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Transcontinental Railroad
The Chinese immigrants, almost 95% male, also worked on the Transcontinental Railroad in the later 1800’s. By agreeing to lower-paying wages than other workers, and by enduring the rough and dangerous working conditions. -
Anti-Chinese violence
With the completion of the railroad and end of the gold strikes, Chinese immigrants became targets of a decade-long wave of violence and discrimination in western cities such as Los Angeles. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
The U.S. Congress passed The Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, riding the popular anti-Chinese fervor and fear of overpopulation by the Chinese. This is a major turning point for America, which had previously welcomed all immigrants, but was closing the door to Chinese laborers. -
United States v. Ju Toy
The 1905 Supreme Court case United States v. Ju Toy established the Department of Commerce and Labor as the final level of appeal and due process for immigrants and returning travelers claiming United States citizenship. -
San Francisco Earthquake and Paper Sons
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the citywide fire that resulted destroyed many immigration records and gave leeway for Chinese to bring others from China into America. With no records available.