ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 63

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 23, 2025

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 63.

This joint resolution designates January 13 of each year as “Korean American Day” in New Jersey. 

     On January 13, 1903, 102 courageous Korean immigrants arrived in the United States initiating the first wave of Korean immigration to America.  These pioneering Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles as well as language barriers in America.  They established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans. 

     Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States, and the global marketplace.  Their contributions include achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, the arts, and writing. 

     Korean Americans have also made enormous contributions to the military strength of the United States and served with distinction in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam conflict, the Korean conflict, and subsequent military conflicts across the globe.

     This State should commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, and recognize the invaluable contributions Korean Americans have made to the United States.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.