A Study of Asian American Issues in the United States - Nicoline Pedersen - Krista Celo - Eden Stilman - Seren Ventullo

1892 The Geary Act extended the exclusion laws another ten years. In Hawaii, Chinese immigration was virtually prohibited. 1888 The Scott Act forbade laborers who had returned to China to reenter the United States unless they had wives, children, parents, or property.

Chinese entered the United States through the Angel Island Immigration Station and were subjected to long interrogations and humiliating medical examinations. Medical examinations were performed with the intent of identifying "oriental diseases." Such inspections stem from the recurring stereotype that the Chinese population was unsanitary and primitive.

1910-40

1917

The Immigration Act of 1917 prohibited the entry of all people in Asiatic barred zones.

1924

The Immigration Act of 1924 limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the US through a national origins quota.

1943

Congress passed a measure to repeal the discriminatory exclusion laws against Chinese immigrants and establish an immigration quota for China of roughly 105 visas per year.

The COVID-19 pandemic that presumably originated in Wuhan, China has subjected Asians and people of Asian descent to violence, threats, racial abuse, and other forms of discrimination. President Trump's reiteration of COVID-19 as the "Chinese Virus" perpetuates anti-Asian sentiments by attaching a sense blame to the Chinese population.

2020

Historical and contemporary Chinese maltreatment lends credence to a westernized proclivity for adhering to the Orientalism-War pillar of white supremacy (as defined by Andrea Smith), in that individuals who fail to fit the default white race are designated as "other" and pose a constant threat to the well-being of the empire. Previous events evidently convey the abuse the Chinese population has endured as a result of their perceived threat. COVID-19 has only enhanced Chinese xenophobia. Nonetheless, Chinese oppression is largely unacknowledged by individuals who project notions such as the "model minority" myth. The enhancement of anti-Chinese sentiments following COVID-19, in addition to prior inequity/abuse, render the Chinese population deserving of attention/reform towards their struggle.

“Oriental Civilization was incompatible with the U.S. and threatened to corrupt the nation."

ER I KA L EE

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