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Paper Sons and Daughters: A Legacy of Resilience and Family

Paper Sons and Daughters: A Legacy of Resilience and Family

This course discusses the history of "paper sons and daughters," a term used to describe Chinese individuals who used fraudulent documents to claim kinship with Chinese American citizens during the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943). The course explores the historical context of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the challenges faced by paper sons and daughters, and the lasting impact of this practice on Chinese American families and communities. It examines the role of Angel Island Immigration Station, a central processing point for Chinese immigrants, where paper sons and daughters faced rigorous questioning about their claimed family history. The lesson also explores the moral dilemmas faced by both immigrants and those who helped them, highlighting the resilience and determination of those seeking a better life in America.

Responsible Isaac Lang He
Last Update 10/23/2024
Members 1
    • Introduction and Historical Context
    • Video
    • Additional Reading
    • Exercises
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