Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America

In the mid-19th century, tens of thousands of Chinese immigrants traveled to American shores in the pursuit of a better life in the “land of opportunity.” Quickly, however, their quest for the American dream became a nightmare, as racial violence and anti-Chinese sentiment became widespread, culminating in the signing of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. Author Michael Luo explores the complex story of the Chinese-American community, following their perseverance in the face of bigotry from the mid-1800s through today, detailing how Chinese Americans have become an essential part of our nation’s cultural, political, and economic life. For more information: https://www.nyhistory.org/programs/strangers-in-the-land-exclusion-belonging-chinese-in-america?date=2025-05-21