The Chinese Immigrants in Cuba collection includes hundreds of original documents, manuscripts and photos covering the migration of 125,000 Chinese who signed up to be cheap labor in Cuba from 1847 until the later 1890s. The archive continues until the 1970s and records the Chinese community in Cuba and is rich with photos. This massive collection, from the archive of James and Ana Melikian Collection, is probably the largest one in private hands concerning Chinese in Cuba. At present, the physical collection contains over 1,341 records and about 8,000-9,000 pages.

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Created1870
DescriptionMarcos, a Chinese settler, converted to Christianity in the city of Matanzas. He was originally from a rural part of China. In his baptism, he offered his loyalty to the Cuban government and the church in order to eventually receive permanent residency in Cuba, a legal requirement.
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Created1866-04-16
DescriptionCertifies that Ventura Lici Kie, a Chinese settler, completed a contract with his employer, La Panchita. He was contracted soon after with Jose Ruiz.
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Created1886-02-13
DescriptionA letter to the judge of the District of Prado concerning Pedro Amador, a Chinese settler, as the judge investigated Amador's past records.
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Created1866-06-28
DescriptionCertifies that Simon Perez, a Chinese settler, completed an eight-year-contract with his employer. He then applied for permanent residency.
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Created1866
DescriptionA letter of good conduct for the Chinese settler, Bentura.
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Created1863
DescriptionRelates that Agustin, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements. He was baptized and had a record of employment.
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Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who ran away from their owners and were later captured. After capture, they were held in the Municipal Slave Deposit in Santa Maria del Rosario. Their names, ages, and nationality are listed along with the dates of their escape and capture.
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Created1873
DescriptionRelates that an unnamed Chinese settler was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements.
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Created1861
Description
Lee, a Chinese settler, fulfilled a contract with Agustin. Agustin recommended that Lee be given permanent residency in Cuba because he met the legal requirements of completing an eight year contract with one employer. The letter also states that Lee always exhibited good conduct and behavior. Lee's permanent residency was

Lee, a Chinese settler, fulfilled a contract with Agustin. Agustin recommended that Lee be given permanent residency in Cuba because he met the legal requirements of completing an eight year contract with one employer. The letter also states that Lee always exhibited good conduct and behavior. Lee's permanent residency was confirmed by the governor.
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Created1861
DescriptionA recommendation letter from an unnamed employer concerning the Chinese settlers he employed and their permanent residency status.