Speech #1090140274

I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize the proud past Asian Pacific Americans have woven into our history and the important contributions they offer our society today. I have the great honor of representing an incredibly diverse 12th Congressional district of California. where I am proud to say. we have the largest population of Filipinos outside the Philippines and one of the largest populations of Asian Pacific Americans in the entire United States. We choose to recognize Asian Pacific Americans (APA) in May because of two anniversaries this month: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. Both are landmark events that contributed greatly to the formation of our country and prosperity. The APA Community is a modern example of the American dream. Arriving as immigrants. and overcoming adversity. years of discrimination and at times shocking treatment at the hands of government and citizens alike. they have become one of the most successful and educated minority populations. Their unique contribution to areas such as business. science. technology. art and entertainment are unrivaled. With 15 million residents. they are also the fastest growing population in our country and are estimated to reach 33 million by 2050. This hard working community is responsible for much of the success and development of our great nation. In this age of immigration debate. the APA community reminds us that we are ourselves a country of immigrants and the APA community represents what is best about America with their dedication and loyalty to fighting for freedom. As we remember how they have helped to enhance the quality of our communities and country. we should also ask how we could help to fight the challenges they face. Although APAs have a high percentage of college graduates for a minority population. at 50 percent. they still face growing poverty issues.