1. Stereotyping: Chinese immigrants were often stereotyped as "foreigners" or "outsiders" who were different from the native population. They were portrayed as passive, docile, and willing to accept low wages, leading to the perception that they were taking jobs away from native workers.
2. Competition in the Labor Market: Chinese immigrants often faced competition with native workers, especially in industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. This led to resentment and fear among some sectors of the population, who saw the Chinese as a threat to their economic well-being.
3. Racial Discrimination: Chinese immigrants were subjected to various forms of racial prejudice and discrimination based on their physical appearance, language, and cultural practices. They were denied the same rights and opportunities as the majority population and experienced exclusion from social and political life.
4. Restrictions and Laws: In many countries, Chinese immigration was restricted through various laws and policies. These measures included the Chinese Exclusion Act in the United States, which prohibited Chinese immigration from 1882 to 1943, and restrictive immigration policies in Australia and Canada that limited Chinese entry.
5. Scapegoating: During times of economic or social hardship, Chinese immigrants were sometimes scapegoated for societal problems. They were blamed for various social and economic ills, leading to discrimination and violence against Chinese communities.
6. Cultural and Religious Discrimination: Chinese immigrants faced prejudice and discrimination based on their cultural and religious practices, which were often seen as incompatible with the dominant culture. They were denied the right to practice their religion freely and faced prejudice for their traditions, language, and customs.
7. Exclusion from Citizenship: In some countries, Chinese immigrants were denied the right to citizenship and voting rights, which limited their participation in political and public life.
These prejudices created barriers and challenges for Chinese immigrants, as they struggled to integrate and gain equal treatment in their new countries. It took considerable time, advocacy, and legal battles to overcome many of these prejudices and establish the rights and recognition of Chinese communities in their adopted countries.