Despite continuously growing in population, Asian American and Pacific Islanders are
severely underrepresented in Congress. Currently, there are 15 representatives(out of 435) and 2 senators(out of 100) of Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage in the congress. Although these are tiny fractions, it is also an incredible improvement from the representation a century ago. In 1900, Robert M. Wilcox became the first Asian Pacific American to serve in the Congress as a delegate of Hawaii without any voting rights.
During the second World War, the U.S. federal government imprisoned approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps. After the war, changes in policy led to an increase in immigrants and citizens. As a result of the increase in citizenship for AAPI, more AAPI ran for positions in local and federal government like Congress. In 1956, Dalip Saund became the first AAPI elected to Congress with full voting rights. Since 1956, 47 AAPI have been elected to Congress.
As of 2021, the 15 AAPI representatives consist of: Bobby Scott, Doris Matsui, Judy
Chu, Mark Takano, Grace Meng, Ami Bera, Ted Lieu, Stephanie Murphy, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Andy Kim, Marilyn Strickland, Michelle Steel, Young Kim, and Kai Kahele. The two AAPI senates consist of: Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono. Lastly, the House Delegates(non-voting members) consist of: Mike San Nicholas, Amata Radewagen, and Gregorio Sabian.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus was founded in 1994 by Norman
Mineta, a former Congressman. The Caucus, which consists of members from the Congress, works to advocate for issues and concerns of Asian American and Pacific Islanders. The Caucus ensures that the needs and concerns of AAPI communities are properly reflected in legislation. The Caucus also works to educate other Congress members and work with them to protect the rights of AAPI. In the current membership, the leaders consist of Judy Chu(Chair), Grace Meng(First Vice-Chair), Mark Takano(Second Vice-Chair), Ted Lieu(Whip), and Kaiali-i Kahele(Freshman Representative).
While the amount of AAPI representation has significantly increased, there is still a long way to go for equal representation in the Congress. The fight to protect and advocate for AAPI people's rights is an ongoing battle. To contribute to this fight, if you are eligible, please register to vote now!
- Stephanie Moon