AIISF - Immigrant Voices
AIISF is pleased to present the following stories about the immigrant experience. As we celebrate 100 years of Pacific immigration from 1910 to 2010, these stories, which reflect diverse experiences in different eras, underscore the common desire for a better life held by all immigrants. These stories offer testimony to the perseverance, courage and tenacity of immigrants whose belief in the American ideals of freedom and justice was unshakable despite hardships and discrimination.
To contribute your immigrant story, please
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We wish to thank all the contributors whose stories enrich all our lives.
| Lim, Fook Keung | |
| Low, Dick | |
| Low, Raymond | |
| Lum, Fong Shee | |
| Moy, Damon | |
| Wong, Poy (James) | |
| Yee, Chan Teung | |
| Yee, Helen | |
Isabel Allende – The Unexpected Immigrant
Article by William Wong
Author of best-selling books such as The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende recounts the circumstances that led to her unexpected settlement in northern California and her eventual U.S. citizenship. Sprinkled liberally with amusing observations, Allende’s discussion with journalist William Wong also delves into the tragic circumstances of her daughter Paula’s illness and death. Allende honors her daughter’s memory through a foundation dedicated to needy immigrants.
Joan Chen – Actress, Director, and Immigrant
Article by William Wong
Internationally acclaimed actress/director Joan Chen (Chen Gong) immigrated to the U.S. at age 19 in 1981. In this special article for AIISF, Joan Chen tells journalist William Wong about her years as a student in the U.S. and her early career as a Hollywood actress before her breakthrough in the Academy-award winning film, The Last Emperor.
A Night at the Immigration Station by Choi Kyung Sik
One hundred years after the Immigration Station opened, we are still uncovering bits and pieces of the Angel Island story. The following poem, “A Night at the Immigration Station” by Choi Kyung Sik was found by researchers Charles Egan, a professor at San Francisco State University, and his assistant Jikyung Hwang as they went through back issues of the San Francisco-based Shinhan Minbo newspaper. Mr. Choi’s poem was published on April 25, 1925, and this English translation is by Jikyung Hwang and Charles Egan.
Finding My Way Home by Kim and Peter Delevett
Pham Kim Phuong, who came to the U.S. as a child in April 1975 when Saigon fell to the Communists, recounts her journey back to Vietnam. In an emotional turn of events, she revisits her home town and finds long-lost relatives who have kept her memory alive despite years of separation.Angel Island Memories from Dong Kingman
Dong Kingman, the internationally renowned artist, was born in Oakland Chinatown on March 31, 1911. When he was five years old, his father sold his clothing store and moved the family to Hong Kong. When he was 18 years old, his father decided to send the children back to the United States.
The following chapter, “Arrived But Not Landed,” taken from Dong Kingman’s autobiography, Paint the Yellow Tiger, describes his experience at the Angel Island Immigration Station.
We wish to thank Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. for allowing us to use this chapter.
My Life by Benjamin Fong
Veteran Antioch elementary school teacher, Benjamin Fong, recounts his arrival on Angel Island at age 5, his settlement in Oakland Chinatown, his military service and educational career.
The Story of Gain Fong by Cindy Sue
Granddaughter Cindy Sue describes the life of Gain Fong, who emigrated from Canton at age 15 in 1917. Like many immigrants, Mr. Gong began his stay in the U.S. as a laborer and eventually saved enough money to start a grocery business in Castro Valley, California. His legacy endures through the values of hard work, sacrifice, and education that he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Stanley and Amy Gee - The American Dream
by Judge Delbert GeeTaken from a speech given by the Honorable Delbert C. Gee during the ceremonial administration of his oath of office as Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, in January 2003 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
Wong Quock Gee’s Life by his grandson David Gee
After immigrating to the U.S. in 1915 at age 11, Wong Quock Gee settled in Montgomery, Alabama where he owned a laundry and restaurant. His grandson describes the hardships of Mr. Gee’s life.
Edna Ow Gong – From Picture Bride to American Housewife – A daughter’s remembrance by Linda Gong
After arriving at Angel Island in 1940 from China, Edna Ow married Tom Gong and settled in California’s Central Valley and worked with her husband in the chicken ranching and grocery business. Linda Gong, the youngest of four children, paints a loving portrait of a generous and hardworking woman, her mother.
Tom L. Gong’s Life by Linda Gong
Like many Chinese immigrants, Tom L. Gong arrived at Angel Island in 1936 as a “paper son.” He came as Kong Leung Quong, a 14 year old boy, but he was actually 16 years old. After a long life of work, he settled in Watsonville with his wife Edna, raised a family, and became a community leader actively involved in the Fah Yuen Association and the Sam Yick Association.
Profile of Henry and Miriam Haskin as told by Gretchen Haskin and Ernest Haskin
AIISF is very pleased to present the story of Henry and Miriam Haskin, Russian Jewish immigrants, who came to San Francisco in the early part of the 20th century. We wish to thank Gretchen Haskin and Ernie Haskin for sharing their remembrances of the family and the wonderful photographs that accompany this story. If you have a story of an immigrant who came to the United States via the Pacific route, please contact Eddie Wong at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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