Why Chinese People Came To The United States | AJ+

Summary

This video explores the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, spanning over 150 years. It covers four key periods, from the early immigrants fleeing political unrest and seeking economic opportunities in the 1850s, to the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and later waves driven by famine, persecution, and political upheaval. The video also highlights the role of the Civil Rights Movement and China’s economic boom, shifting the reasons for emigration from poverty to economic opportunities. It paints a rich picture of the evolving Chinese-American experience shaped by diverse backgrounds and motivations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chinese immigration to the U.S. has been happening for over 150 years, driven by the pursuit of economic opportunities, escaping political unrest, and seeking higher education.
• 😀 The first wave of Chinese immigrants in the 1850s was largely influenced by political instability in China and the discovery of gold in California, with many working on the Transcontinental Railroad.
• 😀 Discrimination and violence against Chinese immigrants led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which restricted Chinese immigration for many years.
• 😀 World War II played a pivotal role in changing U.S. immigration laws, leading to the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the introduction of a small immigration quota for Chinese people in 1945.
• 😀 Following World War II, the Chinese-American community began to develop as the U.S. allowed war brides and their children to join Chinese men already in the country.
• 😀 In the 1950s and 1960s, Mao's policies, including the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, caused widespread famine and political persecution, prompting many intellectuals and citizens to flee China.
• 😀 The U.S. Civil Rights Movement and the Immigration Act of 1965 led to the end of race-based quotas, allowing greater Chinese immigration, especially from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China.
• 😀 The Chinese-American population grew significantly from the 1950s to the 1980s, shifting from blue-collar workers to white-collar professionals.
• 😀 The Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 led to an influx of Chinese students seeking permanent residency in the U.S., and the introduction of the EB-5 visa program to attract wealthy investors.
• 😀 By the 2000s, China's economic boom shifted immigration patterns, as many Chinese immigrants sought opportunities for a better quality of life, including cleaner air, food, and water, rather than escaping poverty or persecution.

Q & A

Why did Chinese immigrants first come to the United States in the 1850s?

Chinese immigrants first came to the United States in the 1850s to pursue economic opportunities, escape political instability, and seek better jobs, particularly after the discovery of gold in California and the need for labor to build the Transcontinental Railroad.

What led to the first wave of Chinese immigration to the U.S. in the 1850s?

The first wave of Chinese immigration to the U.S. was driven by political instability in China, including the Taiping Rebellion and the Opium Wars, as well as economic opportunities in California, particularly in gold mining and railroad construction.

How did the United States respond to the influx of Chinese immigrants in the 1800s?

The U.S. responded to the influx of Chinese immigrants with discrimination and violence. White laborers felt threatened by the competition for jobs, leading to attacks on Chinese communities, the burning of Chinatowns, lynchings, and the passing of racially targeted laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act, and why was it significant?

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first U.S. law that restricted immigration based on race, specifically targeting Chinese immigrants. It was significant because it legally barred Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. and severely limited Chinese immigration for decades.

How did World War II affect Chinese immigration to the U.S.?

During World War II, despite China being an ally of the U.S. against Japan, the Chinese Exclusion Act remained in place. After the war, the U.S. repealed the law, recognizing the irony of fighting alongside Chinese soldiers while denying entry to their families, though immigration was still severely limited by a small annual quota.

What changes occurred in Chinese immigration after the Immigration Act of 1965?

The Immigration Act of 1965 abolished racial quotas and allowed for a larger and more diverse group of Chinese immigrants to come to the U.S. This included many from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China, with a significant number coming to study in U.S. universities.

What were the main factors pushing Chinese people to emigrate in the 1950s and 1960s?

The main push factors during the 1950s and 1960s were Mao Zedong's policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which caused widespread famine, persecution of intellectuals, and violent political purges, leading many Chinese to flee for safety and opportunity abroad.

How did the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 influence Chinese immigration to the U.S.?

The Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, where Chinese students and protesters were violently suppressed, led to over 70,000 Chinese students receiving permanent residency in the U.S. as part of a refugee program in response to the crackdown.

What is the EB-5 visa program, and how did it impact Chinese immigration?

The EB-5 visa program, introduced in 1990, allowed foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, to gain U.S. residency by making a significant business investment. It became more popular as China’s economy grew, providing wealthy individuals with an avenue to emigrate to the U.S.

How has the economic transformation in China since the 1990s affected immigration patterns?

Since the 1990s, China's rapid economic growth has reduced the push factors for emigration, as many people now find greater economic opportunities at home. However, the desire for better air quality, education, and business opportunities has still driven some wealthier Chinese to seek a better life in the U.S.