Many of my constituents are first-generation Americans like me. They came to this country, fleeing Communism and persecution or looking for a better life, and they found freedom here. We are a nation of immigrants. The United States has stood as refuge for all who value democracy and freedom, from all corners of the world, to live in peace and prosperity. For that reason, the United States remains the greatest country in the world.
Unfortunately, in direct contrast to those principles, our country has witnessed a sharp increase in hate crimes and incidents since the COVID-19 pandemic targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, (AAPI) in recent years. Between March 19, 2020 and March 31, 2022, over 11,450 hate incidents were reported against the AAPI community in all 50 States, territories, and in Washington, D.C. In fact, in 2021, hate incidents against Asian Americans increased by 339%.
The stories of these attacks are horrific. On January 28, 2021, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, an immigrant from Thailand, was attacked in front of his San Francisco home. He never regained consciousness and later died from the injuries he sustained during the attack.
On March 16, 2021, three Asian American owned spas in Atlanta, Georgia were targeted, resulting in the violent murder of eight men and women, six of which were of Asian heritage. This community will never be the same.
In June 2021, Cesar Echano, a 70-year-old Filipino American man in Cerritos, was assaulted when he was walking with his wife in Don Knabe Community Regional Park. The man yelled profanities, telling them they “don’t belong here” and to “go back to your country” before following them to their car and physically attacking Mr. Echano.
In January 2022, Hoa Nguyen, a 67-year-old Vietnamese grandmother, was walking down the street in Brooklyn, New York on the way to the grocery store when she was punched several times in the head by a stranger. The assailant admitted to police he targeted Ms. Nguyen because of her race. Because of this senseless violence, she no longer feels safe walking on the streets or taking public transportation.
Many in the AAPI community feel similarly, fearing they may be next. This evil must not be allowed to stand. No American should live in fear as they go about their daily lives. That is not who we are as a nation. Only together can we end the discrimination and hatred experienced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Southern California and across the country. That is why I led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution with 24 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and one Senator to stand with our AAPI neighbors and friends in solidarity against this senseless violence.
First, our resolution makes clear that Congress condemns all racism against Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in any form. Second, we call on federal law enforcement to improve their cooperation with state and local officials to improve reporting of hate crimes and quickly and vigorously investigate all reports of hate crimes and threats. Finally, we call on law enforcement to bring the perpetrators of these horrific crimes, incidents, and threats to justice. If you have experienced violence, I encourage you to report the incident to law enforcement. Together, we can protect our community from those who perpetuate these hateful acts.
My parents fled Communism in North Korea to South Korea, where I was born. I grew up in Japan and came to the United States with my family, searching for opportunity. As a proud Korean American immigrant, I will never stop fighting for dignity and prosperity for all Asian Americans.
We live in the greatest country in the world, but we are always striving to live up to the mission, laid out in our Constitution, to “form a more perfect union.” We must work constantly to maintain those values and ensure equal opportunity for everyone. Opportunity to live in safety, without fear of discrimination or violent hatred. I invite you to join me in standing firm beside our AAPI friends and neighbors against hatred.
Only together can we protect and preserve the principles of this nation that we all love.
Michelle Steel represents the 45th congressional district.
