-
Period: to
1860-1914 Immigration Movemnet
-
Why are we Immigrating?
My Brother has already moved to “the New world” and has left us, we are currently losing our land, and are not in very good shape. My youngest son and wife cannot do a lot about this due to the job shortages. We want to move west in hope to find free land and start to work, any job will do, as long as there is pay. We here that the continental railroad, and the modernization makes life in America easy, we can only hope so. -
We have arrived at America!
Hi im Shan Poe and we have finally arrived in America! The site is wonderful, we came here in search for more job opportunities! Me and my family are immigrating from our birth home, China. We had to run a few tests and the workers at Ellis Island were a bit harsh, especially towards us. We had to take many health examinations until we were finally able to pass. What a day! We are still waiting for my father and younger sister to immigrate, we wanted her to finish her school and then join us. -
I got a job!
I got a job! I’m working in a sweatshop a couple miles from home; I take the train there, how easy it is. Although the job is rough, and I must say a little dirty, I’m still happy with the pay, 10 dollars a week. Here is something that happened,I was in the middle of sawing through some wood and before I knew it I heard a shriek! Someone had cut off their finger and boy was it gross. Some good news though my wife is planning to get a job at a factory soon. -
Things are looking bad
Its been almost a year and people are becoming very rude. Racest remarks are thrown at me every day, and my wage is lowered a lot faster in the factory than for any other person. Things are also looking bad for my sister and dad, Americans are starting to worry that us immigrants are taking too many jobs. My wife’s job was denied because she came from China and my mother is starting to worry. I’m just barely keeping my job. -
So this is what Americas like?
I have been fired. My sadness remains but I must stay strong for my family. I was fired because I wasn’t worth the managers "money, or time," I was told to go back to where I came from. So were many of my other Chinese friends who worked at the sweatshop with me. I am searching for more jobs and I was told by an Irish friend that the continental railroad is open for many jobs. Same with crop field. Tomorrow I will go out to find work, hopefully it works out. -
Chinese Exclusion Act, mabye America wasnt a good idea...
I did it, I got a job! Although my sadness remains, sadly the Chinese Exclusion act has now been passed and my father and sister will not be able to be with us until ten years. That seems like just too long. I try to write to them in the mail, but my messages have not been going through. Besides life on the railroad is hard, there is a lot of labor, and today I nearly burned the little hair I have off. It is very hot on the fields and I can’t help but miss China. -
Chinatown!
With the money me and my wife have gathered in the past couple of months we were able to move to a “Chinatown” With many families like ours, people from China, who were looking for opportunities. This community is mainly Chinese families, therefore making it a better environment for my family. Less racist remarks are thrown at us and it feels like home. We are finally settling into a life that I would have wanted years ago, Hopefully my father and sister will be able to join us soon! -
Everything is Perfect!
Great news! Years have passed but the day is near! The Chinese Exclusion Act is over! My life will now be perfect! Next Wednesday my father and sister are landing in Angel Bay, and although it has been years since we saw them we look forward to sharing our new life with them!
