IMMIGRANT VOICES
how to create a story
AIISF is pleased to present stories about the immigrant experience. As we celebrate 100 years of Pacific immigration from 1910 to 2010, these stories, which reflect diverse experiences in different eras, underscore the common desire for a better life held by all immigrants. These stories offer testimony to the perseverance, courage and tenacity of immigrants whose belief in the American ideals of freedom and justice was unshakable despite hardships and discrimination.
We invite you to share your immigrant story or about an immigrant you know in our growing web exhibition that will be read by people all over the world.
Read a Story | Tell Your Story |
Latest Story
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Quock, Jim (Wah Bo) : My Father Was a Paper Son by Steve Kwok Year of Arrival 1929 |
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From 1882 until December 1943, immigration restrictions, namely the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, made it nearly impossible for Chinese to immigrate to the United States. It was the only law in American history to deny citizenship or entry into the United States based upon a specific nationality. Only merchants, diplomats and sons of citizens were allowed into the U.S. During the 1920’s 30’s and 40’s many immigrants from China arrived in the United States with purchased citizenships. Those who utilized this method to enter the U.S. were known as “paper sons.” |