Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced that it has launched the HUD Language Line, a telephone language service pilot that will offer live, one-on-one interpretation services in more than 175 languages. Accessible throughout the nation, the language line will help HUD staff to better communicate with Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals and families about HUD housing programs, services, and activities.

Last month, the Senate approved Senate Resolution 201 by unanimous consent, which apologized for the discriminatory laws that targeted Chinese immigrants, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

Two years ago, on October 14, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order reestablishing the White House Initiative on AAPIs and the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs to address issues concerning the AAPI community.

As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Director, though, Naomi Tacuyan's missive is as clear as day—to ensure that AAPIs are engaged with and participating fully in the Democratic Party and in the democratic process in order to elect Democratic candidates.