Chinese Americans

WHEREAS, The Chinese were the first Asians to migrate in 1
significant numbers to Washington, fleeing conflicts such as the 2
Taiping Rebellion and the Opium War, with more than 3,000 Chinese 3
people living in the Washington Territory by 1880, playing a critical 4
role in the development of the territory; and 5
WHEREAS, Racial tension in the west came to a head in the 1880s 6
during an economic recession, leading to the passage of the federal 7
Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, which restricted immigration, and the 8
tragedies of the Tacoma Riot of 1885 and the Seattle Riot of 1886, in 9
which hundreds of Chinese Americans were forcibly expelled from their 10
homes, with some losing their lives; and 11
WHEREAS, Chinese Americans in Washington faced continued 12
discrimination such as special taxes, prohibitions against marrying 13
whites, and owning land, which led to the Chinese American community 14
sharing resources, forming businesses, and using the judicial system 15
to defend their civil rights; and 16
WHEREAS, Washington state is now home to more than 190,000 17
Chinese Americans, making up nearly two percent of the total 18
population; and 19
WHEREAS, Chinese Americans have formed groups, associations, and 20
numerous Chinese churches, which preserve and celebrate Chinese 21
culture, heritage, and religion, and support new immigrants; and22
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4625, by Representative Zahn
p. 1 HR 4625
WHEREAS, Chinese Americans in Washington have enriched our state 1
through their leadership and contributions in agriculture, business, 2
academia, government, and the arts; 3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House 4
of Representatives acknowledge the tragedy of historical 5
discrimination against the Chinese American community and recognize 6
the important role Chinese Americans play in the civic, cultural, and 7
economic life of Washington State. 8
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p. 2 HR 4625