History of Filipino Americans facts for kids

The history of Filipino Americans tells the story of Filipinos who came to live in what is now the United States. This journey started way back in the 16th century. At that time, the Philippines was part of "New Spain," a large territory controlled by Spain.

Early Filipinos traveled across the Pacific Ocean on big ships called Manila galleons. These brave sailors settled in places like Louisiana and California starting in the 1700s. By the 1800s, Filipinos were already living in the U.S. They even fought in important battles like the Battle of New Orleans and the American Civil War. Some became U.S. citizens.

Later, in the late 1800s, the United States went to war with Spain. After the war, the U.S. took control of the Philippines. This led to the Philippine–American War (1899-1902). After this war, many Filipinos started moving to the U.S. because they were considered "U.S. Nationals." This meant they could travel freely.

Many Filipinos came to work as laborers or joined the United States Navy. However, during the Great Depression in the 1930s, some Filipino Americans faced unfair treatment and violence. In 1934, a law called the Philippine Independence Act changed things, making it harder for Filipinos to immigrate.

During World War II, the Philippines was occupied by Japan. Filipinos fought bravely, and many joined the U.S. military. After the war, the Philippines became an independent country in 1946. More Filipinos came to the U.S., including many "war brides." Over time, Filipino Americans became more involved in American society, achieving many "firsts" in different fields. Today, the history and contributions of Filipino Americans are celebrated, especially during Filipino American History Month.

How Filipinos Came to the U.S.

Filipinos have come to the United States in different waves over many centuries. Each wave had its own reasons and challenges.

First Arrivals: The Spanish Era

The first Filipinos arrived when the Philippines was part of "New Spain." They traveled on large Spanish ships called Manila galleons. These ships sailed between the Philippines and Mexico. Some Filipinos settled in North America during these trips.

One of the first permanent Filipino settlements in the U.S. was in Saint Malo, Louisiana. This community was formed in the late 1700s. By the early 1900s, only a few hundred people of Filipino background lived in the mainland U.S.

Second Wave: U.S. Territory Period

The second big wave of Filipino immigration happened when the Philippines was a territory of the United States. During this time, Filipinos were considered "U.S. Nationals." This meant they could move to the U.S. without the strict limits placed on other Asian immigrants.

Many of these immigrants were laborers, especially from the Ilocano and Visayan regions of the Philippines. They came to work in Hawaiian sugarcane fields, California farms, and Alaskan canneries. Because they had some American education and influence in the Philippines, they didn't always see themselves as "foreigners" when they arrived.

By 1920, the Filipino population in the U.S. grew to over 5,600. By 1930, it was more than 45,000, with many living in California. However, Filipinos faced challenges like laws that tried to prevent them from marrying white people.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many Filipino Americans lost their jobs. They also faced violence and discrimination. This wave of immigration slowed down after the Philippine Independence Act in 1934. This law limited Filipino immigration to only 50 people per year.

Filipinos in the U.S. Navy

Starting in 1901, Filipinos were allowed to join the United States Navy. Filipino sailors could bring their families to the U.S. or marry here. This created a unique Filipino American community linked to the Navy.

At first, Filipino sailors could work in many different jobs. But later, they were mostly limited to roles like cooks and stewards for officers. Even with these limits, military service was a way for Filipinos to come to the U.S. without being affected by immigration quotas. This special arrangement for Navy enlistment ended in 1992.

Third Wave: After World War II

The third wave of immigration came after World War II. Filipinos who fought in the war for the U.S. were given a chance to become U.S. citizens. Many took this opportunity.

Also, many Filipina "war brides" were allowed to immigrate to the U.S. to join their American husbands. Between 1946 and 1950, about 16,000 Filipinas came to the U.S. A new law in 1946, the Luce–Celler Act of 1946, set a quota of 100 Filipino immigrants per year. Despite this, many more Filipinos immigrated between 1953 and 1965. Laws against interracial marriage with Filipinos continued in some states until 1967. This wave ended in 1965.

Fourth Wave: Modern Immigration

The fourth and current wave of immigration began in 1965. A new law, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, removed old national quotas. It made it easier for families to reunite in the U.S.

