Asians Immigrants in the American Population - Essay Example

1 As much as the Americans and the Asians are seen as one group in America, there lies some significant difficulty for the Chinese and the Japanese immigrants in getting assimilated in the American population. Both the Chinese and the Japanese migrated to America in the 19th century and were absorbed in the labor industry. The immigrants worked in the mines and construction of railway. In the mid 20th century, the Chinese and Japanese immigrants were not allowed in America. This was as a result of racial discrimination, education levels and economic reasons. Other immigrants of Asian origin were as a result of marriage. Some women had been married by Americans during the Second World War. The Chinese fled from China from Communism and settled in various towns such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston. Their immigration was in line with the 1965 act, which lessened the restrictions on Asian immigration. Most of them enrolled for education and worked their way up the social ladder. The Asian Exclusion Act had prevented the immigration of Asians laborers. The social mobility is also associated with their economic development within the ethnic group. Geographically, the Chinese immigrants are known to be settled in peculiar China towns in the American society. New immigrants often join them and continue living in ethnic groups. Chinese tradition is upheld and often consulted for dispute settlement and provision of moral guidelines. A portion of the Chinese immigrant is illiterate.   The Japanese immigrants are spread within the American society. They engaged in business beyond their ethnic group and obtained higher level of education. They immigrants have values which go along with the American values such as respect, hard work and politeness. Education is given importance and most of the Japanese immigrants are literate. A large number of the immigrants have professional education or technical skills in specific field. Creating and maintaining relationships is significant hence they use such relationships to form business groups. It can be argued that they have integrated in the American society. California enacted a bill that restricted Japanese immigrants. Those who were contracted as laborers were able to become proprietors and they seemed to be a threat, thus foreigners were forbid from owning land. Asians and other immigrants took the place of the minority. Immigrants were required to poses a passport. Obtaining citizenship was a challenge and many remained as non-citizens. Restrictions on contracted laborers were enacted to secure employment for the American citizens. They could not vote or have any political representation. Many lived in fear of deportation. Those who needed services from the justice system feared being denied the services because of their race and stereotypes. Notions such as Americans against them (Asians) were common. There were restrictions that that required the immigrants to obtain a certain level of literacy. Asian immigrants are one of the fastest groups of immigrants with majority obtaining education and securing high income. They have maintained their identity and cultural values. The Immigrants remained few in number until the end of the Second World War. 2 Immigration patterns have been influences by the American stance after the Second World War. American foreign policy on immigration has been encouraging supremacy and global leadership and disassociating with isolation. The war brides act and the Lece Celler Act allowed the women engaged and married by Americans to immigrate. The act allowed a specific number of people in a year. Other immigrants who were refugees of war were also allowed. They gained citizenship and could seek for employment and enroll for education. After the Second World War, many immigrants were absorbed in the labor industry. Many of the women who had been called to join in the war returned to their homes while others remained. Many immigrants worked their way up the social ladder by enrolling for education and seeking employment. They continued to migrate despite the racism and ethnicity that was rampant. Although matters that concerned the immigrants were not given equal importance with the others, the immigrants slowly gained confidence and strength to make an effort of excelling in all they pursued. Cases of attacks and oppression related to racism and ethnicity were common. In the present day, cases of ethnicity and racism are given high importance. Racism and ethnicity is highly discouraged. In 1998, the Displaced persons act which was stipulated enabled more immigrants to settle in America. It was clear that immigration was restricted based on national origin as well as race. The immigrants were quickly growing in numbers and would remain a threat to the America population. Most of them obtained education and could compete for professional and high ranking professions. Migration was also facilitated by colonial ties and the quest for economic development. Consequently new ties were created and America lifted the restriction on immigration. The American society has a large number of immigrants than before. The restrictions have been lessened to accommodate the American foreign policy as a global leader. Initiatives to eliminate racism and ethnicity have been given consideration. However, cases of ethnicity and racism are common. The Chinese live in commonly referred to as China towns in different states and remain close. The Chinese population is very large and the number of growing children is believed to be very high. School enrolment for the immigrants is also very high with a number of them pursuing professional and well paying employment opportunities. Female immigrants increased after the Second World War. Furthermore, more skilled and educated immigrants seeking for occupation migrated to America. A large number of immigrants originated from the developing countries. Asians immigrants in the present often arrive to pursue further education, seek business opportunities and get employment. The number of Asian families is also high while some have become fully assimilated in the American Society. Additionally, the Asians have played a role in the political scene with some running for political positions in various states. They have also gained citizenship in large numbers and have been able to participate in politics. America is characterized by a multicultural society with those previously considered the minority becoming the majority. In an attempt to eliminate racial discrimination, the school curriculum incorporates studies that enable students learn the different cultures. Read More