1. Chinese Immigrants:
- Late 19th Century: Many Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination and hardships, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which severely restricted Chinese immigration and citizenship rights. This limited their access to the American dream.
- 20th Century: Over time, conditions improved, and Chinese Americans made significant contributions to various fields. However, systemic racism and prejudice persisted for many, impacting their access to opportunities.
2. Russian Jewish Immigrants:
- Late 19th and Early 20th Century: Russian Jewish immigrants often faced poverty and discrimination. Many worked in low-paying jobs in sweatshops or as peddlers. Despite these challenges, some achieved economic success and social mobility, aligning with aspects of the American dream.
- Assimilation: Over generations, many Russian Jewish immigrants and their descendants successfully assimilated into American society and contributed to its cultural and economic fabric. This could be seen as achieving elements of the American dream.
It's important to note that individual experiences varied widely. Some Chinese and Russian Jewish immigrants faced more significant obstacles than others, and factors like education, skills, location, and timing played a role in their access to opportunities. Discrimination and social barriers persisted for many, but some did manage to overcome these challenges and realize elements of the American dream through hard work and determination.
In summary, Chinese and Russian Jewish immigrants' access to the American dream ranged from severely limited due to discrimination to substantial achievements, depending on historical context and individual circumstances.