Question

In the early part of this century, Asian immigrants were not eligible for citizenship, no matter how long they lived in the U.S. What is the legacy of those laws in terms of how Asian Americans are viewed today?

A) They are still not eligible for citizenship
B) They are viewed with respect and admiration
C) They face stereotypes and discrimination
D) They are viewed as model citizens

Answer 1

The legacy of early laws discriminating against Asian immigrants in the U.S. persists today in the stereotypes and discrimination that Asian Americans face, despite the 'model minority' myth.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Asian immigrants faced significant discrimination and were denied the rights and privileges of citizenship in the United States. At this time, several laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the California Alien Land Law of 1913, specifically targeted Asian populations to restrict immigration and naturalization. This has left a lasting legacy where Asian Americans are often perceived through a lens of stereotypes and discrimination. Although now eligible for citizenship and often regarded as the 'model minority,' Asian Americans still confront the legacy of these historic exclusions and prejudices, which can manifest in bias, inequality, and at times, violence against them.