Backgrounder: Chinese Exclusion Laws

The Chinese Exclusion Laws involved legislation Congress passed between 1870 and 1904 that explicitly discriminated against persons of Chinese descent based on race...[Full story]

On May 26, 2011, U.S. Repsentatives Judy Chu, Judy Biggert and Mike Coffman along with Senators Feinstein and Brown, announced the introduction of a resolution calling on Congress to formally acknowledge and express regret for the passage of a series of laws during the turn of the 20th Century that violated the fundamental civil rights of Chinese-American settlers... [Full story]

• U.S. Congress urged to apologize for Chinese Exclusion Law 

"It is long overdue that Congress officially acknowledges these ugly laws, and expresses the sincere regret that Chinese Americans deserve. 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. As the first Chinese American Congresswoman, I am proud to say that we will today introduce a resolution on the House Floor that does just that."

--U.S. Representatives Judy Chu

"Today we take 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."

--U.S. Representative Mike Coffman

"This resolution takes an important step towards recognizing one of the great – yet often overlooked – injustices in our shared history, and accepting the lessons it has to teach us. America's strength has always derived from the principles of our founders and our ongoing struggle to live up to those ideals. This resolution continues that struggle by calling on Congress to illuminate a past mistake, and reaffirm our commitment to freedom and equality. I'm very pleased to join Congresswoman Chu in introducing this resolution as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which celebrates the contributions of countless Chinese Americans."

--U.S. Representative Judy Biggert

"The 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 ime."

--U.S. Representative Senator Dianne 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. 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."

--U.S. Representative Scott Brown