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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DescriptionThis is a series of reports files by the mayor of Guanabacoa concerning the treatment of Chinese settlers in Cuba, including punishment for crimes and the death penalty.
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Created1864
DescriptionThis is a neighborhood identity card (cedula) that belonged to Francisco- a Chinese settler, who was 33 years old, and in the process of completing his eight year labor contract as an indentured servant working for a railroad company at the time that the ID card was issued. 1864.
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Created1866
DescriptionAn identity card, or cedula, for Felix, originally from Soltero. Felix was thirty-one years old when this card was issued. Employed by Carlos Caro and then Pedro Reinaldo.
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Created1861
DescriptionA dossier formed to demand identity cards of 200 Chinese settlers who were brought to Cuba in the Chilean vessel Grey Hound". Several official communications on the subject; record to investigate the conditions under which they have been hired Chinese settlers; list of Chinese settlers hired.
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Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who have run away from their owners and were later captured in Guanabacoa in 1858.
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Created1858
DescriptionList of Chinese settlers who had run away from their owners and were captured in Guanabacoa in 1858. Their names, ages, and physical descriptions are listed.
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Created1865
Description

5.Application Documents "Letter Home" (permanent residence on the island of Cuba), 1865. Contains: Identity card of Chinese settlers legalized with a police seal; letter of recommendation from the owner certifying that fulfilled his contract of 8 years; Chinese settlers statements; Government contract (Guanabacoa).

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Created1856
DescriptionRelates that Sirto, a Chinese settler, was granted permanent residency in Cuba after fulfilling the legal requirements.
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Created1865
DescriptionThis is an application for permanent residency for Pascual, a Chinese settler. It includes the settler's original contract signed in Macao, a letter of recommendation from a previous owner, stating that he had completed an eight year contract, his cedula or identity card, and a certificate of baptism.
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Created1924-10-20
DescriptionThis type of identity card was issued for members of the Kow Kong Association; this particular one belonged to a Chinese merchant named Joaquin Chang Sen. 1924.