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Chinese Immigrants in 1800s America: Against All Odds
Introduction
What has come to be known as the “American Model Minority” in recent years has a long history of
struggle and hard work in search of the American dream. The Chinese community in the United
States traces its initial footsteps in the country to the first immigrants in the early 1800s. Their
history can be traced through three major waves of immigration: the 19th century wave of
transcontinental railroad and Californian gold rush laborers, the 1940-80 naturalization of Chinese
Immigrants residing in the United State and the passage of the Immigration and National Services
Act of 1965, the third and final wave is quite recent beginning in 1980 and onwards including
students and professional immigrants as well illegal immigrants.
Noting these waves of immigration is important to understanding the width and depth
of the Chinese community settlement in the United States. However, this paper will concern itself
with the initial wave of 1800s Chinese immigration in search of economic opportunities in the
booming American economy. It will explore the challenges of racial discrimination against the
Chinese labelled the ‘yellow-peril’ and how these challenges have shaped the Chinese community’s
status in the U.S today. It seeks to highlight how, against all odds, the Chinese played a key role in
building America through hard work, consequently launching themselves to prosperity.
A Ship Arrives In San Francisco
Name:
Course:
Instructor:
Date:
Chinese Immigrants in 1800s America: Against All Odds
Introduction
What has come to be known as the “American Model Minority” in recent years has a long history of
struggle and hard work in search of the American dream. The Chinese community in the United
States traces its initial footsteps in the country to the first immigrants in the early 1800s. Their
history can be traced through three major waves of immigration: the 19th century wave of
transcontinental railroad and Californian gold rush laborers, the 1940-80 naturalization of Chinese
Immigrants residing in the United State and the passage of the Immigration and National Services
Act of 1965, the third and final wave is quite recent beginning in 1980 and onwards including
students and professional immigrants as well illegal immigrants.
Noting these waves of immigration is important to understanding the width and depth
of the Chinese community settlement in the United States. However, this paper will concern itself
with the initial wave of 1800s Chinese immigration in search of economic opportunities in the
booming American economy. It will explore the challenges of racial discrimination against the
Chinese labelled the ‘yellow-peril’ and how these challenges have shaped the Chinese community’s
status in the U.S today. It seeks to highlight how, against all odds, the Chinese played a key role in
building America through hard work, consequently launching themselves to prosperity.
A Ship Arrives In San Francisco
