The Exclusion Era and Angel Island
The time between the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act to its repeal with the Magnuson Act is often referred to as the Exclusion Era (1882 to 1943). During this time, Chinese immigrants were not allowed to enter, and would-be immigrants had to be processed at Angel Island Immigration Station (built in 1904). Most people were subjected to long, harsh hours of questioning about their home village. Detainees were expected to know minute details like "Who lives in the 5th house of the sixth row?" or "How many steps lead up to the 2nd house of the 3rd row?" For those that came from large villages or those that were children, this was especially hard. Many were detained for months or even years before they were allowed to enter.
Angel Island is very famous for its moving poems that reflect its difficult conditions. Over 135 have been recorded.
"The sea-scape resembles lichen twisting
and turning for a thousand li [500,000 meters] There is no shore to land and it is difficult to walk. With a gentle breeze I arrived at the city thinking all would be so. At ease, how was one to know he was to live in a wooden building?" "I thoroughly hate the barbarians because they
do not respect justice. They continually promulgate harsh laws to show off their prowess. They oppress the overseas Chinese and also violate treaties. They examine for hookworms and practice hundreds of despotic acts." |
"There are tens of thousands of poems on these walls
They are all cries of suffering and sadness The day I am rid of this prison and become successful I must remember that this chapter once existed I must be frugal in my daily needs Needless extravagance usually leads to ruin All my compatriots should remember China Once you have made some small gains, you should return home early." "America has power, but not justice.
In prison, we were victimized as if we were guilty. Given no opportunity to explain, it was really brutal. I bow my head in reflection but there is nothing I can do." |
Many people used the "paper sons" method to gain entry to the US. They would buy false identities as another person's son or daughter. These people memorized entire books of information about their supposed home villages so by the time they reached Angel Island they were ready. This practice was so common that whenever someone reported that they would be leaving for the US, the first question would be "Whose paper's are you using?"
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