Conventionally; US immigration history has been understood through the lens of restriction and those who have been barred from getting in. In contrast; The Good Immigrants considers immigration from the perspective of Chinese elites―intellectuals; businessmen; and students―who gained entrance because of immigration exemptions. Exploring a century of Chinese migrations; Madeline Hsu looks at how the model minority characteristics of many Asian Americans resulted from US policies that screened for those with the highest credentials in the most employable fields; enhancing American economic competitiveness.The earliest US immigration restrictions targeted Chinese people but exempted students as well as individuals who might extend America's influence in China. Western-educated Chinese such as Madame Chiang Kai-shek became symbols of the US impact on China; even as they patriotically advocated for China's modernization. World War II and the rise of communism transformed Chinese students abroad into refugees; and the Cold War magnified the importance of their talent and training. As a result; Congress legislated piecemeal legal measures to enable Chinese of good standing with professional skills to become citizens. Pressures mounted to reform American discriminatory immigration laws; culminating with the 1965 Immigration Act.Filled with narratives featuring such renowned Chinese immigrants as I. M. Pei; The Good Immigrants examines the shifts in immigration laws and perceptions of cultural traits that enabled Asians to remain in the United States as exemplary; productive Americans.
#112219 in Books 2012-05-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.00 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0691155860416 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Booker T. Washington and AfricaBy characterOK; as the great granddaughter of BTW I thought I knew everything about the man. When I read Alabama to Africa I learned that BTW sent an expedition to West Africa to teach them how to cultivate cotton after the Civil War destroyed the cotton fields and the European economy suffered when America could no longer supply there cotton needs. I also learned that BTW saved Liberia from being colonized when threatened by the British and the Portuguese because they couldn't pay back their loans. BTW called on his friend Pres. Roosevelt to intervene. This is the same President that had invited BTW to dinner at the White House. If you are a student of history you will love this story. You will be amazed at what you learn about BTW. Again; .com delivered just like they promised. Quality; cost and service...gotta love !0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy TurtleyTurtleVery well written.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Alabama; Africa? How about GermanyBy mikeThe book has a lot of detail but mostly about social impacts of New South thinking. Very little about Togo and what was said must have been said three times. This most probably would have been a good booklet or an essay.
