2019 Theses Master's

Studying on Settlement Patterns and Networking of Low-Skilled Chinese Immigrants in the United States

Chen, Yu

This study analyses the new settlement patterns of low-skilled Chinese immigrants and both transit networking and social networking behind them. Research in recent years found that immigrants won’t settle in the traditional gateway destinations, instead they are settling outside of the traditional established settlement areas. Based on the employment agency and its cooperation with bus company located in Chinatown, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study analyzes how the low-skilled Chinese immigrants settle in non-gateway destinations and the role that networking plays in the process. This thesis analyzes three aspects of the immigrant settlement process. First, I attempt to study the relocation process of both employers (Chinese restaurant owners) and employees. Second, I examine the role of employment service agencies in the process of relocation to the new destination. Third, this study explores the consequences of settlement for immigrants in new destinations.