US House Passes Resolution on Korean-American Contributions
By Kim Young-jin
Staff Reporter
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution to acknowledge the contributions Korean-Americans have made to the United States.
The motion, spearheaded by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) and sponsored by 49 other lawmakers, unanimously passed the House, Tuesday.
It calls for "all people in the United States to recognize the invaluable contributions Korean-Americans have made to this nation."
Introduced on Jan. 11 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform last week, it states: "More than a million Korean-Americans, like thousands of immigrants to the United States before them, have built strong families and contributed to dynamic communities ... (and) significantly to the development of the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, government, military, education and the economy in the United States."
The legislation touched upon the first wave of Korean immigrants to the United States, who arrived in Hawaii in 1903.
"On Jan. 13, 1903, the arrival of 102 pioneer Korean immigrants to the United States marked the first chapter of Korean immigration in this country," it said.
It also highlighted the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War, during which the United States and United Nations came to the aid of the fledgling South Korea.
"The Korean War began 60 years ago this June and impacted the lives of millions of Koreans," it said. ``Thousands of Koreans, fleeing from war and poverty, came to the United States seeking opportunities."
Rep. Garrett, addressing the House during its consideration of the resolution, said: "These Korean American immigrants have made untold contributions to American society. … Korean-Americans have played and continue to play a vital role in shaping communities throughout the country.''