Washington–The 1882 Project officers and other Asian American leaders lauded the bipartisan passage on October 7 of Senate Resolution 201, which addresses the passage of discriminatory laws against the Chinese in America, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

“The 1882 Project deeply appreciates the leadership of the resolution’s co-sponsors 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,” he added. “More importantly, we will embark on educating the American public on the impact of these discriminatory laws had on Asian American communities and their significance to all Americans.” (For more information, visit www.1882project.org.)

“The quick passage was a wonderful surprise,” an elated OCA-DC Co-President Stan Lou said in an interview. “Half the work is done. Next is the House Resolution.”

H.R. 282 was introduced on May 26 by U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Judy Biggert (R-IL). The bipartisan resolution (not a bill) expresses regret for six decades of discriminatory legislation against the Chinese.

The Senate passage “is a day to remember for Chinese Americans and indeed, for all Americans,” said Haipei Shue, president of the National Council of Chinese Americans. Remarked Frank Wu, Vice Chair of the Committee of 100: “This is an important moment of closure. It shows the strength of our democracy, able to correct mistakes.”

The discriminatory laws were repealed in 1943 to strengthen U.S.-China alliance during World War II. But until last October 7, Lin said “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.”

Senate Resolution 201 was passed by unanimous consent. The prime sponsor, Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), upheld the tradition of his predecessors, Senators George Hoar and Henry Dawes, and the late Senator Charles Sumner, who worked tirelessly against racism in America. His co-sponsor, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), is a champion of civil rights and a friend of the Asian American community.

Carolyn Chan, Grand President of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, said the passage “was a historic milestone.” The unanimous vote “represents a victory, not only for our community, but all groups that may have suffered in the past as a result of exclusionary policies,” said OCA National President Ken Lee. “This reaffirms the beliefs of so many immigrants that we are a nation built on diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.”

Floyd Mori, immediate past National Director of the Japanese American Citizens League, noted: “JACL applauds the quick passage of this bill. History can be an important teacher to present and future generations. Because Chinese American history has been ignored by most historians, this is a milestone in bringing to American minds that bias and prejudice creates decades of pain and suffering.”