Crossing East Program Six

Program Six: Post '65 Generation

The Immigration Act of 1965, allowed Asian family members, entrepreneurs and skilled workers to immigrate to the U.S. Crossing East shows how each Asian group found a special field of work and offered their expertise and skills to a burgeoning economy.

Streaming Audio Clip (opens in new window) - The Paradox of the Fujianese

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	A Grocer's Life: Most Korean immigrants after 1965 were college educated but because of language barriers they had to find new ways to support themselves in the U.S. Today more than one million Korean Americans live in the U.S. Los Angeles has the largest Korean population outside of Korea.	Produced by Dmae Roberts with Contributor Miae Kim
	The Family Business: The Apache Motel is located on a busy street in Chicago. It’s one of thousands in the US owned by South Asian immigrants. According to the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, more than a third of hotels and motels in the country are owned by Asian American entrepreneurs.	Produced by Catrin Einhorn with Contributor Scotty Iseri
	In Her Own Words: In the ‘70s there was a need for nurses in America and well-educated Filipina immigrants filled that need. By 1980, the Filipino population in the U.S. jumped to half a million. So many medical professionals came to America that politicians in the Philippines feared a “brain drain.”	Produced by Ruby deLuna
	The Teahouse: For many immigrants from China, running a restaurant has often been the only way for families to earn a living. The first Chinese restaurants started in California in the mid 1800s. Now go to any city or small town in the US and chances are you’ll find a Chinese restaurant.	Produced by Mary Stucky
	The Paradox of the Fujianese: Fujianese immigrants (from China) were left out of the 1965 immigration reforms because they had few relatives in the US. More than 200,000 have paid up to $30,000 each to be smuggled into the US. Like the exploited coolie laborers of the 1800s, they come here seeking a better life, but face discrimination and harsh conditions.	Produced by Reese Erlich