ABSTRACT
This chapter traces key historical experiences of Asian Americans in the United States from the mid-nineteenth century to present day. It explores the challenges Asian Americans have faced from society and how they have navigated these obstacles to assert their citizenship. The chapter outlines the effects of racialization of the Asian population: Racialization initially resulted in members of each group relying on their ethnic identity to ensure their own survival. These also include: The continued racialization in the twentieth century invoked a collective identity that unified the disparate groups and enabled them to claim their rights. The chapter discusses how US policies encouraged the formation of ethnic enclaves where Asian Americans have managed to preserve their culture while remaining economically and politically relevant. It focuses on Asian American immigration and refugee resettlement challenges. Asian Americans have been the target of discriminatory policies that threatened their citizenship status.
