Chinese Immigrants

Definition

Chinese immigrants were people from China who moved to the United States, particularly during the mid-19th century due to economic hardships in their homeland and opportunities presented by the California Gold Rush and construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Related terms

Gold Rush: A period of rapid migration to an area where gold has been discovered, such as California in 1848-1855, which attracted many Chinese immigrants seeking fortune.

Angel Island: The immigration station located in San Francisco Bay where many Asian immigrants, including those from China, were processed and often detained for long periods.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): A U.S. federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers.