My very first impression when entering into the American Territory

I took a cargo ship to go from Santo, Brazil to New York to study in 1960.


I met on board an Italian journalist from Luca and we became friendly. Since he had been to America several times, I therefore asked him about the racial situation in America and whether I, being an Asian would be given equal treatments there.

I still remembered him telling me that it was the blacks who were treated badly, but as an Asian I should have no problems.

At the same time I made friend with a black American sailor in his fifties. He was very friendly and told me a lot about things in Americaç; I really enjoyed speaking with him.

Then when we entered the harbor in Charleston, South Carolina(or North CArolina?), I confronted the first tough attitude from an Immigaration Officer who came on board to check the passengers.

I was called upon to speak with him, he was someone in his fifties, with a very pale red face, spoke with a Southern drawal. When I told him I was going to college in Adrian, Michigan, he immediately told me that I could not leave the ship.

Then I saw the first helping attitude from the Americans (of which I would come accross many times in America later on), a ship officer sitting at the table argued with the Immigation Officer by saying that since very few people will be on board therefore I should go on shore and do some sightseeing and then return to boat.

Finally the Immigration Officer backed down and allowed me to go for a sightseeing on shore.

It was the very first time I came to face a tough Immigration Officer and a very helpful ship officer from the USA.

I welcome comments and opinions from others.