Japanese immigration to the United States has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century. The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii in 1868 as contract laborers for the sugar plantations. By the early 20th century, Japanese immigrants had settled throughout the United States, including in California, Oregon and Washington. This article will explore the history of Japanese immigration to the United States, the factors that drove it, and the number of Japanese immigrants who came to America.
The Early Years of Japanese Immigration to America
The first wave of Japanese immigration to America began in the 1880s. Most of the immigrants were young men who came to work on farms and in the fishing industry. At the time, Japan was experiencing economic instability and political upheaval. Many Japanese saw America as a land of opportunity where they could make a better life for themselves and their families.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, many Japanese immigrants were able to establish successful businesses and build communities. In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed much of Japantown, the largest Japanese community in the United States at the time. But the community quickly rebuilt, and by the 1920s, Japanese Americans were an integral part of the fabric of American society.
The Impact of World War II
The bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, changed everything for Japanese Americans. Overnight, they were labeled as enemies of the state, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. Many Japanese Americans lost their homes, businesses, and possessions, and were forced to live in harsh and degrading conditions in internment camps for the duration of the war.
After the war ended, Japanese Americans faced continued discrimination and prejudice. It wasn’t until the 1960s that they began to receive recognition for their contributions to American society and were granted civil rights protection under the law.
The Number of Japanese Immigrants to America
According to the Migration Policy Institute, as of 2021, there were approximately 426,000 Japanese immigrants living in the United States. This is a relatively small number compared to other immigrant groups like Mexicans, Filipinos, and Chinese, who number in the millions.
Japanese immigration to the United States has been heavily influenced by U.S. immigration policy. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the “Gentlemen’s Agreement” with Japan, which restricted Japanese immigration to the United States. In 1924, Congress passed the Immigration Act, which established quotas on immigration from Japan and other Asian countries.
After World War II, Japanese immigration to the United States picked up again, but it was still limited by immigration laws. In 1965, Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act, which abolished the national origins quota system and established a new system based on family reunification and skills.
Today, most Japanese immigrants to the United States come through family sponsorship or employment-based visas. The largest concentrations of Japanese Americans are in California, Hawaii, and New York.
Conclusion
Japanese immigration to the United States has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. Japanese immigrants have contributed greatly to the cultural and economic fabric of American society, but they have also faced discrimination and prejudice. Despite these challenges, Japanese Americans have persevered and continue to thrive in the United States today.
