Exploring the Lived Experience of Early Taiwan Chinese Immigrants in North America

Abstract This research focuses on those who left Taiwan for the United States and Canada, eventually planting their roots in North America. Case studies based on intensive multi-sited fieldwork conducted between 2008 and 2014 in five North American cities reveal their motivations for migration, the processes involved, and their lived experiences. They survived various challenges, such as gaining proficiency in English, adapting to different customs, enduring cold weather and overcoming loneliness. The qualitative methods used in this research gave voice to forty-two early-era Taiwan Chinese immigrants, demonstrating their roles as trailblazers for new immigrants from both Taiwan and Mainland China. A good educational background in Taiwan, further studies in the host countries, entrepreneurship, and the ability to use local resources were essential factors to help them in building successful careers. A majority settled permanently in their adopted cities, which became their homes.