IL HR0279

Declares May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Illinois to honor contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

Recognizes that Illinois is home to more than 870,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with the five largest communities being Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans, and Pakistani Americans

Notes that May was chosen to commemorate the month due to the arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrant workers

Acknowledges that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the country and have contributed to development across Illinois despite facing historical discrimination and exclusion