SIKH MIGRATION TO SOUTHEAST AND EAST ASIA

As mentioned earlier, Sikh migration started in second half of nineteenth century to South-East and East Asia as soldiers and policemen. When the Sikhs back home heard of the attractive opportunities from earlier migrants, they were quick to travel and establish roots in these lands. Migration continued till decolonization arising from independence movements in various countries. The first country to gain independence was Indonesia in 1945 followed by India in 1947, Burma and Sri Lanka in 1948, Malaya in 1957, Singapore in 1964, Brunei in 1984, Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999. With the achievement of independence immigration was discouraged except for special categories. In fact, in some cases there was an exodus as from China where the entire Sikh population that existed had to leave in 1949 post-Communist takeover of the country. In Burma the Sikh presence was significant till the early 1940s but has since dwindled as they left the country in three phases beginning with the Japanese occupation during WW II, post Burma's independence in 1948 and post 1962 army coup (Brill's Encyclopaedia of Sikhism).

SIKH MIGRATION TO NORTH AMERICA

Sikhs started migrating to North America beginning late nineteenth century. USA: Sikhs in China noticed Chinese leaving for North America in shiploads which raised their curiosity. The information was duly conveyed to folks back home in Punjab who started going to USA in 1899 (4 Sikhs arrived in San Francisco on 6 April 1899). Some came straight from India, while others from the Far East. By 1910 there were thousands of Sikhs living in California and the other Western states. Majority of these were singles as they couldn't bring their families due to strict immigration laws. They were not even allowed to buy property or land. Majority of the early immigrants either returned to India or married women of Mexican ancestry to stay. These early settlers mainly worked on agricultural or railroad construction jobs. Some worked in mines and lumber mills as well. They built their first gurdwara in Stockton, California in 1912. There were riots against the 'Hindoos' (Sikhs) in Portland in 1910. 'Ghadar' movement was started in 1913 by the Indians, mostly comprising Sikhs, against the colonial rule back home. Bhagat Singh Thind, a turbaned Sikh soldier in USA army was refused citizenship as a part of 'Asia Exclusion' movement. The major breakthrough came under President Truman through the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, followed by the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, thereby repealing the Naturalization Act of 1792. This enabled Dalip Singh Saund to get citizenship and become a congressman in 1955. CANADA: It was in 1897 that the first Sikhs arrived in Canada, but first immigrants came in 1902. Soon thereafter their numbers increased to 5,000 - mostly in British Columbia. Immigration was banned in 1908. Despite facing discrimination Sikhs quickly established a strong community and built their first gurdwara in 1908 followed by many others soon thereafter. The Canadians tried to persuade the Sikhs to move to, present day Belize (British Honduras) but in vain (see book 'Sikhs in Latin America' by SS Kahlon). Rules for migration thereafter were tightened. These regulations culminated in the infamous 'Kamagata Maru' incident of 1914. Sikhs who were already in the country continued their protests which resulted in the ban being finally overturned and it became possible for wives and children of legal Sikh residents, being allowed into Canada in the 1920s. Post Indian independence there was large migration of Indians and Sikhs both to Canada and USA. These countries were undertaking economic expansion and needed manpower. Punjabis made use of all these developments and migrated in large numbers. Sikh population, in the near future, is going to become the same percentage of the Canadian population as they are in India. There are turbaned Sikh ministers in the Canadian cabinet. Sikh population as a percentage of Indian immigrants is low at 5% in USA but is a high of 34% in Canada.