6-2. Gold Rush and the Pacific Railroad Act
Episode description
Paper Son: Chinese American Citizen.
Chinese immigration to America was unique for various reasons. All of this is the subject of my new series.
I begin with the historical account of early American naturalization and immigration events, politics, and jurisprudence. From the early years I work through and discuss first the Gold Rush and then the construction of the intercontinental railroad to the onslaught of Chinese immigration into the United States. Eventually leading to violence, exclusion, and deportation of Chinese persons. All this finally led to the United States Government’s acknowledgement and apology. Including a recognition of Chinese American contributions.
The discussion about naturalization and immigration inevitably leads to the questions of (1) who should be an American; and (2) what is an American?