The Changing Nature of Central and Southeast Asian Immigration to the United States: 1961–1972

Abstract

Immigration to the United States from Asia in general and from Central and Southeast Asia in particular is of interest to students of race relations immigrant adaptation and absorption manpower recruitment and immigration policy. The interest has intensified since the adoption of the United States Immigration Act of 1965 which not only facilitated the immigration of increasing numbers of Asia-born to a record high of 119072 persons in 1972 but also led to a shift in the composition of the total immigration stream to the United States. In 1961 less than one tenth (8%) of United States immigrants were born in Asiatic countries; by 1972 the proportion had risen to nearly one-third (31%). The majority of these immigrants were born in Central or Southeast Asian countries of which China (including Taiwan and Hong Kong) India Japan Korea and the Philippines were the major sending countries of birth. Since place of birth is highly correlated with race the increasing numbers of Asian-born immigrants imply the increasing visability of persons of Oriental race in American society. (excerpt)