Early Emigration & Immigration: Three Waves of Asian Immigration to the US

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key terms and concepts related to the early waves of Asian immigration to the United States.

Three Waves of Asian Immigration

Period from 1850-1924 marked by significant labor migration from Asian countries, focusing on Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, South Asians, and Filipinos.

Chinese Exclusion Act

A federal law enacted in 1882 that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States.

Sojourners

Temporary workers who migrate with the intention of returning to their home country after earning money.

Family Ties in Immigration

Immigration eligibility in the post-1965 era primarily determined by family relationships and professional qualifications.

Chain Migration

The process by which immigrants follow family or community members to a new country, leading to an increased immigrant population.

Labor Migration

Movement of workers to where they are needed for jobs, often in search of better economic opportunities.

Push Factors

Conditions in a migrant's home country that drive them to leave, such as political unrest or economic hardship.

Nisei

Second-generation Japanese Americans born in the United States.

Picture Brides

Women who immigrated as spouses to Japanese men in the US, often through arranged photograph exchanges.

Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in China from 1850 to 1864, which contributed to increased emigration.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, impacting migration flows.

American Missionaries

Individuals who promoted the migration of Koreans to Hawaii for labor on sugar plantations.

Gentlemen's Agreement

An informal arrangement between the US and Japan that limited Japanese immigration in exchange for fair treatment of Japanese immigrants already in the US.

Tydings-McDuffie Act

A 1934 law that provided for Filipino independence after ten years but effectively limited Filipino immigration to the US.

Racism & Nativism

Attitudes and policies that discriminate against immigrants and promote a preference for native-born citizens.

Agricultural Labor

Work related to farming and cultivation that became a primary field for many Asian immigrants.

Surplus Labor Force

An excess of workers available in a particular sector due to economic changes, prompting migration.

Economic Opportunities

The availability of jobs and the potential for higher wages that attract immigrants.

Canton System

A trade policy enacted during the Qing Dynasty that limited foreign commerce to the port of Canton.

Exclusionist Policies

Immigration laws that aimed to restrict certain groups from entering the United States, often based on race.