Dr. James S.C. Chao and his daughter, the Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

On May 14, 2005, Dr. James S.C. Chao and his daughter, then U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. They were the first father-daughter recipients to receive simultaneously the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. They were awarded for being outstanding immigrants who have made major contributions to America.