Because of this, the Philippines became the largest source of legal immigration from Asia to the U.S. Many Filipinas came as professionals, especially as nurses, because there was a shortage of qualified nurses in the U.S. From 1966 to 1991, at least 35,000 Filipino nurses immigrated.

Today, many Filipinos still come to the U.S. through family sponsorships. In 2016, over 50,000 Filipinos became lawful permanent residents. Most of these were immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.

This graph shows the history of Filipino immigration to the U.S. from 1930 to 2010.

Important Moments in Filipino American History

Here are some key dates and events in the history of Filipino Americans:

• 1587: The first Filipinos arrive in North America in Morro Bay, California. They were aboard a Spanish ship.
• 1763: The first permanent Filipino settlement in North America is established in Louisiana.
• 1814: During the War of 1812, Filipinos living near New Orleans, called "Manilamen," fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans.
• 1861–1865: About 100 Filipinos and Chinese people serve in the American Civil War for both the Union and Confederate armies.
• 1898: The U.S. Navy defeats Spain in the Battle of Manila Bay. The Philippines declares independence from Spain.
• 1899: The Philippine–American War begins.
• 1901: The United States Navy starts recruiting Filipinos.
• 1903: The first "Pensionados" arrive. These were Filipinos who came to the U.S. on American government scholarships to attend college.
• 1906: Many Filipino laborers begin migrating to Hawaii and the U.S. mainland to work in agriculture.
• 1911: José B. Nísperos becomes the first Asian American to receive the Medal of Honor, a very high military award.
• 1928: Filipino businessman Pedro Flores starts his yo-yo company, helping to make the yo-yo popular in the U.S.
• 1930: Anti-Filipino riots break out in Watsonville, California, and other areas.
• 1934: The Tydings–McDuffie Act limits Filipino immigration to 50 people per year.
• 1942: The first and second Filipino Regiments are formed in the U.S. for World War II.
• 1946: President Truman signs the Rescission Act of 1946, which took away some benefits promised to Filipino World War II veterans. The U.S. also recognizes Philippine Independence.
• 1948: Vicki Draves wins two Olympic gold medals in diving, becoming the only Filipino to win a gold medal as of 2010.
• 1955: Peter Aduja becomes the first Filipino American elected to office in Hawaii.
• 1965: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 makes it easier for Filipinos to immigrate. The Delano grape strike begins, led by Filipino farm workers like Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz.
• 1973: Larry Asera becomes the first Filipino American elected to a city council in the mainland U.S.
• 1974: Benjamin Menor becomes the first Filipino American justice on a state's highest court (Hawaii). Thelma Buchholdt is the first Filipino American woman elected to a state legislature (Alaska).
• 1975: Eduardo Enabore Malapit becomes the first Filipino American mayor in the U.S.
• 1981: Filipino American labor activists Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes are sadly assassinated in Seattle.
• 1990: The Immigration Reform Act grants U.S. citizenship to Filipino World War II veterans.
• 1992: Bobby Scott becomes the first person with Filipino heritage elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Navy stops enlisting Filipinos from the Philippines.
• 1994: Benjamin J. Cayetano becomes the first Filipino American governor in the U.S. (Hawaii).
• 2000: Angela Perez Baraquio becomes the first Filipino American crowned Miss America.
• 2009: Filipino American History Month is recognized in California.
• 2013: California passes a law requiring that Filipino contributions to the state's history be taught in schools.
• 2014: An overpass on the Filipino-American Highway is named the Itliong-Vera Cruz Memorial Bridge, honoring the two labor leaders.
• 2017: Oscar A. Solis becomes the first Filipino American Catholic diocesan bishop in the U.S.
• 2018: Erin Entrada Kelly becomes the first Filipino American to win the Newbery Medal, a top award for children's literature.
• 2020: Many Filipino American healthcare workers sadly die due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making up a large percentage of nurses who died from the virus.

Images for kids

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  José Rizal around the time of his visit to the United States

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  Philippine Village at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901

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  Company labor camp for Filipino farm laborers on Ryer Island in 1940

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  Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

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  President Truman and members of his party pose on the north steps of the "Little White House", the President's residence in Potsdam, Germany during the Potsdam Conference, with their Filipino stewards.

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  The building where Domingo and Viernes were assassinated.