Essay On The Asian American Movement
According to NBC news discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific islanders had been evident from the very early years of migration to America. For instance, in the mid-nineteenth century(1840s-1870s) there was no formal immigration policy, anyone willing to work was welcome. Chinese laborers filled a critical labor gap, working the mines and building the railroads, but when their labor was no longer needed, their race and nationality became an issue. In 1882, Chinese Laborers were no longer allowed to immigrate to the United States. Race and nationality as criteria for becoming “American” were reinforced in 1917 and 1924, when immigration policy extended to almost all outsiders. Asians in America have been a disenfranchised group throughout
…show more content…
It was during this time of political upheaval that members of the various Asian ethnic groups decided to band together and act politically. Thus, the Asian American Movement was born. The Asian American Movement along with the implementation of the 1965 Immigration Act helped the Asian Community overcome the historical and political barriers to civic participation. During the period of Asian American Movement, several acts were passed and adopted that prohibited discrimination against minorities. the Immigration Act of October 3, 1965 abolished the national quote system, removing discriminatory restrictions on Asian Immigration to the United States. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act prohibited discrimination in voting, education, employment, and public facilities and gave the federal government the power to enforce desegregation by denying federal funds to segregated schools and programs. Thus, as the voices and concerns of Asian Americans were being more and more articulated during the movement, legislation changed and provided for more active political participation from the growing minority. The changes in law have changed the composition of the nation’s immigration population, yet it has also started to break down the barriers to political participation for Asian
It was during this time of political upheaval that members of the various Asian ethnic groups decided to band together and act politically. Thus, the Asian American Movement was born. The Asian American Movement along with the implementation of the 1965 Immigration Act helped the Asian Community overcome the historical and political barriers to civic participation. During the period of Asian American Movement, several acts were passed and adopted that prohibited discrimination against minorities. the Immigration Act of October 3, 1965 abolished the national quote system, removing discriminatory restrictions on Asian Immigration to the United States. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act prohibited discrimination in voting, education, employment, and public facilities and gave the federal government the power to enforce desegregation by denying federal funds to segregated schools and programs. Thus, as the voices and concerns of Asian Americans were being more and more articulated during the movement, legislation changed and provided for more active political participation from the growing minority. The changes in law have changed the composition of the nation’s immigration population, yet it has also started to break down the barriers to political participation for Asian