Gore lauds Asian Americans contributions to United States

However, Gore said, their journey throughout US history has not been an easy one, as they have often faced hardship, discrimination and injustice. "Think of the Japanese American interned (during World War II when President Rooevelt thought that they would be more loyal to Japan than to the US), the Chinese immigrant barred from US citizenship, or the Indian American denied employment opportunities. As we commemorate Asian Pacific American heritage month, let us not forget our struggle for racial tolerance and equality for all of our society," he said.

He said sometimes the needs of the Asian Americans are marked by their overall success "but we know the needs and challenges are there, such as languge barriers for new immigrants, lack of education opportunity, no access to health care, or discrimination in employment."