Early Emigration & Immigration: Asian Immigration Waves to the US

This set of flashcards includes vocabulary terms and definitions related to the early waves of Asian immigration to the United States, capturing key concepts from the lecture notes.

Three Waves of Asian Immigration to the US

The periods of significant migration of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, South Asians, and Filipinos between 1850-1965.

Exclusion

The policy in the US, exemplified by the Chinese Exclusion Act, which sought to limit or stop immigration from specific countries, particularly targeting Asian immigrants.

Sojourners

Temporary migrants who typically intend to work and return home rather than settle permanently.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

The first significant law in the US that restricted immigration based on ethnicity, specifically preventing Chinese laborers from entering.

Japanese Gentlemen's Agreement (1907-1908)

An informal agreement between the US and Japan that limited Japanese immigration without outright banning it, focusing on family reunification.

National Origins Act (1924)

A US immigration law that established quotas limiting immigration from various countries, effectively excluding most Asians.

Filipino Migration (1906-1934)

Migration phase in which Filipinos came to the US as colonial nationals under US rule, primarily for labor demands.

Labor Migration

The movement of people primarily for employment opportunities.

Push Factors

Negative conditions in a home country that drive residents to migrate away from it.

Pull Factors

Positive aspects of a destination country that attract migrants.

Racial Nativism

A belief or policy favoring the interests of native-born or established inhabitants over those of immigrants.

Transpacific Migration

The flow of people, goods, and capital between Asia and the US, especially during periods of imperialism.

Asian Labor as 'Cheap Labor'

The classification of Asian immigrants as a source of inexpensive labor crucial to the development of industries in the US.

Economic Displacement

A condition where individuals or entire communities must migrate due to economic pressures, such as lack of jobs or resources.

Chain Migration

A migration pattern where individuals from a certain area follow previous migrants to a new area, often family members.

Double Layer of Oppression

The concept that Asian immigrants face discrimination both from capitalist exploitation and prejudice from white workers.

Ethnic Solidarity

The unity among members of an ethnic group, often essential in advocating for rights and support in immigrant communities.

Settlement Patterns

The formations of communities created by immigrants based on ethnic background, economic needs, and social ties.