AAS 345 OL - Contemporary Asian American Issues

Author says U.S. should learn immigration lessons of a century ago

From the SF Chronicle, a new book by historian Jean Pfaelzer tells the hidden story of virulent anti-Chinese sentiment in the 19th century She draws parallels with today's anti-immigrant climate.

"People wanted to have the Chinese out - it really affected the Chinese for generations," she said. "Today, you (hear) the same arguments that people from Mexico are taking our jobs, they are overcrowding our cities - it's a racial issue."

Since its release in May, "Driven Out" has won book awards from the New York Times Book Review, The Chronicle and Choice magazine, among others.

"It has been an incredible response," said Pfaelzer, who is often approached by Chinese Americans eager to share their family history.

We're reading about this period of history in our textbooks this week. 

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