The very first Chinese immigration in America began to pour into the air in the 19th century. Chinese immigrants worked as laborers in mining industries and on transcontinental road, meanwhile they endured racial discrimination. The industries were eager to get so cheap laborers but on the other hand the ordinary white public was quite angry by the presence of this “yellow peril”. They were tortured because they were like degraded race and “cheap Chinese labor” for Americans. The Chinese Exclusion act was proved temblor for Chinese at the same time. The act not only foreclosed new immigrations but also this act worked as salt on wounds of Chinese as the act prevented the reunion of families of thousands of Chinese. (“Anti-chinese USA- Racism & Discrimination from the onset”, 1)
1848 the Gold Rush: The very first, Chinese who arrived in San Francisco was from Canton. After a couple of months, a Chinese resident wrote to his close one’s in Canton, to inform that gold has been found in Shutter’s mill California nearby Sacramento River. After this incident as the news came in front of all, then in 1850s thousands of Chinese arrived in San Francisco. The media refer Chinese as immigrants of “Celestials” which is derived from “Son of Heaven”. (“Anti-chinese USA- Racism & Discrimination from the onset”, 1)
The great railroads 1860-1890: As stated earlier Chinese worked as laborers in many industries as well as they contributed their efforts in developing great railroads in between 1860s to 1890s.
Now, the poor activities of discrimination have been stopped and the alien land laws in many states have repealed. So, the overall experience of Chinese Americans in America was very awful. (“Anti-chinese USA- Racism & Discrimination from the onset”, 1)
Sources:
1. Keith Z. (2009). Anti-chinese USA- Racism & Discrimination from the onset. . April 2009. Retrieved from web. http://www.zakkeith.com/articles,blogs,forums/anti-Chinese-persecution-in-the-USA-history-timeline.htm
