Why were the Chinese blamed for Americas poor economy?

The Chinese were often blamed for America's poor economy due to rising unemployment and wage stagnation in various sectors, particularly manufacturing. The perception was that Chinese imports flooded the market, leading to job losses and competition that drove down wages. Additionally, during economic downturns, scapegoating immigrant populations became a common reaction, as people sought to attribute their financial struggles to external sources rather than broader economic factors. This sentiment was exacerbated by political rhetoric and media narratives that highlighted trade imbalances and economic anxieties.