China's Varying Influence

         Chinese immigrants have faced incredibly anti-immigrant sentiments from the late 1800's until quite recently. Past anti-Chinese immigrant policies resembled closely the anti-immigrant policies we see today regarding Hispanic and Mexican immigrants. The varying policies concerning Chinese immigrants is reflected in their economic influence (positive or negative) and the general status of the U.S. economy.
         Past prejudices concerning Chinese immigrants were due mainly to the fact that the majority of citizens, although descended from immigrants themselves, believed that the onslought of Chinese immigrants were mostly uneducated and had very little money and would therefore take the jobs of true American citizens and they would negatively influence U.S. economy by needing monetary aid. The majority of immigrants sought to escape China and find future job and educational opportunities in the U.S; a brighter future. This is also supported by our modern day example of anti-immigrant policies concerning Hispanics. This is easily portrayed by our blame laid upon Hispanic immigrants suggesting that is is they who negatively impacted our economy by requiring tax-paying citizens to pay for their health services and by taking the jobs of 'true' American citizens. The argument is repetitive, though given to defend anti-immigrant policies regarding diverse ethnic groups.
        Presently, there are no anti-Chinese immigrant policies, however it is still exceedingly difficult to obtain a visa and even more problematic to obtain a green card/citizenship. Also, the face of 'typical' Chinese immigrant has changed and evolved over the course of 150 years. Currently the majority of Chinese immigrants are younger and obtain student visas. There are numerous undergraduate and graduate opportunities for immigrants, many of which (especially on this campus) are Chinese. This could be due to the encouragement they receive in school to study abroad or the fact that they often retain a higher quality education and are easily accepted into programs here. Also, as I have heard from a friend, U.S. graduate and medical programs are more respected worldwide and in China than the programs available in China. Although the face of Chinese immigrants have evolved, along with other ethnic groups I am sure, their general welcome in this country frequently reflects its economic state.


-past xenophobia and anti-immig policies (fluctuated)
-past economic influence
-now welcome if educated
-current economic influence
-now majority are students,  both undergrad and grad