Asians Were America’s First “Undocumented Immigrants”
Clip | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act made Asians the nation’s first “undocumented immigrants.”
Connie Yu’s family story in the U.S. almost ended at the Angel Island Immigration Station, where her grandmother was detained for over a year, separated from her American-born children. In an atmosphere of nativism and hate, exclusionary laws have made Asians the nation’s first “undocumented immigrants.” Yet those who manage to stay, build families and communities in America.
Major funding for ASIAN AMERICANS is provided by Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB); Public Broadcasting Service (PBS); Ford Foundation/Just Films; National Endowment for the Humanities; The...
Asians Were America’s First “Undocumented Immigrants”
Clip | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Connie Yu’s family story in the U.S. almost ended at the Angel Island Immigration Station, where her grandmother was detained for over a year, separated from her American-born children. In an atmosphere of nativism and hate, exclusionary laws have made Asians the nation’s first “undocumented immigrants.” Yet those who manage to stay, build families and communities in America.
How to Watch Asian Americans
Asian Americans is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
PBS and WETA Announce ASIAN AMERICANS
“As America’s home for documentaries, PBS is committed to telling stories that illuminate and celebrate the rich diversity of our country,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO. “We are proud to share this important series with our audiences, and to deepen understanding about the extraordinary impact of...Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
"It Reminds Me I Have a Legacy To Live Up To"
Video has Closed Captions
Annie Tan uncovers a dark moment in her family's history. (4m 10s)
Video has Closed Captions
The history of identity, contributions, and challenges experienced by Asian Americans. (1m)
‘We Farmworkers Should Have an Organization of Our Own’
Video has Closed Captions
The oft forgotten history of Filipino farmworkers who launched the 1965 grape strike. (1m 41s)
‘They Liked to Pit the Mexicans Against the Filipinos’
Video has Closed Captions
After Filipino farmworkers walked off the grape fields, Mexican workers joined them. (2m 16s)
Tereza Lee Was the Inspiration for the Dream Act
Video has Closed Captions
Tereza Lee went from undocumented and afraid to DREAM Act immigrant activist. (39s)
Satsuki Ina Was Born American but Looked Like the Enemy
Video has Closed Captions
For Satsuki Ina, the question of loyalty began when she was born behind barbed wire. (4m 34s)
Patsy Mink: The First Woman of Color in the U.S. Congress
Video has Closed Captions
Patsy Mink, the first woman of color in Congress, paved the way for generations. (42s)
Learning Their Asian American Roots at San Quentin Prison
Video has Closed Captions
The Roots Program brings Asian American history to San Quentin prison. (2m 26s)
‘I Was Trying to Figure out Who I Was’
Video has Closed Captions
Laureen Chew grew up sheltered in Chinatown. The SF State strike changed her forever. (3m 10s)
‘If You Were in That Circle, You Are Going to Be Arrested’
Video has Closed Captions
In 1968 San Francisco State students mounted the longest campus strike in US history. (1m 35s)
He Fought in Vietnam, but He Had the Face of the Enemy
Video has Closed Captions
Mike Nakayama was an American GI, but he was still seen as the enemy. (1m 10s)
Hari Kondabolu Recalls the Perilous Days After 9/11
Video has Closed Captions
After 9/11 Hari Kondabolu was treated like a foreigner in his own country. (38s)
For Susan Ahn, WWII Was a Fight for America and Korea
Video has Closed Captions
For Korean Americans like Susan Ahn, WWII was a fight to defend both the U.S. and Korea. (1m 48s)
The Astonishing Story of the Men Who Built the Railroad
Video has Closed Captions
Chinese immigrants who built the railroad were erased from history, but not forgotten. (2m 4s)
Asian Immigrants Helped Build the Silicon Valley
Video has Closed Captions
Asian American entrepreneurs like Jerry Yang helped build Silicon Valley into a powerhouse (26s)
A Louisiana Family Discovers Their South Asian Roots
Video has Closed Captions
In segregated America, Indian immigrants found home and family in communities of color. (2m 38s)
Now PlayingAsians Were America’s First “Undocumented Immigrants”
Video has Closed Captions
The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act made Asians the nation’s first “undocumented immigrants.” (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Major funding for ASIAN AMERICANS is provided by Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB); Public Broadcasting Service (PBS); Ford Foundation/Just Films; National Endowment for the Humanities; The...