What were “paper sons” during the Asian immigration experience?

“Paper sons” refers to Chinese immigrants who would falsely claim to be the sons of American-born relatives in order to gain entry to the United States. This practice emerged primarily during the early 20th century, particularly in the context of restrictive immigration laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. With these laws severely limiting Chinese immigration and making it extremely difficult for Chinese nationals to immigrate legally, many individuals resorted to this fraudulent method.

By claiming to be related to someone already in the U.S.—often a citizen or legal resident—these immigrants could obtain documentation that would allow them to enter the country. This situation arose from the need to escape economic hardships or political unrest in China, and it illustrates the lengths to which immigrants would go to seek better opportunities in America.

The historical significance of "paper sons" also highlights broader themes around immigration laws, racism, and the struggles faced by immigrant communities in the U.S. It serves as an example of how restrictive policies can lead to creative—and often illegal—methods of immigration, emphasizing the resilience and desperation within these immigrant populations.