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Rep. Khanna commemorates repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act
Khanna termed the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act as a "regrettable chapter" that contributed to crimes against Asian Americans
Ro Khanna /
Representative Ro Khanna advocated for a renewed commitment to constructing a multiracial democracy and ensuring equal rights for all while delivering remarks at the national conference commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act (CRCEA80).
“I represent the only Asian majority district in the continental United States. I'm very proud of it. And I don't think it is a coincidence that we have been a district that welcomes people from all over the world, and also happens to be the district that has produced the most wealth in human history,” the democrat from California said.
The passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act marked a regrettable chapter, contributing to a history of excluding Asian Americans, Khanna said adding that the exclusionary trend manifested in events such as the internment of Japanese Americans, the Bhagat Singh Thind case, which denied Indian Americans citizenship, and immigration restrictions that persisted until the 1965 Immigration Act.
“We saw it after 9/11 with the profiling of South Asians. We saw it most recently with COVID, with Chinese Americans being blamed for COVID. And we see it today with the Muslim Americans and Islamophobia and folks –– the antisemitism still with us in the United States. That is why it's so important for all of you to be here to remind us that our work is not done in becoming a more perfect democracy,” Rep. Khanna asserted.
“Apple, Google, Intel, Yahoo, Cisco, LinkedIn, Tesla, are all in my district. And that is because we recognize that people from all different parts of all different parts of the world, when they come to America can contribute, that they are innovative, that they can help lead our country forward.”
The Congressman expressed appreciation for those in attendance, acknowledging their recognition of the ongoing efforts required to advocate for immigration and equal rights for all. He expressed hope that the next generation would realize Douglass's vision of creating a diverse and inclusive nation with individuals from all backgrounds.
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