Asian Immigration to the Us Essay Example
Asian Immigration to the Us Essay Example

Asian Immigration to the Us Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1224 words)
  • Published: September 15, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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Despite facing prejudice and discrimination upon arrival and throughout their lives, Asian Immigration to the United States has led to Asians becoming an integral part of American society. Their strong work ethic and focus on family values have played a crucial role in this integration. In fact, the Chinese were pioneers among Asians, migrating in significant numbers during the 19th century and occupying roles like railroad workers or miners.

Chinese Americans arrived in the United States through Angel Island, located on the West Coast of California, which served as the equivalent of Ellis Island on the East Coast. Despite facing opposition and protests from various organizations and labor unions who considered them an "inferior race," Chinese immigrants persevered and continued to work diligently in challenging and hazardous jobs that paid minimal wages. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 attracted a significant

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number of Chinese miners and contract laborers, resulting in around 1,000 Asian immigrants entering the U.S. by 1850. However, within ten years, this number increased dramatically to almost 37,000 primarily consisting of Chinese immigrants. Unfortunately, upon their arrival in America, these individuals realized that the promises of prosperity and high wages were far from true; they encountered hardships and discrimination including anti-Chinese riots and protests. Many even labeled the immigration of Chinese individuals as the "yellow Peril."

In previous times, Chinese Americans typically held jobs in agriculture, fishing, and small businesses. Over time, their connection with Americans has improved significantly. Chinatowns have undergone a transformation from areas known for crime to becoming thriving tourist spots. Public school teachers now welcome well-behaved and diligent Chinese children. Moreover, China's collaboration with the U.S.

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during World War II played a crucial role in fostering acceptance and respect for Chinese Americans within society. Notably, on January 13, 1903, the S.S.

During the early wave of Korean immigration, 120 individuals with Gaelic heritage arrived in Honolulu Harbor. This marked a significant arrival for Korean Americans, who mainly became laborers and workers in Hawaii's sugar plantations. Over 7,000 Koreans migrated to Hawaii in the following years to meet the high demand for their low-wage labor. Most of these immigrants were men who later married picture brides through an exchange of photographs between America and Korea.

However, due to the Immigration Act of 1924 and other anti-Asian exclusion laws, Asian immigration was effectively halted. This law even prevented Asian spouses from joining their families in America. Koreans were prohibited from immigrating to the United States for more than 25 years during this time. Many Koreans came seeking assistance in freeing their homeland from Japanese rule.

It wasn't until World War II that Korea finally gained independence from Japan after the United States achieved victory. The start of another significant wave of Korean immigration occurred during the Korean War (1950-1953). After the Immigration Act of 1965, immigrants from Asia had the opportunity to enter America in large numbers for the first time. Koreans took advantage of this chance and became one-third of all Asian immigrants for a significant period.

Despite their educational achievements and qualifications, many Korean immigrants faced language barriers that hindered their ability to find higher-paying jobs.

Despite facing challenges, Korean Americans have attained success through dedication and familial sacrifices. Similarly, many Japanese immigrants left Japan in search of a better future but had to overcome

adversity and difficult working conditions. The boom in the Hawaiian sugar cane industry during the 1870s and 1880s attracted a large number of Japanese immigrants who sought employment, ultimately establishing Hawaii as their main destination. Over time, the distribution of Japanese Americans across the United States changed, with approximately two-thirds of the 85,000 Japanese residents scattered throughout various regions.

S. living in Hawaii at the turn of the century, to Just over half of the 220,000 Japanese living on mainland America - mostly the West coast in 1920. 4 As a result Japan attacking America's Pearl Harbor on December 7, 194 and order went out for all Japanese men, women and children to be sent to internment camps as a safety measure. This hardship was vercome by the Japanese Americans, and now the Japanese are prominent, well- respected members of society. Thailand, a country the size of Texas has a rich cultural history and interesting immigration background.

Thai immigration to the United States was minimal prior to 1960. However, during the Vietnam War, Thai individuals started engaging with American soldiers and became aware of the opportunity to migrate to America. This intrigued many Thai people, leading to approximately 5,000 Thais immigrating to the United States in the 1970s. Notably, there were three women for every man among these immigrants, which was uncommon compared to other Asian cultures where more men typically immigrated. The highest concentrations of Thai individuals in America can be found in Los Angeles and New York City.

Contrasting other Asian nations that migrated to America and took on labor-intensive jobs and farming, most Thai individuals pursued professions such as doctors, business professionals,

and nurses. Thai communities are known for their strong bonds and social networks resembling those in Thailand. In 1990, there were approximately 91,275 Americans with Thai ancestry. However, there is a common misconception that Thai people lack innovation and do not contribute to society.

In American dominant culture, certain Americans are seen as advantageous rather than troublesome. Likewise, Mongols, an Asian group with less representation compared to Thais, also have cultural diversity and a unique immigration history. Before the 1990s, there was minimal immigration of Mongolians to America. The initial immigrants to the United States were the Kalmyk Mongols, who are descendants of early Mongolians and belong to a nomadic and pastoral group.

During the seventeenth century, Western Mongols migrated from Central Asia to Russia. By 2000, it was reported that the Chicago area had the largest population of Mongolian Americans in the United States, with an estimated 500-700 individuals. Many of these Mongols are students who came for education and decided to stay because they found a more comfortable lifestyle compared to their demanding nomadic homeland. The mass migration of Vietnamese people to America started after the Vietnam War, with actual arrivals on American shores beginning in 1975.

The first wave of Vietnamese immigrants sought refuge from persecution by the victorious communists in their homeland. Despite ending up in impoverished urban areas, they swiftly formed resilient communities. While embracing American culture, Vietnamese Americans remain steadfast in retaining their traditional values of close-knit families and dedication to academic success.

Vietnamese Americans are playing increasingly significant roles in professional, managerial, and entrepreneurial positions, particularly in industries like high-tech and in regions such as Silicon Valley.

The Filipino community has a longstanding history in America, which dates back to the arrival of the first Filipinos on October 18, 1587. Initially, they were compelled to work for the Spanish primarily on their ships. In 1763, Filipinos established their initial permanent settlement in Louisiana's bayous and marshes. During the War of 1812, those residing near New Orleans fought against British forces.

The Filipino history in America commenced with the second major wave of Filipino immigration in 1906. Numerous Filipinos from this wave established themselves in California and Hawaii, and this trend persisted until 1934. Nonetheless, Spain's colonization of the Philippines concluded when it was sold to the United States for $20 million. This transaction signaled the conclusion of more than three centuries of Spanish colonization. Nevertheless, the Philippines found itself under American governance, which was perceived as having deceived the Filipino people.

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