1.3 South Asian immigration and labor
4 min read•august 1, 2024
South Asian immigration to the US was shaped by British colonization, restrictive laws, and economic factors. Waves of immigrants arrived seeking education and job opportunities, driven by political instability and economic hardship in their home countries.
South Asians made significant contributions to the US labor force, especially in medicine, technology, and academia. They faced challenges like discrimination and cultural barriers, but also formed vibrant communities and advocacy organizations to preserve their heritage and fight for their rights.
South Asian Immigration to the US
Historical Factors Driving Immigration
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- British colonization of India disrupted economic and social structures spurred emigration from South Asia
- () restricted South Asian immigration
- effectively banned South Asian immigration until 1965
- abolished national-origin quotas led to significant increase in South Asian immigration
- Push factors in South Asia motivated emigration
- Political instability ( in 1947)
- Economic hardship (lack of job opportunities)
- Religious persecution (discrimination against minority groups)
- Pull factors in the United States attracted South Asian immigrants
- Educational opportunities (prestigious universities)
- Economic prospects (higher wages, career advancement)
- Family reunification (joining relatives already settled in the US)
Demand for Skilled Labor
- US demand for skilled professionals created opportunities for South Asian immigrants
- Medicine (doctors, nurses, medical researchers)
- Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical engineers)
- Technology (software developers, data scientists)
- Geopolitical events contributed to waves of South Asian immigration
- Partition of India in 1947 displaced millions
- in 1971 led to refugee crisis
- Political instability in Sri Lanka during civil war (1983-2009)
South Asian Contributions to the US Labor Force
Professional Contributions
- Medical field contributions
- Doctors in various specialties (cardiology, oncology, pediatrics)
- Nurses in hospitals and long-term care facilities
- Medical researchers advancing treatments and technologies
- Technology sector influence
- Founded companies (Google CEO Sundar Pichai)
- Developed innovative technologies (USB inventor Ajay Bhatt)
- Held leadership positions in major tech firms (Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella)
- Academic contributions
- Professors in diverse fields (economics, computer science, literature)
- Researchers advancing knowledge in STEM fields
- Administrators shaping university policies and programs
Entrepreneurship and Business Impact
- Established successful businesses across industries
- Technology startups (Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia)
- Retail chains (7-Eleven franchises)
- Financial services (Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga)
- Hospitality industry involvement
- Motel ownership (Indian Americans own ~60% of all US motels)
- Convenience store management
- Restaurant establishments (both fine dining and fast food)
- Cultural and culinary landscape enrichment
- Introduced diverse South Asian cuisines (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi)
- Popularized cultural practices (yoga, meditation, Ayurveda)
- Established ethnic grocery stores and markets
Challenges for South Asian Immigrants in the US
Discrimination and Stereotyping
- experiences
- Perceived as perpetual foreigners regardless of citizenship status
- Stereotyping based on appearance or cultural practices
- Post-9/11 era challenges
- Increase in hate crimes against South Asians (especially Sikhs and Muslims)
- Racial profiling at airports and public spaces
- Discrimination in housing and employment
- Workplace discrimination issues
- Bias in hiring practices (resume discrimination based on names)
- Limited opportunities for promotions (glass ceiling effect)
- Pay equity disparities compared to non-immigrant counterparts
Cultural and Social Challenges
- Cultural and linguistic barriers
- Difficulty accessing public services due to language limitations
- Challenges in social integration with non-South Asian communities
- Educational obstacles for children in English-language environments
- impact
- Created unrealistic expectations of academic and professional success
- Overlooked diversity of experiences within South Asian American community
- Masked socioeconomic disparities among different South Asian groups
- Political representation and civic engagement struggles
- Underrepresentation in local and national politics
- Challenges in mobilizing community for collective action
- Navigating complex political systems as immigrants or first-generation Americans
South Asian Communities in America
Community Formation and Cultural Preservation
- Early immigrant communities formed around shared ties
- Clustered in specific urban areas (Jackson Heights in New York, Devon Avenue in Chicago)
- Established cultural and religious institutions
- Hindu temples (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta)
- Sikh gurdwaras (Sikh Temple of Wisconsin)
- Mosques (Islamic Center of America in Dearborn)
- Growth of ethnic enclaves facilitated cultural preservation
- Little India neighborhoods in major cities (Edison, New Jersey)
- Provided economic opportunities for new immigrants
- Maintained language use and traditional practices
Community Organizations and Advocacy
- South Asian American organizations emerged to address needs
- South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) for civil rights advocacy
- National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) for gender equity
- Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) for worker and immigrant rights
- Intergenerational dynamics shaped community development
- Second and third-generation individuals navigated between cultures
- Created organizations bridging traditional values and American culture (South Asian Youth Action)
- Cross-cultural collaborations and coalitions formed
- Partnerships with other minority groups (Asian Americans Advancing Justice)
- Contributions to broader discussions on race and social justice
- Participation in intersectional movements (Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Asian American Dreams: Asian American Dreams refers to the aspirations and goals of Asian Americans, often shaped by their immigrant experiences and cultural identities. This term encompasses the pursuit of socioeconomic success, cultural acceptance, and political representation while navigating systemic challenges like discrimination and identity struggles. It reflects the complex relationship between personal ambitions and broader societal dynamics that impact Asian American communities, particularly in contexts such as labor, identity formation, and civil rights activism.
