Hong Kong Immigration History Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary status of immigrants in Hong Kong prior to the 1950s?

Citizens

Refugees

Permanent residents

Sojourners (correct)

During which period did the population of Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong grow from approximately 100,000 in 1845 to about 165,000 in 1861?

2nd Sino-Japanese War

Taiping Rebellion (correct)

Chinese Hsinhai/Xinhai Revolution

Post-World War II Era

Which event is associated with a major increase in the Chinese population in Hong Kong from 850,000 in 1931 to 1,639,000 in 1941?

The Hsinhai Revolution

The establishment of the Republic of China

The Chinese Civil War

The 2nd Sino-Japanese War (correct)

What role did Hong Kong play for immigrants looking to emigrate beyond China from the 1850s to the 1860s?

An emigration port Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to waves of immigration from mainland China during the early 20th century?

Natural disasters and social unrest Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated population in 1946 according to the colonial government's annual report?

1,600,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for the unrestricted movement policy before the Pacific War?

Policy of territorial fluidity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the significance of cultural continuity regarding unrestricted movement?

Familial ties Signup and view all the answers

By what year did the population drop to around 600,000 due to Japanese expulsions?

1945 Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'entrepôt' refer to in the context of the colonial government's response?

A center for trade and movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential punishment for a violation mentioned in the content?

A fine not extending $2,000 and imprisonment Signup and view all the answers

What type of social control is exemplified by a registration system and identity cards?

Formal social control Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes informal social control?

It discourages deviance through daily interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals in small communities experience stronger social control?

Because of the presence of strong ties within the community. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of social control?

Efforts to control behavior to encourage conformity to norms. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the emigration through Hong Kong during the period described?

Higher wages and better opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is noted as a factor contributing to the emigration from China?

The California Gold Rush. Signup and view all the answers

How much more could an individual potentially earn per month in the US compared to China?

$26 USD. Signup and view all the answers

What was described as the 'Gold Mountain' image?

The perception of the US as a land of opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of regulations did Hong Kong implement to facilitate emigration?

Immigration-friendly regulations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is associated with the unrest in China during this period?

The Taiping Rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate monthly income comparison between the US and China mentioned in the context?

$26 USD in the US and $1 USD in China. Signup and view all the answers

What was Hong Kong characterized as during the emigration process?

A well-developed emigration port. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of establishing political distinction in the context of the colony's branding?

To assert political identity Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in strategies from the 1950s to the 1960s regarding political control?

Shift from acceptance to regularization Signup and view all the answers

Which political event is noted as having significant impacts on emigration and immigration issues?

The Great Leap Forward Signup and view all the answers

What mentality is associated with the immigrants' attitudes towards Hong Kong?

Refugee Mentality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes characteristics of the so-called 'Refugee Mentality' in Hong Kong?

Focus on traditional values and familism Signup and view all the answers

What phrase reflects the mentality of immigrants who viewed their situation in Hong Kong?

A borrowed time, a borrowed place Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the influx of refugees post-1949?

Stagnation of economic growth Signup and view all the answers

What term was used to describe the children of immigrants in Hong Kong during this period?

Little Rascals Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of most immigrants coming to Hong Kong?

To join family and people of their own ethnicity Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason given for the inability of Her Majesty's Government to accept more refugees?

Overcrowding of Great Britain Signup and view all the answers

What social issue was presented as a 'people problem' before the 1970s?

Excessive population and illegal immigration Signup and view all the answers

How did the colonial government approach handling 'human problems' related to immigration?

By maintaining financial autonomy and reluctance to provide services Signup and view all the answers

What was the context for tightening immigration control in the early 1970s?

Concerns over rising illegal immigration and resource allocation Signup and view all the answers

What was a perceived consequence of excessive illegal immigration according to the document?

Social evils and increased demands on resources Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Shek Kip Mei fire in 1953?

It highlighted the housing crisis and safety issues Signup and view all the answers

What term reflects the colonial government's perspective on immigration control?

The way out of social challenges Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Migration and Population

The presentation covers foundational concepts related to migration and population, policy changes, and ethnic implications.
A population is defined as an aggregate of individuals conforming to a given definition, usually with at least spatial and temporal specificity (Norman B. Ryder, 1965).
Population size is influenced by migration, which is described as the movement of people from one territory to another on a permanent or semi-permanent basis (John J. Macionis, 2017).
Key forms of migration include immigration (movement into a specified territory) and emigration (movement out of a specified territory).
Internal migration includes in-migration, out-migration, and return migration. International migration includes immigration and emigration, as well as remigration.

