CAPAC Members Introduce Resolution, Release Statements Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), today introduced a resolution recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution was co-sponsored by 45 additional Members of Congress, including every House Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Senator Akaka of Hawaii plans to introduce a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate. Please find a copy of the resolution attached.

Members also released the following statements on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

Rep. Judy Chu, CAPAC Chair: “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the past accomplishments of our community and reflect on our ongoing challenges for the months, years and decades ahead.

“For far too long, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have not been at the table where important decisions are being made. Until recently, we were nearly invisible in state and federal government. Despite the fact that our community has been in the U.S. for 160 years, it was not until 1992 that the designation of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. Over the years, we have broken through historic barriers and made incredible progress.  Asian Americans are now reaching historic new levels of representation and leadership in many arenas, including politics, academia, media, and law.

“Of course, we still have work to do.  Moving forward, we must continue to advocate on behalf of those who are victims of prejudice and oppression, push for disaggregated data collection to better understand the unique needs of the community, and ensure that recent immigrants are able to access essential services in culturally and linguistically appropriate manners. Our immigration system must be reformed; education and health disparity gaps must be closed; and minority-owned businesses must have fair and equal opportunities to compete for federal contracts.

“During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us not forget how far we have come, but also let us remember the work that is left to be done on behalf of all those who make up the diverse tapestry of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair: “Every May, our country celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is an opportunity to highlight the many contributions Asians and Pacific Islanders make to our nation. During this month, we come together to celebrate the achievements, remember the unique histories, and educate the public about the cultures and heritage of our diverse Asian Pacific American community.”

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), CAPAC Whip: “As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let’s recognize the extraordinary role Asians and Pacific Islanders have played in America’s history, present and future. The diversity of cultures and values are what shape and strengthen our nation. I would like to say mahalo to the AAPI community for all their achievements and contributions to our country.”

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “Thanks to the efforts of Representatives Norm Mineta and Frank Horton, and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, our country first officially recognized Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1977. The month of May offers all Americans an opportunity to celebrate, honor and reflect upon the many accomplishments and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. As the AAPI community continues to be one of the fastest growing and most diverse racial groups in the United States, we surely will play an increasingly critical role in contributing to the economic, political, and social developments of the country. As we look ahead, there are certain segments of the AAPI population, including Southeast Asians and Pacific Islanders, who continue to encounter systematic barriers and have been deprived of access to the American dream. We must ensure everyone receives an equitable opportunity to succeed.”

Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI): “Our nation is built on the rich traditions of its many diverse citizens.  Knowledge of our cultures of origin and our individual identities strengthen us as Americans.  The celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month truly is about all Americans.  I am proud to join Chair Judy Chu in recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation, and will be introducing a companion resolution in the Senate.”

Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa): “This month, we celebrate Asian-Pacific Americans and their contributions to the vitality of this great nation.  Throughout history, Asian-Pacific Americans have played a crucial role in the development of our nation.  Today, they continue to contribute their diverse backgrounds and experiences as educators, leaders of organizations and government agencies, pioneers in business and science, and as active citizens in their neighborhoods and communities.  I thank my CAPAC colleagues for their tireless advocacy efforts in Congress on behalf of some 17 million Asian-Pacific Americans throughout the United States.  Most importantly, I honor the Asian-Pacific Americans who serve and have served in the U.S. armed forces and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the values upon which our nation was founded.  Let us remember their sacrifices as we gather to celebrate our heritage and unity as one American family.”

Rep. Al Green (TX-9): “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides the nation an exciting opportunity to proudly celebrate the great diversity that we enjoy across the length and breadth of our country.

“While we are proud of the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, I believe that there are still many challenges ahead. Many continue to struggle to gain access to basic services that are linguistically and culturally appropriate.  Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month reminds us that we must also continue to work hard toward providing basic services for all Americans and strengthen the diverse fabric of this country.

“Today, I am pleased to join all Americans in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the many ways Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the greatness of the United States of America.”

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-5): “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month grants us all the opportunity to reflect upon the many contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our nation. It is a celebration of our heritage, and I encourage everyone to reflect on the impacts that Asian Pacific American leaders have had on our own lives, and to share that story with future generations.”

