Angel Island A Pictorial and Poetic History

Gold Rush In the 1850’s, thousands of Chinese came to America in search of gold. Many American gold miners blamed the Chinese for their lack of success.

Chinese Railroad Workers Work began on the transcontinental railroad in the 1860’s. It was dangerous, low-paying work that many Americans did not want. Chinese immigrants accepted the jobs.

Discrimination Because of the gold rush and the railroad, many anti-Chinese feelings began to emerge amongst Americans. Laws were passed to limit the number of Chinese immigrants.

Angel Island

Between 1910 and 1940, all Chinese immigrants were processed on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay. They were held here until there citizenship was approved.

While being detained for several weeks at a time, some immigrants carved poetry into the wall at Angel Island. The poetry expressed their feelings of sadness, fear, and disappointment.

Immigrants would travel to Angel Island in the cramped steerage of ships. The journey would take a month and was very expensive.

“The sea-scape resembles lichen twisting and turning for a thousand li. There is no shore to land and it is difficult to walk. With a gentle breeze I arrived at the city thinking all would be so. At ease, how was one to know he was to live in a wooden building? ”

As immigrants unloaded from the ship, they were taken to the two-story barracks that would be their home during their wait to be allowed into the United States.

“Imprisoned in the wooden building day after day, My freedom withheld; how can I bear to talk about it? I look to see who is happy but they only sit quietly. I am anxious and depressed and cannot fall asleep. The days are long and the bottle constantly empty; my sad mood, even so is not dispelled. Nights are long and the pillow cold; who can pity my loneliness? After experiencing such lonliness and sorrow, why not just return home and learn to plow the fields?”

Women and men, including families, were split up at Angel Island and locked in different buildings while they waited to be processed.

“My belly is so full of discontent it is really difficult to relax. I can only worry silently to myself. At times I gaze at the cloud and fog enshrouded mountain front. It only deepens my sadness.”

Shortly after arriving at Angel Island, immigrants would receive physical exams to check for any diseases. If they had a disease, they were sent back to China having wasted their money on the trip. Shortly after arriving at Angel Island, immigrants would receive physical exams to check for any diseases. If they had a disease, they were sent back to China having wasted their money on the trip.

“I cannot bear to describe the harsh treatment by the doctors. Being stabbed for blood samples and examined for hookworms was even more pitiful. After taking the medicine, I also drank liquid, Like a dumb person eating the huanglian (a bitter herb).”

Several immigrants were packed into the barracks. They slept on bunks made of canvas stacked three high on each wall. They were allowed a short time in the recreation yard each day.

“Bored and filled with a hundred feelings, I am imprisoned in this building. Seeing the surroundings stirs one who is sad. How can one stop the tears? I recall the ship starting off for the land of America. Looking back, the moon has repeated a cycle.”

Immigrants had hearings to decide if they would be admitted to the U.S. or sent home. Usually, they either needed to have a relative in the U.S. or be educated to stay.

“Each day my sorrow increases as I stay on island. My face, as well, grows sallow and my body thin. My detention and mistreatment has not yet ended. I am afraid my petition will be denied and I, sent back.”