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Why are we Immigrating?
My brother has already moved to the "New World" and has left us; we are currently losing our land and are not in very good shape. My youngest son and wife cannot do a lot about this due to the job shortages. We want to move west in hope to find free land and start work, any job will suffice, as long as there is pay. We heard that the Continental Railroad and the modernization makes life in America easy, but we can only hope so. -
We have Arrived in America!
Hi, my name is Shang Hao and my family and I have finally arrived in America! We came here in search for land and job opportunities. My family and I are immigrating from our birth home, China. The site here is wonderful! We had to run a few tests and the workers at Ellis Island were a bit harsh, especially towards us. We had to take many health examinations until we were finally able to pass. What a day! -
I got a Job!
I finally got a job! I am working in a sweatshop a couple miles from home; I take the train there, how easy it is. Although the job is rough, and I must say quite unsanitary, I am still satisfied with the pay, 10 dollars a week. One time, I was sawing through some wood and before I knew it I heard a loud shriek! Someone had cut off their finger! Without first aid, he was kicked out of the sweatshop! However, my wife is planning to get a job at a factory soon which is good news. -
Things Aren't going so Well....
It has almost been a year and people are becoming very rude. Racist remarks are spat at me every day, and my wage has been lowered much more than any other person in a sweatshop. Things are also looking bad for my father and sister who planned to migrate here soon; Americans are beginning to worry that us immigrants are taking too many jobs. My wife's job was denied because of our race and I am just barely managing to keep my job. -
America has Changed!
I have been fired. My sadness remains but I must stay strong for my family. I was fired because I wasn't worth the managers "time or money." I was told to go back where I came from, as have my other Chinese friends who worked at the sweatshop with me. I am searching for more jobs and I was told by an Irish friend that the Continental Railroad and the crop fields are open for many jobs. Tomorrow I will go out to find work and hopefully it works better than it did in my previous experience. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
I did it, I got a job! To my disappointment, the Chinese Exclusion Act has now been passed and my father and sister will not be able to migrate here for 10 years. This is outrageous! I try to write to them in the mail, but my messages have not been going through. Life on the railroad is difficult, there is a lot of labor and it is burning hot is in fields. I can't help but to miss China. -
Chinatown
With the money my wife and I have saved in the past couple of months, we were able to move to a "Chinatown" with many families like ours, in seek of opportunities. This community consists mainly of Chinese families, therefore making it a better environment for my family. Less racist remarks are being thrown at us and it feels like home. We are finally settling into a life that I wanted years ago; hopefully my father and sister will be able to join us soon! -
Everything has Fallen into Place!
Great news! Years have passed but the day is near! The Chinese Exclusion Act is over! It feels as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! Next Wednesday my father and sister are docking in Angel Bay, and although it has been years since we have seen them we look forward to sharing out new life with them!
