Washington, D.C. – December 5, 2023
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai delivered a powerful speech at an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The event, hosted at the Cannon House, emphasized the Biden·Harris Administration’s commitment to equality and justice for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Ambassador Tai underscored the role of all Americans in upholding the nation’s founding ideals.
The Chinese Exclusion Act, signed into law on May 6, 1882, marked a dark chapter in American history. It explicitly targeted a specific race and nationality, the Chinese, as undesirable immigrants. Ambassador Tai pointed out that this law, in effect for over six decades, was the beginning of discriminatory policies against immigrants and people of color in the United States.
Ambassador Tai spoke of the progress made since the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and highlighted the heroes and heroines who fought for a more just and inclusive America. She mentioned figures like Anna May Wong, Yick Wo, Wong Kim Ark, March Fong Eu, and many more who played pivotal roles in opening doors for immigrants from Asia.
Tai, a second-generation American and a second-generation public servant, shared her personal journey and the impact of President Kennedy’s immigration reforms in the 1960s, which allowed her parents to come to the United States for graduate studies. She spoke proudly of her role as a co-chair of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, working to address systemic racism and promote equity.
The Ambassador acknowledged the challenges facing Asian American communities today, including discrimination and violence. She cited recent surveys and data showing that incidents of racial discrimination and anti-Asian hate have been on the rise.
In closing, Ambassador Katherine Tai expressed hope and confidence in the American people’s ability to respond to challenges with resolve, determination, and courage. She affirmed the importance of fighting for a more perfect America, one that upholds the ideals of equality, freedom, and justice for all.
The event, organized by CRCEA80 (Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act), brought together various civic organizations to advocate for equal rights and social justice for all Americans. It aimed to prevent history from moving backward and promote civil rights for all citizens.
