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The historical relationship between Chinese immigrants and their U.S. hosts has been somewhat tumultuous. In the early 1900s an influx of Asian Americans was referred to as the "yellow peril" and there were legislative efforts made to discourage Asians from coming to the United States. Most notably, western states such as Oregon, California, and Washington passed alien fond acts which prevented certain immigrants, in particular those ineligible for citizenship, from owning land.

The Angel Island Immigration Station served as a waiting station for immigrants from China attempting to gain entry to the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. Chinese immigrants were housed at Angel Island until state and federal authorities passed judgement on their eligibility. Approximately 175,000 Chinese immigrants that came to the United States between 1910 and 1940 had to pass through Angel Island. The waiting period...