Senate Resolution (SR) 201, which addresses the discriminatory laws against the Chinese in America, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, was recently passed by unanimous consent. The resolution expresses the regret of the U.S. Senate for passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act and other discriminatory laws against Chinese in America.
The discriminatory laws were repealed in 1943 to strengthen the alliance between the United States and China during World War II. However, 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.
The prime sponsor was Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA). Co-sponsor was Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who has been a champion of civil rights and a friend of the Asian American community.
“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 these discriminatory laws had on Asian American communities and their significance to all Americans.”
The 1882 Project is a nonpartisan, grassroots effort spearheaded by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, the Committee of 100, the Japanese American Citizens League, the National Council of Chinese Americans, and the Organization of Chinese Americans. (end)
For more information, visit www.1882project.org.