Filipino Repatriation Act

Definition

The Filipino Repatriation Act, passed in 1935, was a U.S. law that provided for the voluntary return of Filipinos to the Philippines. This act emerged from a backdrop of growing anti-Filipino sentiment and economic challenges during the Great Depression, prompting many Filipinos who had immigrated to the U.S. to reconsider their status and options. It facilitated the repatriation process, enabling those who wished to return home to do so under certain conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Filipino Repatriation Act was enacted primarily due to economic pressures during the Great Depression, which led to heightened competition for jobs and increased discrimination against Filipino immigrants.
2. Under this act, transportation costs for returning Filipinos were covered by the U.S. government, making it easier for many individuals to make the choice to return home.
3. Approximately 2,000 Filipinos took advantage of the repatriation program between 1935 and 1936, reflecting a significant response to the socio-economic climate at the time.
4. The act also highlighted the complicated nature of U.S. colonial policy towards the Philippines, balancing between providing for Filipino needs while managing American public sentiment.
5. Despite its intent, the act faced criticism for promoting a narrative of repatriation rather than addressing systemic issues of racism and exclusion faced by Filipino Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the economic climate of the Great Depression influence the implementation of the Filipino Repatriation Act?
  • The Great Depression created a dire economic situation in the United States, leading to high unemployment and increased competition for jobs. This environment fostered anti-Filipino sentiment as many viewed immigrants as a threat to their job security. The Filipino Repatriation Act was thus influenced by these economic pressures, offering a solution for Filipinos who were struggling and considering returning to their home country.
• What role did public sentiment play in shaping the policies surrounding the Filipino Repatriation Act?
  • Public sentiment was a crucial factor in shaping policies related to the Filipino Repatriation Act. As economic hardship intensified during the Great Depression, there was growing resentment towards immigrant communities, including Filipinos. Lawmakers responded to this social climate by introducing legislation that aimed to alleviate public concerns about job competition while simultaneously addressing the needs of Filipinos who wished to return home. This interplay between public opinion and policy highlights how societal attitudes can directly influence legislative action.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Filipino Repatriation Act on Filipino American communities and their relationship with U.S. immigration policies.
  • The long-term impacts of the Filipino Repatriation Act were significant for Filipino American communities as it shaped their experiences within a racially charged environment influenced by U.S. immigration policies. The act reinforced narratives around exclusion and belonging, fostering ongoing discussions about race relations in America. It also set precedents for future immigration policies that would impact how minority communities were perceived and treated within a broader socio-political context, contributing to enduring legacies of discrimination that continue to affect immigrant populations today.

Related terms

Jones Act: A 1916 law that granted the Philippines greater autonomy and promised eventual independence, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Philippine relations.

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929, significantly impacting immigration patterns and labor markets, leading to increased discrimination against minority groups.

Philippine Independence: The process by which the Philippines gained sovereignty from the United States, culminating in the recognition of independence on July 4, 1946.