Assembly Resolution No. 474

BY: M. of A. Colton

WELCOMING the descendants of the Chinese American
Transcontinental Railroad workers to the Legislative
Chambers in Albany, New York on May 14, 2025, and
recognizing their families' vast contributions to
the State of New York

WHEREAS, The historical contribution of Chinese immigrants has
strengthened the New York State and United States economies as a result
of risking their lives while enduring harsh winters and dangerous
working conditions while facing prejudice, low wadges, and social
isolation; and

WHEREAS, Chinese railroad workers courageously connected the western
and eastern sides of the United States which is known as one of the
greatest engineering achievements in American history; and

WHEREAS, Chinese railroad workers were an indispensable force in
constructing the Transcontinental Railroad and led to the great economic
prosperity enjoyed by the nation in the years that followed; and

WHEREAS, Descendants of these workers now reside in New York and
continue to play vital roles in building prosperity and promoting
Chinese culture and heritage in this great Empire State and across the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Although Chinese railroad workers were essential for the
success of the Transcontinental railroad, no Chinese laborers were
formally recognized at the opening ceremony; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that the State of New York commemorates
and recognizes the historical contributions made by the Chinese railroad
workers; by honoring these individuals and their families, we seek to
uplift their stories, honor their contributions, and express our
sincerest gratitude for their efforts; and

WHEREAS, It is the pleasure of this Legislative Body to participate
in the Chinese Railroad worker exhibition in Albany, New York on
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, and to recognize the descendants of the
estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Chinese immigrants whom, despite remarkable
physical and social challenges, laid the foundation for extraordinary
economic prosperity for New York State and the Nation as a whole; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
welcome the descendants of the Chinese American Transcontinental
Railroad workers to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May
14, 2025, and recognizing their families' vast contributions to the
State of New York.