9.1 Major ethnic subgroups and their histories

Asian America is a tapestry of diverse ethnicities, each with its own unique history and immigration story. From early Chinese laborers to recent Indian tech workers, these groups have shaped the Asian American experience in profound ways.

US immigration policies have played a crucial role in this story. From exclusionary laws to more open policies post-1965, these changes have dramatically impacted the size, composition, and experiences of Asian American communities across the country.

Asian Ethnic Subgroups in the US

Major Asian American Groups

Top images from around the web for Major Asian American Groups

• 

  History of Asian Americans - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Imagining America » Yellow Peril in the U.S.: Legacy of The Chinese Exclusion act and analysis ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Asian immigration to the United States - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  History of Asian Americans - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Imagining America » Yellow Peril in the U.S.: Legacy of The Chinese Exclusion act and analysis ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Major Asian American Groups

• 

  History of Asian Americans - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Imagining America » Yellow Peril in the U.S.: Legacy of The Chinese Exclusion act and analysis ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Asian immigration to the United States - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  History of Asian Americans - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Imagining America » Yellow Peril in the U.S.: Legacy of The Chinese Exclusion act and analysis ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Chinese Americans originate primarily from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan representing one of the largest and oldest Asian American communities in the US
• Filipino Americans trace their roots to the Philippines constituting the second-largest Asian American group
• Indian Americans originating from India are the third-largest Asian American group and one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities
• Vietnamese Americans predominantly from Vietnam form a significant Southeast Asian community in the US
• Korean Americans with origins in both South and North Korea have established a notable presence in American society
• Japanese Americans primarily from Japan have a long and complex history in the US dating back to the late 19th century

Other Significant Asian American Subgroups

• Cambodian Americans fled political turmoil and genocide in Cambodia during the 1970s and 1980s
• Hmong Americans originate from Laos and immigrated as refugees following the Vietnam War
• Laotian Americans came to the US as refugees after the communist takeover of Laos in 1975
• Thai Americans immigrated for various reasons including education, employment, and marriage to US citizens
• Pakistani Americans have diverse immigration histories including professionals, students, and family reunification
• Bangladeshi Americans began immigrating in larger numbers after Bangladesh's independence in 1971
• Indonesian Americans represent a smaller but growing community with diverse immigration motivations

Immigration History of Asian Americans

Early Immigration Waves

• Chinese immigration began in the mid-19th century driven by economic opportunities during the California Gold Rush (1848-1855) and railroad construction (Transcontinental Railroad)
• Japanese immigration started in the late 19th century primarily for agricultural work in Hawaii and California
• Filipino immigration was influenced by American colonization of the Philippines with early waves arriving as US nationals for agricultural work (Hawaii sugar plantations) and military service
• Indian immigration occurred in distinct phases with early arrivals in the late 19th century as laborers in the Western United States

Post-1965 Immigration

• Vietnamese immigration surged after the Vietnam War (1975) primarily as refugees fleeing political persecution and economic hardship
• Korean immigration increased significantly after the Korean War (1950-1953) driven by political instability economic opportunities and family reunification policies
• Indian immigration expanded with professionals and students entering after the 1965 Immigration Act
• Southeast Asian immigration including Cambodian Hmong and Laotian communities largely resulted from refugee resettlement following conflicts in their home countries during the 1970s and 1980s (Cambodian genocide, Secret War in Laos)

Immigration Experiences of Asian Ethnic Subgroups

Early Settlement Patterns

• Early Chinese and Japanese immigrants predominantly settled on the West Coast working in agriculture mining and railroad construction while facing significant racial discrimination and exclusionary laws
• Filipino Americans initially concentrated in Hawaii and California for agricultural work later dispersing more widely across the United States due to naval service and healthcare professions
• Japanese Americans faced forced relocation and internment during World War II which disrupted established communities and led to more dispersed settlement patterns post-war

Contemporary Settlement Trends

• Indian Americans have typically settled in urban areas with high-tech industries and universities reflecting their immigration as skilled professionals and students (Silicon Valley, New York, Chicago)
• Vietnamese Cambodian and Hmong refugees were often initially resettled in various locations across the United States through government programs leading to more dispersed communities
• Korean Americans have established significant enclaves in major urban areas often centered around small businesses and ethnic economies (Koreatown in Los Angeles)
• More recent immigrant groups such as Bangladeshi and Pakistani Americans have tended to concentrate in major metropolitan areas with existing South Asian communities and economic opportunities (New York City, Houston)

Impact of US Immigration Policies on Asian Americans

Exclusionary Policies

• The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely restricted Chinese immigration for decades shaping the demographic composition and experiences of Chinese Americans
• The Immigration Act of 1924 effectively banned all Asian immigration except for Filipinos who were US nationals profoundly affecting the growth and development of Asian American communities
• The McCarran-Walter Act of 1952 allowed limited Asian immigration slightly easing restrictions but maintaining national origin quotas that favored European immigration

Liberalization of Immigration Laws

• The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished national origin quotas leading to increased immigration from Asia and dramatically changing the demographic landscape of Asian America
• The Refugee Act of 1980 standardized resettlement services for refugees significantly impacting the experiences of Southeast Asian refugees from Vietnam Cambodia and Laos
• Family reunification policies have played a crucial role in shaping the growth and composition of various Asian American communities particularly after the 1965 Immigration Act

Contemporary Immigration Policies

• The H-1B visa program has influenced the influx of skilled professionals from countries like India contributing to the growth of Indian American communities in tech hubs
• The diversity visa lottery has promoted the immigration of individuals from underrepresented countries diversifying Asian immigrant populations (Bangladeshi, Nepali immigrants)
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has provided temporary relief to some Asian immigrants from countries experiencing ongoing conflicts or natural disasters (Nepal, Burma)