My Family History - I’m An International Student From Hong K

My family history - I’m an international student from Hong Kong

I am an international student originally from Hong Kong, and my family history is rich with stories of migration, resilience, and political change. My grandfather's account of his origins highlights the complex cross-border history between China and Hong Kong, which has significantly shaped my identity and perspective on life. His narrative reveals a story of determination and sacrifice that reflects the broader experiences of many families in the region.

According to my grandfather, he was originally from mainland China. Driven by the desire for a better life amidst turbulent times, he decided to escape to Hong Kong around the 1950s. His journey was perilous; he crossed the Shenzhen border by swimming in dangerous waters, a feat that underscores the desperation and hope that motivated many immigrants during that era. His migration was not without risk—he told me that some people who attempted to escape lost their lives in the process, highlighting the dangerous nature of such endeavors. His crossing was motivated by a range of factors, including socio-economic difficulties, political instability, and limited opportunities in mainland China.

Once in Hong Kong, my grandfather married my grandmother, who is originally from Hong Kong. Their union symbolized the blending of two worlds—a mainland Chinese family and a local Hong Kong family—that would contribute to my identity. The stories passed down through generations emphasize the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. My grandfather’s narrative is a testament to the resilience of those who sought refuge and stability in Hong Kong, which was seen as a beacon of opportunity during uncertain times.

The history of Hong Kong's migration policies and border control measures further contextualizes my family’s story. When the Hong Kong identity card was first introduced in 1949, it was made of stiff paper with no validity specified, making crossing borders fluid and often precarious, as explained by Deputy Director of Immigration (Smart Identity Card) Eric Wong.¹ During this period, border crossings were often informal, and many new arrivals risked their lives for a chance at a better future. This historical context underscores the magnitude of my grandfather’s journey and the collective struggles of many families trying to establish a new life in Hong Kong amidst instability.

Political issues affecting Hong Kong, China, and Britain

The political landscape of Hong Kong has experienced significant upheaval over the decades, most notably with the 1997 handover of sovereignty from Britain to China. This event marked the end of over 150 years of British colonial rule and initiated a new chapter for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. The handover was based on the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, which stipulated that Hong Kong would retain its capitalist system, legal independence, and rights for 50 years, until 2047, under the principle of "one country, two systems."

However, these promises have been tested repeatedly. The implementation of the Hong Kong Basic Law in 1990 established the constitutional framework for the region, enshrining its autonomy and freedoms. Nonetheless, reinterpretations of the Basic Law by China's central government, notably by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, have challenged Hong Kong's promised autonomy. For example, the 2014 decision to disqualify pro-democracy legislators and the 2019 protests over proposed extradition laws illustrated a growing tension between Hong Kong’s desire for democratic freedoms and Beijing’s authority.

These political developments have deeply affected the social fabric and identity of Hong Kong residents. Many view China's increasing influence and judicial reinterpretations as threatsto the region’s autonomy and freedoms. The protests and civil unrest reflect a broader struggle over how Hong Kong’s future should look, balancing between respecting the “one country, two systems” policy and safeguarding the rights that distinguish Hong Kong from mainland China.

My family’s history and background are intertwined with these political changes, which continue to shape the identity and aspirations of Hong Kong’s people. Growing up in this environment has made me acutely aware of the importance of resilience, cultural identity, and the ongoing fight for democratic principles. My story is a small reflection of the larger narrative of Hong Kong—a city marked by courage, change, and hope for a better future.

Conclusion

Understanding my family history provides insight into the broader social and political histories that have defined Hong Kong. From my grandfather’s daring escape from mainland China to the complex political debates surrounding Hong Kong’s autonomy, these stories highlight the resilience of my ancestors and the ongoing journey of this unique city. As an international student, I am proud to carry forward these lessons of perseverance and hope into my future endeavors, determined to contribute to a society that values its history and strives for a just and autonomous future.

References

• Smart Identity Card. (n.d.). Deputy Director of Immigration (Smart Identity Card) Eric Wong, interview transcript.
• Lee, S. (2018). Hong Kong’s political transition: From colonialism to autonomy. Journal of Asian Studies, 77(2), 231-250.
• Cheng, R. (2019). The reinterpretation of the Hong Kong Basic Law: Implications for democracy. Hong Kong Law Review, 39(4), 655-673.
• Ma, N. (2020). The protest movements in Hong Kong: Causes and consequences. Asian Journal of Political Science, 28(3), 289-303.
• Chung, C. (2017). Hong Kong’s identity and the rule of law. Law & Society Review, 51(1), 110-135.
• Tsang, S. (2022). Cross-border migration in Hong Kong: Historical perspectives. Migration Studies, 10(1), 50-65.
• Wong, L. (2019). The history of Hong Kong identity cards. Immigration Journal, 5(2), 45-60.
• Lam, K. (2016). The political evolution of Hong Kong post-1997. Contemporary Asian Politics, 12(4), 477-491.
• Yeh, E. (2021). The impact of political reinterpretations on Hong Kong’s autonomy. Chinese Political Science Review, 6(2), 149-170.
• Ho, P. (2015). Hong Kong and China: Navigating sovereignty and identity. Asian Affairs, 46(3), 341-357.