Dow Papers Highlight Chinese Immigration to the U.S.

Illustration of a scene from Harry Hom Dow's play, "A Day in the Chinese Division"

This satirical play, written by Harry Hom Dow, depicts scenes of discrimination that Chinese immigrants faced at INS processing centers such as at Ellis Island.

A Day in the Chinese Division (A Farce), written by Harry Hom Dow

View of the Experience at INS

Harry Dow's experience working in the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) served as inspiration for the satirical plays he wrote. They depict the widespread discrimination that Chinese immigrants encountered at INS processing centers such as Ellis Island after passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The act  not only stopped immigration from China but also severely limited the rights of Chinese people already living in America.

Letter from a son in China to his father in the U.S. asking for instructions related to his immigration case. Also includes an English translation.

Letter from a son in China to his father and brother in the U.S. related to his immigration case. Also includes an English translation.

Letter from a son in China to his father in the U.S. regarding his immigration case. Also includes an English translation.

Coaching book belonging to a Chinese man hoping to emigrate to the U.S., 1950s

Group of family photographs submitted by a Chinese national related to his immigration case file

1950s-era Case File

Although the Chinese Exclusion Act was officially repealed in 1943, the immigration process for Chinese nationals was anything but easy. The lengthy and expensive process involved interviews, blood tests, testimonials, and mounds of paperwork. The following selection of documents is representative of the process -- family photographs, letters, and a "coaching book" used to prepare for the INS interview. The Dow Papers includes hundreds of cases with similar documentation.

The files have been translated and redacted to protect the privacy of the clients. Special thanks to Zi Jing Teoh and Justina Chu for their asistance with the translation and redaction of the records.