Economic competition: Many Asian immigrants, especially Chinese immigrants, came to the United States in the mid-1800s to work on the construction of railroads and other infrastructure projects. Their willingness to work for lower wages than white laborers led to resentment and hostility from white workers.
Perceived cultural and racial differences: Asian immigrants were often seen as "foreign" and "unassimilable" by white Americans. They were often stereotyped as being dirty, disease-ridden, and immoral. These stereotypes were reinforced by popular culture and media, and they helped to justify discrimination against Asian Americans.
Anti-Chinese sentiment: The mid-1800s also saw a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States. This sentiment was fueled by the influx of Chinese immigrants during the California Gold Rush, as well as by the belief that Chinese workers were taking jobs from white Americans. Anti-Chinese sentiment led to a series of laws and policies that discriminated against Chinese immigrants, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigration to the United States for over 60 years.
The discrimination against Asian Americans in the mid-1800s was a complex issue with a variety of causes. It was rooted in economic competition, cultural and racial prejudice, and anti-Chinese sentiment. The legacy of this discrimination can still be seen in the United States today, in the form of persistent racial disparities in education, employment, and housing.