ChineseAmerican

Chinese American refers to Americans of Chinese ancestry, including immigrants from China and their descendants. The term encompasses a diverse range of backgrounds, languages, and experiences, and it is used in demographic, cultural, and social contexts to describe people who identify with Chinese heritage while holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Historically, Chinese Americans began settling in the United States in the 19th century, notably during the California Gold Rush and the construction of the transcontinental railroad. The community faced legal discrimination under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which severely limited immigration and naturalization for several decades. Restrictions were gradually dismantled in the mid-20th century, with the 1943 repeal of the Exclusion Act and the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act expanding admissions from Asia. Since then, Chinese American populations have grown through subsequent waves of migration as well as the natural increase of those born in the United States. Today, Chinese Americans constitute one of the largest Asian American subgroups.

Geographically, Chinese Americans are concentrated in major metropolitan areas and coastal regions, with large communities in California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois. They maintain languages such as Mandarin and Cantonese alongside English, and many families balance traditional customs with American cultural practices. The community has made substantial contributions to business, science, education, the arts, and public life, while also engaging in civil rights advocacy and efforts to address issues such as discrimination and equality.

Overall, Chinese Americans are a heterogeneous group whose members connect through shared heritage while reflecting the broader diversity of the United States.