Paper Sons and Daughters

Introduction and Historical Context

Disclaimer: The experiences of paper sons and daughters varied greatly depending on individual circumstances. This lesson provides a general overview that may not encompass every individual's experiences.

Introduction

The term "paper sons and daughters" refers to a phenomenon which occured during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943). The act restricted Chinese immigration to the U.S., forcing immigrants to seek alternative methods to enter the country. One illegal, but effective method, dubbed "paper kinship" involved using fake documents to claim a false familial relationship with existing Chinese American citizens. This lesson explores the history of these paper sons and daughters, and the countless challenges they faced.

History and Details

1882. The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed by President Chester A. Arthur. The law was a turning point as the first legislation to explicitly exclude a specific ethnic group from entering the U.S. But Anti-Chinese sentiment hadn't originated from the act, but rather predated it by decades. California's Foreign Miners' Tax of 1852 required Chinese miners to pay $3 monthly to participate in the Gold Rush. Governor John Bigler explicitly declared that Chinese immigration should be "stemmed" at the root (Kanazawa, 2005, p. 782). Nevertheless, the act was a step further, barring Chinese laborers from immigrating and denied citizenship to those already residing in the U.S.

Chinese Exclusion Act document: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/chinese-exclusion-act

The Page Act of 1875 was the first federal law that restricted Chinese Immigration. Signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Act prohibited Chinese women who immigrated for “for lewd and immoral purposes." This was done partly in order to prevent Chinese families from settling, guarenteeing that Chinese laborers remain temporary workers (Yang, 2023, p. 8). 

The exclusion act soon followed this up, creating a significant obstacle for families who wanted to reunite in the United States. In response, the system of "paper kinship" emerged, where Chinese immigrants claimed to have children back in China, who were free to immigrate to the U.S. As a result, "paper sons and daughters" use this system to gain entry into the U.S.

Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco soon became the hub of Chinese immigration, and at the same time where the "paper kinship" system was operating. 

Angel Island Immigration Station: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Angel-Island-Immigration-Station

At Angel Island, Paper Sons and Daughters memorized elaborate family histories to grant their stories validity. The fear of deportation loomed overhead at all times. Despite the risks, many managed to use the system to establish new lives in the U.S. despite its hostile immigration policy.

Video

Key Points:

• The Chinese Exclusion Act forced many Chinese immigrants to make difficult choices to enter the United States.

• The "paper son" system involved immigrants buying papers from a Chinese American citizen who agreed to pretend to be the immigrant's relative.

• Many otherwise law-abiding Chinese Americans aided Chinese immigrants entering under the “paper son” system.

• The video highlights the moral dilemmas faced by both immigrants and those who helped them.

• It emphasizes the resilience and determination of Chinese immigrants seeking a better life in America.

Additional Reading

Facing History Article

End of unit exercises

Short Answer (5 points each):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a short answer for each with a paragraph or two:

• Explain the importance of land rights to Native Californians, and describe some of the specific ways they are working to reclaim their ancestral lands, such as land back movements, federal recognition efforts, and the protection of sacred sites.

• Discuss the connection between environmental justice and the cultural survival of Native communities in the Bay Area. Provide examples of how Native people are addressing environmental challenges and advocating for the protection of the land and water.

• Analyze the impact of inaccurate or incomplete representations of Native Americans in media and education. How do these representations perpetuate stereotypes and erase Indigenous history?

Essay (10 points):

Choose ONE of the following questions and write a well-developed essay response:

• Research and discuss a specific contemporary issue facing a Bay Area Native community, exploring their perspectives, challenges, and efforts to address the issue. Consider incorporating information from the featured voice or other contemporary Native sources.

• Reflect on how this unit has deepened your understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary experiences of Native Californians. How can you contribute to a more just and equitable future for these communities? Consider the role of allyship, advocacy, and education in supporting Indigenous rights and cultural revitalization.