Population Size and Migration

Migration directly impacts population size.
Push factors (e.g., poverty, unemployment, disasters, and environmental factors) drive people away from an area.
Pull factors (e.g., safety, opportunities, stability, and freedom) attract people to a specific location.

Hong Kong as an Immigrant City

A case study of mainland immigrants in Hong Kong from 1842 to 2000s is presented.
The gradual development of the concept of "Hong Kong" and a sense of belonging are key themes.
Key takeaways focus on policies, practices, and discourses related to immigration and identity formation.
The presentation highlights three stages of immigration: Prior to 1950s, 1950s to 1960s, and 1970s to 1980s, plus a period from the 1980s to 2000s.

Unrestricted Movement across China

Before the 1950s (starting in 1842), movement across China, including to Hong Kong, was relatively unrestricted.
Examples of significant immigration waves from mainland China are noted, such as the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864), the Xinhai Revolution (1911), and the Second Sino-Japanese War/Japanese Invasion (1931).

Hong Kong's Role for Immigrants

Hong Kong, during this period, functioned as a shelter and emigration port.
Immigrants considered themselves as "sojourners" rather than a permanent home.
Motivations for leaving mainland China to emigrate through Hong Kong included economic hardship, opportunities in the U.S. (e.g., California Gold Rush), and natural disasters/famine.
Freedom of movement from mainland China to Hong Kong was considered a defining feature of the early colonial period.

Restrictions on Movement into Hong Kong

Some restrictions on movement existed, with laws such as the Banishment Ordinance of 1903 and Deportation of Aliens Bill of 1949.
The Travellers Restriction Ordinance (1915), Registration of Persons Ordinance (1916), and Passport Ordinance (1923) introduced restrictions, but an exemption was granted to Chinese.
The Immigration and Passports Ordinance and Registration of Persons Ordinance (1934) required registration for all non-Chinese immigrants.

The Gradual Development of a "Hong Kong" Identity

The colonial government justified its immigration controls by citing the need to maintain social order.
The colonial government's response to immigration during 1937, 1945, and 1946 is summarized.

1950s-1960s: Changing Strategies

Immigration control shifted from acceptance to control during the 1950s and 1960s.
Political events, such as the Cold War and domestic unrest in mainland China, affected immigration patterns.

Immigration Control Ordinance (1949) and the 1950s

The Immigration Control Ordinance of 1949 marked a turning point.
This led to stricter measures, including the rejection of immigrants and stricter enforcement. A key change included a quota system enacted in 1950.

Registration of Persons Ordinance (1949)

Registration of Persons Ordinance (1949) introduced compulsory registration, with identity cards, fingerprinting, and photographs
This policy covered both legal and illegal immigrants

The implementation of a registration system and identity cards aimed to control and regulate population behavior.
Both informal and formal social controls played a role

Late 1950s to 1960s

This period was marked by a shift towards inclusionary policies.
A clearer definition of "illegal immigrants" emerged, resulting in changes in repatriation and policy.
The distribution of identity cards in the 1960s and 1967 policy change toward open-door policy are noted.

Humanitarian Policies

Humanitarian reasons such as Social Integration, Practical Considerations, and Political Reasons & International Politics, influenced policies about immigration.
There was public resistance and a desire to preserve the humanity of the immigrants.

1970s and 1980s

Migration control was intensified with a tighter focus on controlling illegal immigrants and stricter enforcement.
Policies like the 1974-1980 Reach Base policy (Touch Base) allowed those who were in the area to become legal immigrants
The 1980s saw the introduction of Instant Repatriation upon Arrest policy, which emphasized swift removal of those deemed illegal.

1980s to 2020s: Cross-Border Movements

China's Open Door policy in 1979 changed the landscape.
Hong Kong's immigration policies were marked by one-way permits and quotas as a means of controlling migration.
Different categories of immigrants were defined and tracked, based on their circumstances.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the history of Chinese immigration to Hong Kong, including key events, population changes, and the role of the city as an entrepôt in the mid-20th century. This quiz covers significant periods and factors affecting immigration before and after the Pacific War.