Asian American Labor Movement: The Asian American labor movement refers to the collective efforts of Asian American workers to organize, advocate for their rights, and improve working conditions, often in response to discrimination and exploitation in the labor market. This movement emerged as Asian immigrants, particularly from countries like China, Japan, India, and the Philippines, began to form unions and engage in strikes and protests during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These actions were crucial in challenging both economic injustices and racial discrimination within the broader context of American labor history.
Asian Barred Zone Act: The Asian Barred Zone Act was a piece of legislation enacted in 1917 that aimed to restrict immigration from Asian countries to the United States. It established a zone that barred immigration from many Asian nations, effectively institutionalizing racial discrimination within U.S. immigration policy and significantly affecting South Asian laborers and their families seeking a better life in America.
B. R. Ambedkar: B. R. Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who is best known for his role in advocating for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities in India. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, striving to eliminate social discrimination and promote social justice.
Bangladesh Liberation War: The Bangladesh Liberation War was a conflict in 1971 that led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. This war arose from long-standing political, economic, and cultural tensions between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, culminating in a humanitarian crisis that prompted international intervention.
Bollywood Influence: Bollywood influence refers to the impact of the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, on culture, fashion, music, and lifestyle both in India and abroad. This influence has grown significantly with the globalization of media, creating a cultural bridge that connects South Asian diaspora communities with their homeland and shaping perceptions of South Asian identity in popular culture.
Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political struggle during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans. While primarily focused on African Americans, this movement also impacted other marginalized groups, including Asian Americans, by raising awareness about civil rights issues and inspiring activism in various communities.
Diwali Celebrations: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated by millions across the globe, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival typically lasts five days and includes rituals such as lighting oil lamps, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and performing prayers to deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Diwali holds a significant cultural importance among South Asian communities and represents a time for family gatherings and communal celebrations.
Ghadar Movement: The Ghadar Movement was an early 20th-century political uprising initiated by Indian expatriates in North America, aimed at liberating India from British colonial rule. Founded in 1913 by Indian immigrants, primarily Sikhs, the movement sought to foster revolutionary sentiments and organize armed insurrections against the British Empire, leveraging support from both Indian nationals and sympathizers abroad.
Hyphenated Identity: Hyphenated identity refers to the dual or multiple identities that individuals, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, adopt to reconcile their cultural heritage with their national identity. This term reflects how people navigate their personal connections to both their ancestral culture and the society they live in, often signifying a blend of ethnic and national identities.
Immigration Act of 1917: The Immigration Act of 1917 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to regulate immigration to the United States by imposing stricter restrictions and prohibitions on certain groups of immigrants. This act expanded the list of undesirables who could be barred from entering the country, including those from Asia, as it effectively banned immigration from most Asian countries and set a precedent for future restrictive policies, particularly affecting South Asian immigrants and laborers seeking opportunities in America.
Immigration Act of 1924: The Immigration Act of 1924 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to severely restrict immigration to the United States, particularly targeting immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as all Asians. This act established quotas based on national origins, effectively limiting the number of immigrants from certain countries and shaping the demographics of future immigration patterns, which had profound implications for various Asian communities and their histories in America.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was a significant piece of legislation that reformed the U.S. immigration system by abolishing an earlier quota system based on national origin. This act opened the doors for immigrants from Asia, especially South Asia, and changed the demographic landscape of the country by emphasizing family reunification and skilled labor over previous discriminatory practices.
Indentured Servitude: Indentured servitude is a labor system where individuals agree to work for a specified number of years in exchange for passage to a new country, room and board, and sometimes the promise of land or money after their service. This practice was particularly prominent from the 17th to the 19th centuries and played a significant role in shaping the labor dynamics within emerging economies, including those involving South Asian immigrants who sought opportunities abroad.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a prominent Indian independence activist, known for his nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India and his dedication to the cause of Indian nationalism. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and advocated for the rights of the Pashtun people, promoting social reform and unity among different ethnic groups in the region.
Model minority myth: The model minority myth is a stereotype that portrays certain minority groups, particularly Asian Americans, as being more successful than the average population, often due to perceived cultural values like hard work and educational attainment. This narrative simplifies the complexities of different communities and obscures the struggles faced by many individuals within these groups, fostering harmful comparisons and expectations.
Partition of India: The Partition of India refers to the division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, which took place on August 15, 1947. This monumental event was driven by religious differences and political tensions between Hindus and Muslims, leading to mass migrations and significant violence as communities were displaced along the newly drawn borders.
Racial discrimination: Racial discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their race or ethnicity, often manifesting through unequal opportunities and systemic inequality. This concept has historically affected various immigrant groups, leading to laws and social practices that marginalized certain racial and ethnic communities.
The Invention of Brown: The invention of brown refers to the social and political construction of racial identities, specifically the categorization of South Asians and other people of color within a broader 'brown' racial category. This concept highlights how race is not just a biological fact but a socially constructed identity shaped by historical, economic, and cultural factors, particularly in the context of labor and immigration experiences.
Xenophobia: Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of people from other countries or cultures, often manifesting as discrimination, prejudice, and hostility. This term reflects societal attitudes that lead to exclusionary practices and policies, impacting immigration and the experiences of minority groups within a nation. It connects deeply with historical events where specific communities faced systematic oppression due to their perceived 'foreignness' or cultural differences.