BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: ACR 76
Author: Eng (D), et al
Amended: 8/31/09 in Assembly
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
ASSEMBLY FLOOR : Read and adopted, 8/31/09
SUBJECT : Day of Inclusion
SOURCE : Yee Fow Museum
DIGEST : This resolution seeks to designate December 17
as an annual Day of Inclusion in recognition of the
contributions of all immigrants to the greatness of our
state and country.
ANALYSIS :
This resolution makes the following Legislative findings:
1. States that Chinese immigrants, encouraged by the
Burlingame Treaty of 1868, arrived in the United States
in large numbers and greatly contributed to the progress
of this country by assisting in construction of the
transcontinental railway, building the levees of the
California Delta, and establishing agricultural and
fishing industries in this state. Further describes some
of the diverse contributions of prominent Chinese
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Americans in business, science, and politics.
2. Describes several examples of federal and state
legislation since the late 19th century intended to
perpetuate discrimination and unequal treatment of
immigrants, including:
A. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the first
major law to single out and forbid a specific
ethnic group from immigrating to and becoming
naturalized citizens of the U.S.
B. The Geary Act of 1892, extending the
prohibitions of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
C. The Alien Land Law of 1913, prohibiting certain
aliens from owning land and property.
D. Anti-miscegenation laws prohibiting
intermarriage between white women and non-white
men.
E. The Cable Act of 1922, terminating U.S.
citizenship of any women who married an alien
ineligible for U.S. citizenship.
F. The Immigration Act of 1924, prohibiting the
immigration of all Asians and placing quotas on
immigration from other countries.
3. States that Executive Order 9066, signed by President
Roosevelt in 1942, allowed for the incarceration of
120,000 Japanese-Americans during WWII without due
process of law and led to their subsequent relocation to
internment camps. Further states that by enacting the
Civil Liberties Act of 1988, the U.S. government
formally apologized for the evacuation, internment and
relocation of Japanese-Americans and provided for
restitution to those who were interned.
4. Asserts that, according to FBI statistics, hate crimes
targeting Hispanic Americans increased 40% from 2003 to
2007, and that anti-Semitic extremist rhetoric and
activity has also increased, causing Jewish Americans to
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be victims of violence.
5. States that Chinese Americans and other minority groups
within the United States share many commonalities,
including that they seek opportunities to better their
lives and the lives of their families, hope to fulfill
their dreams through diligence and hard work, experience
prejudice and discrimination from both society and
government, but nevertheless succeed in many respects
despite much adversity.
6. States that the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was
repealed on December 17, 1943, signifying a date when
the United States expressed a commitment to break down
cultural barriers, enrich diversity, and further
tolerance, and thus the 66th anniversary of the repeal
of the Act, December 17, 2009, represents an excellent
opportunity for our nation to rededicate itself to the
eradication of intolerance and discrimination against
immigrants and minorities.
7. Resolves that the Legislature joins all Californians in
acknowledging December 17 as an annual "Day of
Inclusion" in recognition and appreciation of the
contributions of all immigrants to the greatness of
California and the United States.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 9/8/09)
Yee Fow Museum (source)
Anti-Defamation League
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : This resolution seeks to
acknowledge December 17 as an annual "Day of Inclusion" in
recognition and appreciation of the contributions of all
immigrants to the greatness of our state and country. In
support of the resolution, the author's office has written:
On December 17, 1943, the Magnuson Act repealed the
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and marked a turning
point regarding society's harsh attitudes towards
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immigration and immigrants. By repealing the "Chinese
Exclusion" prohibitions, the United States expressed
its commitment to continue to break down cultural
barriers, appreciate differences, enrich cultural
diversity, and further racial, religious and cultural
tolerance. The hope and aspiration of America's future
lies in embracing our shared differences.
December 17th, the Day of Inclusion, is a day set aside
for all of us to remember and learn about the
sacrifices and contributions of our immigrant heritage
in becoming American by embracing our shared
differences and common goals.
JJA:do 9/9/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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