Throughout the history of the United States, people from Asia and the Pacific Islands and their descendents have made significant contributions to American society. They have contributed to our nation and the world in the fields of science and technology, education, government, entertainment, sports and the military, adding immeasurably to the prosperity and vitality of our society.

We celebrate the successes of NASA Astronaut Kalpana Chawla, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation Leon Maneti, figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan, television journalist Connie Chung, and members of Congress Robert Matsui, Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Daniel Inouye, to name just a few prominent members of our society who trace their heritage across the Pacific Ocean.

Many of us have friends, neighbors, or co-workers of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage who may not be so well known, but who have dedicated a part of their lives to making America a better place to live. They bring a rich cultural heritage to our society representing many languages, ethnicities and religious traditions. Love of family, excellence in education, entrepreneurship and community service are all values strongly held in Asian and Pacific Island cultures and they have strengthened us as a nation as well.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month events are sponsored by the CBP Special Emphasis Programs, headed up by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Commissioner (EEO), under the leadership of Linda L. Batts. CBP offices throughout the nation will join with other federal and local agencies this month to recognize the many tremendous achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Each employee is urged to take advantage of the many opportunities this month, and throughout the year, to learn more about the ways in which our culture and our country have been enriched by Asians and Pacific Islanders who made a home in the United States. Contact your local EEO Officer for commemorative program information.