Early Emigration & Immigration in the International Context

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms and key concepts related to early Asian immigration to the U.S., their experiences, and the sociopolitical context surrounding these events.

Exclusion

A policy of the U.S. aimed at limiting immigration of specific ethnic groups, exemplified by laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Sojourners

Temporary migrants who intended to work and return to their home countries, primarily referring to early Chinese immigrants.

Chain Migration

Patterns of migration where individuals follow the paths of previous migrants, typically within family or community networks.

Gentlemen’s Agreement

Diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Japan in 1907-1908 to limit Japanese immigration while allowing families of Japanese residents to join them.

Nisei

American-born children of Japanese immigrants, especially significant during the pre-WWII era.

Push Factors

Conditions that drive people to leave their home country, such as economic instability, political oppression, or natural disasters.

Pull Factors

Conditions in the destination country that attract migrants, including labor demand and perceived opportunities.

Immigrant Agency

The capacity of migrants to make conscious and proactive decisions regarding their migration despite external pressures.

Double Layer of Oppression

The combination of discrimination by both white working-class individuals and exploitation by capitalists against Asian immigrants.

Orientalism

A concept reflecting Western depictions and perceptions of Eastern cultures as exotic, inferior, or 'other.'