Speech #1090096823

I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 218. a resolution to recognize 2006 as the centennial of sustained immigration from the Philippines to the United States and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Filipino Americans over the past century. Immigration from the Philippines to the United States began in 1906 when the first significant numbers of Filipino immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on the islands sugar plantations. Today. a century later. the FilipinoAmerican communitys numbers increase by nearly 60.000 new immigrants per year. making Filipinos the largest immigrant group from the AsiaPacific region. The FilipinoAmerican community has added so much to the vibrant culture of Chicago and our country. The 9th Congressional District boasts about 17.000 Filipino residents. which makes it home to the 36th largest number of FilipinoAmericans among Congressional districts. I am particularly proud of the achievements by my constituents like Ms. Aurora AbellaAustriaco. a lawyer. who immigrated here from the Philippines. She was just appointed a member of the Committee on Character and Fitness. First District. by the Stale of Illinois Supreme Court on October 26. 2005.