U.S. Repsentatives Judy Chu, Judy Biggert and Mike Coffman along
with Senators Feinstein and Brown, Thursday announced the
introduction of a resolution calling on Congress to formally
acknowledge and express regret for the passage of a series of
laws during the turn of the 20th Century that violated the
fundamental civil rights of Chinese-American settlers. "A
century ago, the Chinese came here in search of a better life.
But they faced harsh conditions, particularly in the halls of
Congress. Congress passed numerous discriminatory exclusion laws
that barred the Chinese from accessing basic rights given to
other immigrants. These laws engendered hatred, bigotry and
prejudice in the minds of Americans towards Chinese. Many were
brutally murdered, and even more were abused, harassed and
detained," said Chu, lead House co-sponsor, at a press
conference to introduce the resolution. "It is long overdue that
Congress officially acknowledges these ugly laws, and expresses
the sincere regret that Chinese Americans de