6 angel island
TRANSCRIPT
Increasing Increasing Restrictions for Restrictions for
ImmigrationImmigration
For What Reasons Were For What Reasons Were Immigrants Disliked by Immigrants Disliked by
Natives?Natives?1.Took jobs
worked for less money
2. Supported political machines seen as corrupt – guilt by association
3. FEAR of difference didn’t understand new cultures
4. FEAR of change in the U.S. didn’t want them to gain political
power
Angel Island (off coast of (off coast of San Fran)San Fran)
Admin
Hospital
Detention
Employee cottages
“In 1905, construction of an
Immigration Station began in the area known as China Cove. Surrounded by public controversy from its inception, the station was finally put into operation in 1910. Although it was billed as the "Ellis Island of the West", within the Immigration Service it was known as "The Guardian of the Western Gate”.
This facility was primarily a detention center.
When opened in 1910, new detention facility on Angel Island considered ideal because of its isolation.
buildings to house and care for detainees a pier regular boat service to mainland Until 1940, entry for most Chinese immigrants
approximately 175,000 came to Angel IslandAverage detention = 2-3 weeks many stayed for several months few forced to remain for nearly 2 yrs
Pictures
NATIVISMNATIVISM is reborn:is reborn:Preference towards American born Preference towards American born
people over immigrantspeople over immigrants
1. Groups (Immigration Restriction League & Know Nothings) worked to keep immigrants out of political office through:Poll taxesLiteracy tests
2. Anti-Asian Acts were passed
Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)• Prohibited Chinese from entering
U.S. for 10 yrs• Extended for another 10 years, then
indefinitely• Few exceptions = 105 per year
entered• Repealed in 1943…
• during WWII (Allies)
Gentleman’s Agreement (1907-8)• Fear of “Yellow Peril”
– Russo-Japanese War• Japanese not issued passports
unless had been to U.S. or had relatives here
• 1907: 30,000 1909: 3,000
Alien Land Law (1913)• Asians couldn’t be citizens and
couldn’t own land • Reduced economic and political power• i.e – couldn’t vote or be protected by
the Constitution
References:
• The Americans History Textbook• http://www.angelisland.org/
immigr02.html