A University of Washington Scholar Asks Why Filipino Workers Are Being Pushed Out

THE FILIPINO FORUM

MIGRATION OF FILIPINOS

By Sebastian Abella, University of Washington

(Editor's Note: This article was prepared by Mr. Abella in connection with a study he pursued under the auspices of the sociology department of the University of Washington. We are publishing it in the Forum in instalments in view of its importance to our Filipino as well as American readers.)

Introduction

This study is an attempt to arrive at a truer solution to the now growing conflict that has arisen in the economic interests of the Philippines and the United States. Just now America is beginning to realize that the Philippines constitute a source of danger to her own economic well-being. Among the many economic conflicts between the two countries is the Filipino labor problem on the Pacific coast. To be sure, the problem is not as acute as it appears to be, but the fact that it is exaggerated by politics and undue emotion has created enough sentiment among the labor groups on the Pacific coast to place a bill in Congress requiring the exclusion of Filipinos from this country.

The presence of Filipinos in this country is attracting attention and interest not only because of its relation to the economic life but also to social as well. The fact that the great majority of them are found on the Pacific shore has made the Pacific coast the center of resentment against them. The resentment is fomented by many motives, but the present study will deal specially on the economic aspect of the problem.

Sources of Materials

No adequate data have been gathered for a complete study of the subject, but ample materials collected from various sources within the geographical scope of the study give enough basis for an intelligent interpretation of facts. Whatever material that throws light on the subject has been taken into account. The sources of materials are reports issued by public officials and private concerns, which have intimate relation to the subject; replies to inquiries sent to reliable persons; and the personal experiences of the writer. In interviews made by the greater part of the interpretations on the attitudes of different groups that have definite contacts with Filipino labor, the writer has endeavored to gather as much first hand information as possible in the belief that such information would be more reliable than what written reports would give.

Geographical Scope of the Study

The geographical scope of the study covers the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Territory of Alaska. California is excluded from the present study for lack of adequate information. Idaho is also not included for the reason that the number of Filipinos in that state is too negligible. As will be seen, the territory covered is wider than that of California, but the Filipinos included in the study is very small in comparison with the number of Filipinos in California.

Filipino Classification

Before a discussion of their status is made, it might be well to point out the place from which they start, and for want of a better name, they will be called "the Filipino." Caution should be used, however, in the use of the term, for the fact is there are no lines which would separate out the class of Filipino population. The majority are of the so-called laboring class. But as a rule, the majority concentrate in the larger cities of the Northwest after they work in Alaska and in the farms. There are, of course, those who are found settled in the cities and do business.

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