Arab American Immigrants

992 Words4 Pages
The similarities and differences between the Chinese American and Arab American immigrant experience contribute to their ability to influence American society, while never being recognized as truly American. At one point in American history, both of groups of people were denied naturalization based on racial discrimination. This racial discrimination may not be as severe as it is today but it is still what stops them from becoming American. Although they were not seen as “American”, the Chinese and Arab immigrant population has made strides to become as American as possible. Arab Americans migrated to the United States in two waves; from the 1870s to World War II and Arab Israeli War to present. The first wave of Arab immigrants came from…show more content…
The Chinese initially came to the United States to partake in the Gold Rush during the 1840s.(Wei) After the Gold Rush ran its course and eventually died out, the Chinese needed a new line of work. Chinese immigrants took up the mantle to become the largest work force behind the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The transcontinental railroad is one of the many contributions the Chinese have made to the United States’ economy and society. The Chinese’s immense contribution to the American economy ultimately led to nationwide discrimination. By the end of the 19th century, Chinese immigration numbers decreased due to the Chinese Exclusion act. In 1880, the total number of Chinese immigrants in the United States was 384,000. (Hooper and Batalova) According to the 1890 decennial census, the Chinese-born resident population barely exceeded 100,000 after the Chinese exclusion act was passed. The number decreased so much in such a short amount of time because Chinese Immigrants in the United States were returning to China rather than staying. The lack of incoming immigrants and increasing number of immigrants leaving the United States nearly halted Chinese migration to the United…show more content…
This is largely reflected by giving their children western first names to appear more American. The Chinese lived in cultural ghettos such as Chinatown in San Francisco or New York. This created a paradox for many Chinese Americans because they want to be seen as American yet they hold on to their cultural ties because they live in a ghetto. That is one of the many reasons why it is difficult for Chinese immigrants to be viewed as American. Recently, Arab Americans are loosely associated with terrorist organizations which further creates a wedge between Arab immigrants and the American people. Media coverage also promotes the wedge by associating the terrorists with a specific race. Despite the vast accomplishments of Arab Americans, American’s have trouble fully accepting that Arab Americans are ,in fact, American. This stereotype makes it difficult for Arab Americans whose families have been here for more than a century to be recognized as truly
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