Asian American History Part 1

1. History of Asian Americans - Introduction:

AANHPI

AANHPI stands for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It includes many different ethnic and cultural groups who have diverse linguistic, social, and historical backgrounds. They are also the fastest-growing population group in the U.S., and many are foreign-born.

Monolithic group

This is the (incorrect) idea that Asian Americans are all the same or one single, uniform group. The PPT challenges this idea by showing there are many differences in culture, language, geography, and history among Asian American communities.

Pan-ethnic identity

A pan-ethnic identity brings multiple ethnic groups together under a shared label, in this case “Asian American.” Even though groups are different (ex: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Korean), they are socially categorized together for political, demographic, or social reasons.

Asian Americans (Asian Indians, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, southeast Asians)

Asian Americans are a diverse group including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Asian Indians, Filipinos, Koreans, and others. They differ in immigration history, education, English ability, jobs, and challenges. Examples:

• Asian Indians: 2nd largest group; immigration restricted until 1946; many arrived after 1965 with professional skills.

• Filipino Americans: 3rd largest group; connected to U.S. through Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars; immigration waves include workers, veterans, and professionals.

• Korean Americans: Immigration in 3 waves; large arrivals after 1965; cultural conflicts and the “1.5 generation.”

• Southeast Asians: Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, Hmong; many came as refugees after 1975; faced language barriers and downward mobility.

Luce-Celler Act (1946)

A law that allowed Asian Indians and Filipino immigrants to enter the U.S. legally and become naturalized citizens for the first time. It ended earlier laws that excluded them and set a quota for limited immigration.

Spanish-American War (1898)

A war between the U.S. and Spain. After the war, Spain gave the Philippines to the U.S. through the Treaty of Paris, which led to U.S. control over the Philippines.

Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

A conflict that happened after the U.S. annexed the Philippines. Filipinos resisted U.S. rule, and the war lasted until 1902. This history shaped Filipino migration and their status under U.S. rule.

Ilchomose, “1.5 generation”

A term referring to Korean Americans who immigrated young. They are “between” cultures—born in Korea but raised in the U.S. They often experience cultural conflict and adjust to both identities.

Vietnamese Boat People

Vietnamese refugees who fled by sea after 1975 because of violence and persecution. About 135,000 left immediately, and over a million more followed. Many struggled with language, employment, and resettlement.

“G-k syndrome”

A term used by sociologist David Riesman to describe American hostility and negative attitudes toward Southeast Asian refugees after the Vietnam War (they did not see them as people), including opposition to accepting refugees.

Chain immigration

A pattern where one immigrant settles first and then helps relatives migrate later, creating waves of immigration. This is common among Asian American communities.

Sometimes they even marry someone whom they have never met, arranged from eg. Japan.

Immigration (data, statistics)

Asian immigration has grown quickly:

• 2010–2020: +36% increase in Asian population

• Asians are the only group mostly foreign-born

• Lawful permanent resident status dropped by 41% (2016–2020)

Demographic (data: education, income, employment, health insurance, housing, voting)

• High education level (55% have a bachelor’s or higher)

• Income varies by group; some above national average, others below poverty line (Japan is above, Bhutanese lowest)

• Employment: concentrated in professional jobs but face “bamboo ceiling” barriers

• Health insurance: uneven by national origin, many rely on private insurance

• Lower political participation due to historical discrimination and language barriers

Ethnic enclaves

Neighborhoods where one ethnic group is concentrated. They support new immigrants with language, jobs, and community (ex: Korean rotating credit associations kye).

Model minority (myth, stereotype)

A stereotype that Asian Americans are successful, hardworking, and achieve the “American Dream” without support or even being disadvantaged. The PPT explains that it is a myth that ignores discrimination, uneven experiences, and social needs. It can be used to blame minorities and exclude Asians from programs.

Yellow peril

A historic racist idea portraying Asians as a threat to Western society. It fueled opposition to immigration and continues today through racial profiling and violence (ex: Wen Ho Lee, post-9/11 attacks, COVID-19 hate crimes).

Bamboo ceiling

An extension of the “glass ceiling” concept referring to the invisible barriers that prevent Asian Americans from reaching top leadership positions, despite high education and professional achievement. In the context of Chinese and Japanese Americans, it reflects stereotypes (e.g., passive, non-leadership-oriented) that limit advancement in management, politics, and corporate leadership.