Since 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has led the celebration of October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) across the United States. Recognized by Congress in 2009 and first honored at the White House in 2015, FAHM celebrates the deep roots and powerful contributions of Filipino Americans. This year’s theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement,” commemorates the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act—two pivotal moments that shaped the Filipino American journey from exclusion to belonging.
In 1935, the U.S. government passed the Filipino Repatriation Act, a policy designed to reduce the Filipino population by offering one-way passage back to the Philippines under the condition that those who left could never return. Though framed as a benevolent opportunity, it reflected the era’s deep anti-Asian sentiment and exclusionary practices. Only a small fraction of the Filipino population accepted this offer, and the law ultimately failed thanks to community resistance. Thirty years later, the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act transformed the landscape, abolishing discriminatory quotas and opening the doors for thousands of Filipino immigrants—nurses, teachers, engineers, and more—to build lives and multigenerational communities in the U.S.
Today, over 4 million Filipino Americans continue to enrich the nation through social activism, healthcare, education, technology, and the arts. As immigration debates persist, this year’s theme reminds us that migration is not only about crossing borders but also about the ongoing movement toward justice, dignity, and belonging. The Filipino American experience stands as a testament to resilience and solidarity—showing that when marginalized communities unite, they have the power to challenge injustice, reshape policy, and expand opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate FAHM 2025, may we honor the past while continuing the work toward equity, remembrance, and liberation for all.
