Hi my name is Katelyn Suen.  I’m a 13 year old Chinese American, born and raised in California. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of sticking to my roots and learning about my heritage.

Therefore, they encouraged me to be part of a public school dual immersion program, where Chinese language would occupy half of my school schedule.  Because Chinese culture was so tightly woven into my life, I felt very connected with my Chinese heritage, even if I do live in America. What motivated me to conduct my research were the recent covid-19 hate crimes targeted at the Chinese race. Although I have never been a victim of a hate crime, knowing that others experienced such inequality felt personal to me as well. I'm lucky to live in a more asian dominated area, walnut, so until recently I have never seen or heard of these heinous crimes being committed. But the realization that my people were experiencing this, popped this bubble that shielded me from an imperfect world. On a more positive note, I'm glad there are organizations like the Chinese American Federation that aim to help Chinese immigrants in need.

Chinese Influence on Covid-relief

Research by 志愿者 - Katelyn Suen

Total number of coronavirus cases in the United States as of April 11, 2022, by state
Top 5 most affected states

California	9,132,927
Texas	6,783,722
Florida	5,906,352
New York	5,033,233
Illinois	3,080,436

In California, a Chinese organization named Care Mission USA, provided free Covid 19 tests to facilities. At the peak of Covid, they also donated north of 100,000 masks to local hospitals. In addition, they raised $16,850 to a family of Chinese immigrants when their sole provider was hospitalized due to Covid. 

 North Texas was beginning to feel the effects of the pandemic, this prompted volunteers with DFW Chinese American Epidemic Relief to distribute personal protective equipment for medical professionals. They raised $80,000 in four days to purchase 4,250 Level 3 masks, 800 face shields and 20,000 medical gloves.

 The Chinese American South Florida organization donated 10,000 N95 masks, 11,600 surgical masks, and $100,000 to local medical centers. They took it a step further and hosted a couple of events that served hot meals to front-line medical professionals.  

 The Chinese American Planning Council has offered COVID-19 relief and services since March 22, 2020 to ensure the safety of fellow New Yorkers. $1.26 million cash assistance was distributed to more than 1,540 New York families. Thousands of PPE supplies were donated to staff, as well as community members.

 The CMAA (Chinese Mutual Aid Association) knew that Chicago, Illinois was highly affected by the Covid-19, so amidst the pandemic, they provided housing to families facing eviction. They’ve also donated personal protective equipment to the community. 

May 18,2022

Chinese Immigration During the Exclusion Era

Research by 志愿者 - Katelyn Suen

It all began with a few hundred Chinese immigrants that bravely crossed the Pacific Ocean into new, unfamiliar land. Their willingness to embark on a journey to America is the sole reason why Chinese Americans can call the United States home today. Soon after their arrival, Chinese Americans were met with language barriers, limited resources, and unwelcoming Americans that just piled on more problems. What they experienced was unfair and unjustified, but what events shaped Chinese immigration to what life is today? 

The earliest groups of Chinese immigrants arrived during the 1850s to pursue the “American Dream” during the Gold Rush. Enticed by the opportunity,  people from all around the world seeked new economic opportunities in America. During the mid 1850s, more than 300,000 people arrived and of those, 30% were Chinese immigrants. At the time, anti-Chinese sentiment reached an all time high, setting a precedent of anti-foreigner prejudice. Much of this was a direct result of the Chinese Exclusion Act. To make matters worse, in 1854, the People v. Hall case stated that any “Non-White” person could not testify against a White individual in court. This definitely put Chinese Americans at a disadvantage, and unfortunately, things didn't end there. 

After achieving some success during the Gold Rush, many Chinese miners stayed in America as laborers. The Chinese were diligent workers who didn’t mind risking their lives to build the transcontinental railroad. Because White laborers were reluctant to attempt such dangerous tasks, Chinese workers were in demand, eventually making up 90% of the workforce. Their job included everything from unskilled labor to blacksmithing, tunneling, and carpentry, mostly work done with hand tools. Despite their significant contributions, they were still unfairly treated. Their wages were 30-50% lower than the average pay because of the racism that lurked around immigrants. Instead of recognizing their diligence and hard work, America overlooked their contributions because of their status. 

During the 1880s, following the arrival of many Chinese immigrants, anti-Chinese sentiment became more and more prevalent, but one of the most infamous attacks being the Tacoma Riot of 1885. Back then in Tacoma, Washington  approximately 700 Chinese immigrants resided there searching for jobs. However, soon after the arrival of many Chinese laborers, Tacoma citizens complained that Chinese immigrants were "unfair labor competitors." After months of meticulous planning, the city's prominent leaders including mayor Jacob Weisbach, devised a plan to expel all remaining immigrants and discourage the employment of Chinese people. On November 3, 1885, a mob led by Weisbach infiltrated homes and businesses, forcefully instructing occupants to leave the city without their belongings. Under the impression of the Exclusion Act, prominent figures began eliminating Chinese people, causing an uprising in Chinese-related attacks. What once was Tacoma's Chinatown was burned to the ground the next day.  

Although assaults against Chinese immigrants were becoming widespread with no signs of a suitable solution, Chinese immigration didn’t slow down during the 1910s to 1940s. In fact, there was an influx in Chinese immigration, so the government began to enforce rules intended to regulate immigrants from entering. An extensive and time-consuming process was used to limit immigrants, so meanwhile, they were provided with a facility to rest in. When the government received sufficient funds, an immigration facility on Angel Island was built. In order to officially enter, passengers were subject to long interrogations, intended to find some excuse to refuse entry. This approach was a direct effect of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which had resulted from years of racial hostility between white Americans and Chinese immigrants. 

At the peak of Chinese oppression, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, starting a new era in Chinese immigration. With this new law in place, the Chinese were liberated from racial oppression and granted basic rights. Now, families were able to reunite and freely immigrate from China to the U.S. Since the 1960s to the present day, lots of improvements within our government have been changed. Unfair laws have been relinquished, but the question remains, is this enough? On the surface, it may seem that recent Chinese hate crimes are stemed from Covid 19, but its critical to recognize that anti-asian discrimination is deep-rooted in American culture. 

May 18,2022