Final answer:
The first significant group of Asian immigrants to the U.S. were Chinese laborers, who arrived during the mid-19th century and faced substantial discrimination, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first Asians to immigrate to the United States in significant numbers were Chinese laborers. Arriving during the mid-nineteenth century, these immigrants came with the goal of working and sending earnings back to their families in China. They were primarily drawn by opportunities such as the Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, where they played a pivotal role in building the Central Pacific section.
Despite their contributions, the Chinese immigrants faced severe discrimination and hardship. This was evident from legislative actions such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited immigration from China and denied Chinese residents the possibility of naturalization. Subsequent laws extended these restrictions, and discriminatory practices pervaded various aspects of life, from land ownership to educational access. The situation for other Asian groups was similar, as regulations like the Immigration Act of 1924 further limited immigration from Asia.