Royce-Supported Bill to Remove Term "Orientals" from Federal Law Advances

Press Release

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation first authored by U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and Ed Royce (R-Calif.) to strike the term "Oriental" from preexisting federal law and replace it with "Asian American." H.R. 4238 also removes the terms "Negroes," "Indians," and "Eskimos" from federal law.

"Orientals is an offensive and antiquated term, especially so when referring to America's vibrant Asian American community," said Rep. Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "Using this term in federal law lends it a legitimacy it doesn't deserve. I applaud Congresswoman Meng for her leadership on this important issue and look forward to the President completing our mission of striking these terms from the books."

"The word "Oriental' is an offensive and derogatory term that should no longer be used by the federal government," said Rep. Meng, author of the bill. "Nobody in our country, regardless of ethnicity, should be referred to in an insulting manner by the government. It's well past time to strike the legal use of this outdated term. It no longer has a place in federal law, and I look forward to the day when it's finally gone for good."

H.R. 4238 now moves to the President's desk, where it is expected he'll sign it into law.

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