The Migration of Filipinos to the United States for AP World History

Feb 12

3 min read

The migration of Filipinos to the United States is an illustrative example of the Newly Independent States topic in Unit 8 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Philippines map — Shutterstock/2308485181

The migration of Filipinos to the United States is a significant aspect of both American and Filipino history, driven by colonial ties, economic opportunities, and labor demands. Spanning over a century, Filipino migration to the United States has profoundly influenced both countries, shaping socio-economic dynamics, cultural landscapes, and political relations.

Colonial Context and Early Migration

Filipino migration to the United States can be traced back to the late 19th century, during the period of American colonization of the Philippines. The United States acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898, increasing contact between the two countries and facilitating Filipino migration to America. The early wave of Filipino migrants consisted mainly of students, professionals, and laborers seeking economic opportunities and educational advancement in the United States.

Labor Migration and the Farm Labor Program

The 20th century witnessed a significant increase in Filipino migration to the United States, driven primarily by labor demands in American industries, particularly agriculture, healthcare, and domestic work. The passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934, which designated Filipinos as “non-citizen nationals,” facilitated Filipino migration to the United States, particularly to Hawaii and California. Filipino laborers played a crucial role in the agricultural sector, contributing to the success of the farm labor program and meeting the labor needs of American agribusiness.

World War II and Postwar Migration

The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent liberation of the Philippines by American forces further intensified Filipino migration to the United States. The Rescission Act of 1946, however, revoked the benefits promised to Filipino veterans of World War II, leading to widespread disillusionment and further migration to America in search of economic opportunities. Postwar migration also saw the arrival of Filipino professionals, students, and skilled workers, contributing to the diversification of the American workforce and enriching American society and culture.

Community Formation and Cultural Impact

Filipino migration to the United States resulted in the formation of vibrant Filipino-American communities across the country, particularly in urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. Filipino-Americans established churches, social clubs, and cultural organizations, preserving their cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity and belonging in their adopted homeland. Filipino cuisine, traditions, and languages became integral to American culture, influencing mainstream cuisine, music, and arts.

Challenges and Achievements

Despite their contributions to American society, Filipino migrants faced challenges such as discrimination, racism, and socio-economic inequality. The Immigration Act of 1965, which abolished national origin quotas, opened new opportunities for Filipino migration to the United States, leading to a surge in immigration from the Philippines. Today, Filipino-Americans continue to make significant contributions to various fields, including politics, academia, business, and the arts, enriching the fabric of American society and embodying the American Dream.

The migration of Filipinos to the United States is a testament to the enduring bonds between the two countries and the resilience and determination of Filipino migrants in pursuit of a better life. As a complex and multifaceted phenomenon shaped by historical, economic, and social factors, Filipino migration has left an indelible mark on both American and Filipino societies, shaping identities, communities, and the shared history of the two nations.