Conclusion
The
Chinese were drawn to
immigrate to the
US by the
lure of
gold and the
dream of a
quick fortune and a return to
China for a life of
luxury. However, Chinese
immigrants were faced with
discrimination,
violence, and high
taxes. Few were able to make enough
money for the return to China, and so instead settled into strong Chinese communities, further
unified by discrimination. Chinese immigration slowed in
1882 and nearly stopped in
1892 due to
legal restriction of immigration. The Chinese in
Oregon made their living in the
gold mines of
Eastern Oregon, in the
salmon canneries of
Western Oregon, and in
railroad construction,
menial labor, and
employment within the Chinese
community throughout the state. Chinese had a large
impact on
the West by building the
railroads and thus
stimulating its
growth. The
presence of Chinese immigrants remains today throughout the West.
A history of Chinese Immigration to Oregon
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