Leslie Chin, 1977 November 30

Leslie Chin (1928? – ) was a Chinese-born individual who immigrated to the United States in 1941. Following his college education, he pursued a career as a teacher in Baltimore County. In this oral history interview, Chin provides a detailed account of his personal experiences, as well as insights into his grandfather's journey to the U.S. before and during World War II. This includes discussions on the interrogation process, the challenges of the journey itself, and the difficulties involved in immigrating under the U.S. immigration laws. Chin also delves into the concept of "paper sons" and what it meant to be one. Reflecting on his childhood in both China and Baltimore, he discusses the adjustments he had to make due to cultural differences while highlighting the similarities and differences in Chinese family structure and culture U.S. and China. Chin elaborates on the challenges he faced in balancing his high school and college education with work at his uncle's restaurant, as well as explaining his decision to continue his education rather than return to China.