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI): “The increased presence and participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans throughout our society is truly a cause for celebration. As leaders in America’s economic life, in government at all levels, in education — Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are making a positive contribution to our nation. As always, we are a better America because we are open to a diversity of cultures, valuing every human being for their intrinsic worth. Let us be proud of that American heritage we all share as we celebrate this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!”

Rep David Wu (OR-1): “It is with great honor and pleasure that I join my fellow CAPAC members to commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This May marks the 33rd time that America has celebrated the diverse contributions and achievements of Asian Pacific Americans. I encourage everyone to spend this month absorbing the legacies of the Asian Pacific American community—from the arts and sciences to business and public service.

“As we recognize the vital role that Asian Pacific Americans have played in strengthening the fabric of American society, we must remember that the serious challenges currently facing our country underscore the importance of Asian Pacific American civic engagement and leadership development. I will continue to work with CAPAC to ensure that the Asian Pacific American community not only has a seat at the table of the great debates of our time, but also a strong voice to shape the national conversation.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-9): “Asian Pacific Americans will continue to make invaluable contributions to our economy and our culture in my district and across the nation. During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we should not only celebrate the positive impact of the AAPI community, but we should reflect on the challenges that this growing, diverse community continues to face.  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Care Task Force, I am working every day to eliminate health care disparities for the AAPI communities and protect the important reforms in the Affordable Care Act that will expand access to quality health care for the AAPI community.”

Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-7): “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been an important part of the American experience for many generations. They have enriched our culture and brought a unique creativity to our public life, sports, sciences, arts and economics. I’m proud to be an associate member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and I’m proud to salute the many contributions the community has made to the United States.”

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34): "As the representative of a diverse Los Angeles district that includes Little Tokyo, historic Filipinotown and Chinatown, I am honored to join with my colleagues in recognizing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  The month of May is an opportunity for all Americans to observe and commemorate the cultural heritage and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  It is with great pride that I salute the generations of Asian American and Pacific Islander men and women whose labor, leadership and courage, on and off the battlefield, continue to enrich and strengthen our nation.”

Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA-6): “I’m honored to join my CAPAC colleagues in recognizing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.  Throughout the month of May, we honor and celebrate the immeasurable contributions this diverse community has made to American life.  Without the vitality, diligence and sacrifice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we would not be the country we are.”

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 The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.
 

Background on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month by section 102 of title 36, United States Code. The observance originally began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

The fact sheet below was prepared with data from the 2010 Census and related sources. It provides a brief overview of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Population

According to the 2010 Census, 18.5 million Americans identify as being of Asian or Pacific Islander descent. 17.3 million U.S. residents identify themselves as Asian alone or in combination with one or more other races, and 1.2 million U.S. residents identify themselves as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone or in combination with one or more other races.

The state with the largest Asian population was California (5.6 million), followed by New York (1.6 million). AAPIs made up the highest proportion of the total population in Hawaii (57 percent Asian, 26 percent Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander).

The Asian population grew by 46% between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, more than any other major race group. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders grew by 40% during this same time frame.

The largest Asian ethnic groups (in millions): Chinese: 3.8, Filipino: 3.2, Asian Indian: 2.8, Vietnamese: 1.7, Korean: 1.6, Japanese: 1.3

The Census Bureau projects that by 2050, there will be 40.6 million U.S. residents identifying as Asian alone or in combination with one or more other races, to comprise 9 percent of the United States population. They project that there will be 2.6 million U.S. residents identifying as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander in combination with one or more other races, to comprise 0.6 percent of the total population.

Economic Overview

Median household income for Asians amounted to $68,780, while median income for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders amounted to $53,455. The median income between different ethnic groups varied dramatically, with Asian Indians earning $90,429 in 2009, and Bangladeshis earning $46,657 in 2009.

The Poverty rate for Asians was 12.5%, while the rate for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders was 15.1%.

In 2007, Asian Americans owned 1.5 million businesses, an increase of 40.4 percent from 2002. Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders owned 37,809 businesses in 2007, up 30.6 percent from 2002.