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When did the Chinese begin immigrating to the United States? |
The first big rush of Asian immigrants was during the Gold rush to work in the mines. However, this was not the end of their migration. Many people are aware of Ellis Island over in New York but few people remember the other immigration island, Angel Island. This Island welcomed people from the Asia and Pacific Regions of the world. It was a very important spot for many Asian-Pacific Americans.
Although people from Asia and the Pacific were coming to the United States in large sums, they were not always treated nicely or even welcomed into the States. Many different acts were implemented to hinder the immigration of many Asians. The first act was the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. This act did not let the Chinese come to the States and in many cases, people began creating "paper families" meaning only on paper were they related. The Scott Act in 1888 was the next act that did not permit Chinese laborers back into the States. To follow this act was the Geary Act in 1892. This act made it required that Chinese Americans carry certificates stating their residence. The Gentleman's agreement was very similar to that of the acts implemented on the Chinese but instead, this agreement focused on the Japanese. To follow in 1905 was the Asiatic Exclusion League whose goal was to limit immigration from Asia. |