Asian American History and the Making of the U.S. Immigration System

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 26.03.04

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rational
  3. Student Outcomes
  4. Important Dates In U.s. Immigration And Naturalization History
  5. Map Studies
  6. Readings
  7. The Oral History Interview
  8. Appendix On Implementing District Standards
  9. Resources
  10. Notes

Oral Histories and Stories of Immigration

Wendy Dane

Published September 2026

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 26.03.04

This unit on the history of Asian immigration to the U.S. offers students a clear lens through which to understand how past immigration policies and citizenship laws directly shape our modern system.  By examining discriminatory practices, landmark court cases, and evolving laws from 1790 to the present day, students will uncover the systemic factors that have historically biased the path to American citizenship and its social, economic, and political impacts.

To make this complex history vivid and accessible, the curriculum integrates historical maps, primary sources, interactive vocabulary and evidence-based exercises.  The unit culminates in a personal oral history assignment where students conduct an interview to uncover their own family’s migration story – empowering them to directly answer the fundamental questions: Why am I here, and how did I get here?

(Developed for English, grade 10; recommended for English and History, grades 9-11)

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