Chinese immigrants to the United States of America have experienced both setbacks and triumphs in their quest for a better life for themselves and their families. First arriving in America in the mid-1800s to seek work and escape the poor living conditions of their home country, the Chinese found work and settled in areas known as Chinatowns (Takaki 181-183). In the early years, these immigrants faced considerable legal racism and sexism, as women were barred from entering the country and the Chinese Exclusion Act prevented workers from entering the country for years (Takaki 184-192). Today, the modern Chinese American experience has changed from the experience of early Chinese immigrants. Many immigrants enter the country in search of better education as well as employment (Yung, Chang, and Lai 244). Immigrant women have made great strides toward equality with men. Despite the progress made, many immigrants still face discrimination at some level. An example of a modern Chinese immigrant is "Ruby", a student who, with her parents, immigrated from Hong Kong to a suburb of Providence, Rhode Island, 7 years ago. Ruby's story provides insight into the modern Chinese-American experience and the struggles this group still faces. Chinese immigrants have long had a presence in the United States and, despite many difficulties, have finally begun to reap the benefits of this great nation. As modern Chinese immigrants come to the United States in search of work as their predecessors did, new motivations have attracted families. in the country. In the mid-1800s, large numbers of Chinese began arriving in America. These immigrants were driven from their homelands by the Opium Wars, British colonization, peasant rebellion, floods and...... middle of paper ...... upon arriving they s They often settle among other Chinese Americans in Chinatowns where they feel connected. to their culture. The progress made by Chinese women also demonstrates their progress. Overall, modern Chinese immigrants have achieved the American dream that their predecessors were unable to achieve. Works Cited Chan, Sucheng. Sino-American Transnationalism: The Flow of People, Resources, and Ideas Between China and America in the Age of Exclusion. Philadelphia, PA, USA: Temple University Press, 2005. Web. Takaki, Ronald T. A Different Looking Glass: A History of Multicultural America. New York: Back Bay/Little, Brown, 2008. Print. Wong, Hoi Yee. Personal interview. March 20, 2014. Yung, Judy; Chang, Gordon H.; Lai, H. Mark. Chinese-American Voices: From the Gold Rush to the Present. Berkeley, California, USA: University of California Press, 2006. Web.