This study examines why a growing percentage of Taiwan-born
immigrants in the U.S. have identified themselves as Taiwanese rather than
ethnic Chinese in the U.S. decennial censuses between 1990 and 2000. The
trend appears inconsistent with the assimilation theory, which postulates
that ethnic groups will become more detached from ethnic politics and
identity the longer they stay in the United States. The application of a
double cohort method enables us to separate the period effect from the
duration effect, which is critical to analyzing the changes. Results show
sharp temporal differentiation and large geographical variation. The older
generation of Taiwanese immigrants and recent arrivals to the United States,
as well as those who live in Los Angeles, are the most likely to regard
themselves as Taiwanese rather than ethnic Chinese. In contrast, Taiwanborn
immigrants who have greater English proficiency, who have less
education, and who have [mainland] Chinese as their neighbors are less
likely to do so.
Moreover, age-at-arrival is a key determinant in identity formation and
change. Those who came to the U.S. when they were young are least likely
to regard themselves as Taiwanese. Over time, Taiwan-born immigrants
have indeed become more acculturated. Young Taiwan-born immigrants
who came to the U.S. before the 1970s are least likely to make a switch to
Taiwanese during the period. However, acculturation alone does not prevent
one from claiming Taiwanese identity on the census form. For Taiwan-born
immigrants, writing in Taiwanese on the census form appears to be a
"rebellious" or "awakening" act and a symbolic expression of solidarity
with their compatriots in Taiwan, empowered by a growing sense of
Taiwanese consciousness. Globalization may now have allowed immigrants
to maintain a closer tie with their country of origin than before, especially
in times of crisis.