Lecture by Ron Takaki

Lecture by Ron Takaki

Introduction

The concept of immigration is as old as human history itself, and people have been migrating from their place of origin to other places since the beginning of times. It is essential to note that there are a number of reasons behind the process of immigration, with the major ones being the quest of better jobs, lifestyle and education facilities. However, there are a number of other reasons as well, which cause large number of individuals to move from one place to another and settle in other parts of the world, thus causing significant increase in diversity in those host countries. The following paragraphs highlight the major clauses of Asian migration in the United States and also seek to highlight the major factors involved in the process:

Discussion

Context of history and migration

The history of Asian immigration in the United States dates back to 1850s and 1860s, when they were bought to the region in order to work in the gold mines. Although different classes and categories of Asians are present in the United States of America, the first ones to arrive were the Chinese, unskilled workers, bought to the area in order to work for in the gold mines and the railroads. After the Chinese, Japanese arrived in the area, followed by the South Asians in later years. It should be taken into account that all the immigrants were mainly taken as labors and had to face serious rejection from various sections of the society, due to the reasons highlighted in the following paragraphs. Afterwards, there was advent of the South Asians, who arrived in the region after the advent of capitalism, mainly in search of job and better educational facilities, which were offered by the United States of America. It should be taken into account that various sections of these societies started arriving in the West, thus filling up different gaps and spaces in the economic and social sections of the society.

Trajectory of migration

The Asians have followed a unique and exceptional trajectory while migrating to the United States of America, which is not shared by any other nation arriving in the region. Mainly because of the increase in the toxic racism and the increase in prohibitions and barriers on immigration, the individuals were not able to arrive in the region for about a century (Park, 2004). However, as soon as the situation was improved and the restrictions were limited, the individuals started moving to the United States of America with great alacrity and enthusiasm. Thus, there have been periods of extreme influx of Asians in America, followed by the period of complete immobility and again moving on the period active arrival.

Historical complex factors within the country of origin

There were a number of reasons that caused the influx of immigrants in the United States of America, including both the push and pull factors. The following paragraphs separately highlight the push and pull factors involved in the situation and at the same time, they would ...