The Committee of 100 condemns rhetoric that questions the loyalty or belonging of Chinese Americans based on their ethnicity or their views on public policy.

According to a Texas Tribune article published August 6, a Texas state senator targeted Representative Gene Wu for his opposition to the state’s Alien Land Law and linked him to the Chinese Communist Party. Suggesting that an American lawmaker should “go back to China” or is aligned with a foreign regime because of his heritage or political advocacy draws on a long and dangerous history of anti-Asian scapegoating and racism in this country.  Such statements are outrageous and indeed un-American.

Disagreements on public policy are part of a healthy democracy. But invoking race, ethnicity, or foreign associations, especially when aimed at Asian American elected officials, incites xenophobia, invites slurs, and increases the potential for real-world harm. These tactics do not serve public discourse. They undermine it.

As a nonpartisan organization committed to the full inclusion of Chinese Americans in American life, we urge leaders across the political spectrum to uphold standards of respect and accountability. We must be able to debate laws and policies without questioning anyone’s loyalty to our nation based on where their family came from.