Final answer:
'Paper sons' were individuals who used fraudulent documents to claim a false identity as the child of a Chinese American citizen in order to enter the United States. This practice had a significant impact on Chinese immigration, allowing many to reunite with their families and bypass restrictive immigration laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paper Sons and Their Impact on Chinese Immigration
In the early 20th century, Chinese immigrants faced tight immigration restrictions and racial discrimination upon arriving in the United States. To bypass these restrictions, some Chinese Americans devised a strategy known as 'paper son' or 'paper daughter' to bring their relatives into the country. A 'paper son' was a person who claimed to be the biological child of a Chinese American citizen, using falsified documents, and was able to immigrate to the United States under this false identity, often assuming the identity of a previous immigrant.
By claiming false identities and relationships, 'paper sons' were able to circumvent the strict immigration laws and reunite with their families in the United States. This practice had a significant impact on Chinese immigration, as it allowed many Chinese individuals to enter the country despite the restrictive policies. However, the process carried risks, as the authorities sometimes discovered the deception and detained or deported those involved.
The 'paper son' phenomenon highlights the challenges and resilience of Chinese immigrants during a period of intense discrimination and exclusionary laws, enabling families to reunite and build new lives despite the obstacles they faced.
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