WASHINGTON - A resolution calling on Congress to formally acknowledge and express regret for the discriminative laws against Chinese-Americans was introduced on Thursday thanks to the grassroots efforts from Chinese-American communities.

United States Reps. Judy Chu, Judy Biggert and Mike Coffman, along with Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Scott Brown, announced the resolution and urged more Chinese-Americans to get involved in the campaign.

The Chinese Exclusion Laws were a series of legislations passed by Congress from 1879-1904. The laws violated the civil rights and liberties of Chinese people by severely restricting their immigration to the US and barring them from becoming American citizens.

Although the laws were repealed in 1943 after China became a US ally during World War II, Congress has never formally acknowledged that these laws singling out and ostracizing Chinese were incompatible with American's founding principles.

One year ago, a petition signed by more than 100 Chinese-American organizations was delivered by hand to Judy Chu, the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress. They urged the legislators on Capitol Hill to pass a resolution of apology to Chinese-Americans for the acts, the first major restriction on immigration to the US.

A working group, called 1882 Project, was later set up to push for the passage of House and Senate resolution. It is a nonpartisan, grassroots effort spearheaded by the Chinese-American Citizens Alliance, the Committee of 100 and the National Council of Chinese Americans.

Since Japanese and Filipinos were also affected by the laws, the Japanese American Citizens League also joined the efforts.

"It is a long overdue that Congress officially acknowledges these ugly laws, and expresses the sincere regret that Chinese-Americans deserve," said Chu, lead House co-sponsor. "The last generation of settlers impacted by this legislation are leaving us, giving Congress a short window to make amends to those who were directly affected."

She later said that her grandfather on her father's side was affected by the laws.

Now, more than 4 million Chinese-Americans live in the US and the contribution from this minority group has long been recognized by the American society.

"Despite these hardships, Chinese immigrants persevered, and today make invaluable contributions to the development and success of our country," said Sen. Feinstein, lead co-sponsor of the Senate resolution. "This enactment of Chinese exclusionary laws is a shameful part of our history that must not be forgotten."

The Congress sponsors of the resolution will start to collect votes from other colleagues. They were positive about the passage since both chambers have introduced it at the same time, which will make the process easier and shorter.

But Chinese-Americans should ensure their local congressman or congresswoman are informed about their concerns of the resolution.

"If your representatives do not hear from you, the resolution will get passed," Coffman said.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/27/2011 page1)