WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their historic win. Juliet K. Choi, chief executive officer of APIAHF released the following statement:
“President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris’ victory is historic for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in as the first Asian American, Black and Female Vice President of the United States. She is the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and she understands the priorities and concerns of AA and NHPI and communities of color, which have been underrepresented at all levels of government. As a Senator, she had a strong record of inclusion and had one of the most diverse staff in the senate by elevating people of color to leadership positions.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities have turned out in record numbers this election cycle to make their voices heard. And Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have contributed greatly in their communities to make their voices heard in national politics, priorities and policies. In fact, our community turned out in historic numbers — by voting early, by mail or on Election Day.
The election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris is a rebuke on the dangerous policies put forth by the Trump administration and will restore decency, productivity and progress to the White House. Together, all Americans must work together to unite our nation to find common ground and a path forward on solutions to the global pandemic, racial healing and economic recovery.
In their prior positions, APIAHF worked closely with both President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on a number of key reforms, investments and public health policies that have positively impacted Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.
We are committed to working with the new administration and Congress to restore reforms and investments like the ACA, Medicaid for COFA and reversing the dangerous policies and attacks on immigrant communities. We are also committed to continuing to push for new policies including comprehensive immigration reform, health equity and racial justice that will address the number of challenges facing AA and NHPIs and other immigrant communities.”
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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.