclusion of Act of 1882, which prohibited the immigration of Chinese to the United States;
• A 1913 California law that prohibited aliens from owning land;
• The repatriation of Filipino immigrants in 1935; and
• The internment of individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II.

The House passed similar legislation, sponsored by Rep. David Wu (D-OR), last year. The full Senate will consider this resolution in the coming months.