Bill Clinton

“ America has made great progress in advancing civil rights since the days when Asian workers were exploited and labored under crushing hardship. A second significant wave of immigration brought doctors, nurses, engineers, musicians, scientists, and other professionals. Now-familiar names like Yo Yo Ma, Midori, Seiji Ozawa, Amy Tan, Michael Chang, and Kristi Yamaguchi today symbolize the rich heritage that Asian and Pacific Americans have added to our culture. ”

“ America is an ongoing experiment, an unfinished work. It is important that we continually strive to fulfill the ideals that attracted the Asian/Pacific peoples and other immigrants to our shores. The next century will present many challenges, but the ethnic diversity that binds us as a Nation will provide us with the energy and hope we need to build a more peaceful and more prosperous world. ”

“ Today Asian and Pacific Americans represent a large portion of our population. The region from which they migrated is now one of the world's most dynamic areas of economic growth. America's trade with Asian and Pacific countries totals more than $300 billion, a greater amount than any other region in the world. ”