Affidavit establishing the identity and nativity of Wong Kim c. 1889, Source: NARA
Chinese immigration to the United States is a complicated yet fascinating topic. I remember learning in high school that Chinese immigrants tended to come into the U.S. through Angel Island near San Francisco (as opposed to Ellis Island in N.Y.) and usually settled on the West Coast. At the time, that was about all I could tell you. Of course, as is typically the case, there is a lot more to the story than that.
There were about 3.8 million Chinese Americans living in the United States a decade ago, according to the 2010 Census, and about 4.9 million in 2015. The number of Chinese Americans in the U.S. has grown dramatically in the last few decades, and China is now one of the top "sending countries" to the United States.
When did Chinese immigration to the United States begin?
Chinese persons began coming to the United States in large numbers in the mid-19th century. Many of the immigrants came from the Guangdong province in Southeast China, which was experiencing an economic crisis. China was also experiencing instability, as conflict such as the Taiping Rebellion created unsafe living conditions.
The growth of the railroad industry in the 1800s created a demand for labor. Chinese men came, usually by themselves, to work as manual laborers for railroads, mines, and other industries. The labor of Chinese immigrants was absolutely crucial to the success of the railroad industry. The gold rush also contributed to the influx of Chinese into the United States, as many men sought to find their fortunes in the mountains of California.
In the late 1800s, however, that all changed. As the U.S. experienced economic hard times in the 1870s, anti-immigrant sentiment rose. Racism and the growing power of unions led to the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. This legislation barred all immigration to the United States. It wasn't fully repealed until 1965.
Immigrants detained at Angel Island, c. 1915. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
What has spurred more recent Chinese immigration?
Even though the U.S. began allowing Chinese immigrants into the country in 1965, things on the other side of the Pacific Ocean weren't quite as open. The Chinese government was very strict about letting people leave the country. The Communist Party relaxed emigration restrictions in 1978 and a wave of Chinese immigration to the U.S. began soon after.
The initial surge was due to college students and professionals fleeing the repressive Communist government of China, and more recent waves have been labeled a "brain drain." Well-educated and affluent Chinese citizens are coming to the United States in higher numbers, often in search of better, and more liberal, education for their children. According to the Pew Research Center, Asian Americans represent the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. A significant chunk of that growth is due to immigration from China.
Chinese Culture in the United States
Chinese Americans have made significant contributions to the United States over the last few centuries. In addition to their critical role in the development of the transcontinental railroad, Chinese Americans have helped shape American society with their contributions to the economic, political, and cultural life of the United States.
During early booms in Chinese immigration, ethnic enclaves known as "Chinatowns" became features in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco and New York. Chinatowns were places that Chinese immigrants could feel more secure and connected in a world that was often hostile toward them. They also contributed to America's love of Chinese fast food. Chinatowns were home to Chinese run businesses, such as laundries and restaurants.
Much of the Chinese food we enjoy in the United States has been adapted to American tastes, but has origins in the Guangdong (Canton) province. Cantonese food includes dishes like dumplings, pork buns, fried rice, and "sweet and sour" meats. Other influences, like spicy Szechuan dishes, have made their way onto American menus as well.
In addition to collective contributions, individual Chinese Americans have made significant contributions to American life. The architect I.M. Pei, for instance, revolutionized modern American architecture. Actor Bruce Lee helped to popularize kung fu and other martial arts. The student Maya Ling Yin famously designed the Vietnam War memorial in Washington, D.C. In more recent years, Chinese American tech pioneers like Steve Chen (YouTube) have contributed to the connected world we have today.
Chinese Americans continue to play an important role in shaping the social fabric and future of the United States. Do you have Chinese heritage? Tell us about your family's immigration story in comments!
References: PRI: The World and Migration Policy Institute