-
One of the first records of Chinese immigrants dates back to the Gold Rush of 1849. They intended to work for several years to provide for their families back in China. This was the initial start to the racial discrimination they faced in the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chinese_Americans -
Chinatowns were established because of the discrimination and hostility Chinese immigrants faced from white Americans. These towns provided familiar foods and culture that Chinese immigrants resonated with. This showed not only how segregated they were from American society, but how much they wanted to feel comfort.
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/chinese/building-communities/#:~:text=Bank%20of%20Canton%20office%20in,network%20that%20crossed%20the%20continent. -
Not only were Chinese immigrants paid significantly less than their white counterparts, but they also had to compete for jobs. People believed and resented Chinese immigrants for "taking their jobs". This lead to hostility and discrimination because of their desire to work. Most of the immigrants were not only paying off people who helped them get to the U.S, but they also had to send money home for their families. -
This was a racial massacre targeted towards Chinese immigrant. Approximately 500 white and Latin Americans harassed, attacked, robbed, and killed ethnic Chinese residents in Los Angeles. 19 immigrants were killed, 15 of whom were hanged. This was over 10% of the Chinese population in Los Angeles at this time. This was just one incident of the major discrimination and harm Chinese immigrants faced. -
This act was signed by President Chester A. Arthur to prohibit the immigration of Chinese people to the U.S. for 10 years. It also prevented Chinese residents from becoming citizens. This act was not only the first big legal discrimination Chinese Americans faced, but it was the first ever law that prohibited the immigration of a certain ethnic group into the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Exclusion_Act -
This started when the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce called for a national boycott of American goods. This was to pressure the U.S. government to change its policies regarding immigrants. It led to Chinese merchants and citizens boycotting and engaging in peaceful protests. Although it lost momentum, it highlighted Chinese nationalism. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/chinese-boycott-1905#:~:text=Chinese%20boycott%20of%201905%20%7C%20EBSCO,in%20America%20and%20their%20homeland. -
Between 1910 and 1940, approximately 175,000 Chinese immigrants were processed through Angel Island. This island's purpose was to control and enforce immigration laws. Immigrants were detained for varying lengths of time, some being days and some being years. This symbolized what Chinese immigrants had to do to become excepted in our society, with many leaving writing on the walls about their time there. -
Only until the 1940s did things start to rise for Chinese Americans when China and the U.S. became allies in WWII. This alliance lessened restrictions on immigration and mixed marriages, but restrictions were still in place. This was a shifting moment in the earning of rights for Chinese Americans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chinese_Americans -
Proposed by representative Warren G. Magnuson, the Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act allowed for Chinese immigration. It also allowed for some already in the country to become citizens. Yet in some states, immigrants were still denied house ownership. This was a huge step for Chinese people to become assimilated into American society.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Exclusion_Repeal_Act -
This was a federal law passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It formally removed laws against immigration based on discrimination against Asians, Southern and Eastern Europeans. This allowed for citizenship, house ownership, and more for Chinese Americans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_and_Nationality_Act_of_1965