He was not deported. He was stripped of his clearance during the ”Red scare” era, then decided to return to China of his own volition, but was held under house arrest for 5 years until 1955. At that time, a prisoner exchange with captured American pilots allowed him to return to China.
It should be noted that Qian came to the United States in 1935, when Japan was in the midst of a full-on invasion of mainland China. He received masters and PhD degrees from top U.S. universities, and held prestigious positions at CalTech and in the U.S. Department of War.
I have read that he was subjected to racial discrimination such as not being able to buy a house in certain neighborhoods.
But, overall, he escaped the Japanese invasion and enjoyed great freedom and success in the United States. He then showed his gratitude and loyalty by going back to China and sharing his knowledge and expertise to build up an enemy of the United States, soon after the Korean War.
I would say, Prof. Qian was an example of exactly what the U.S. government fears.
Primary source from 1955: "Scientist to be deported from USA" : "A JPL scientist will leave the US for Red China Friday under a deportation order, the US INS said yesterday."
I'm not familiar enough to expand on your other comments. I personally tried to avoid saying anything inaccurate, and I think historical sources back up my statements.
I am saying that he initially tried to move to China of his own volition in or around 1950. He was detained, probably because the U.S. was currently engaged in hostilities with China-allied forces and then with Chinese troops directly. His attempt to return to China could only be seen as defecting to the enemy.
It should be noted that Qian came to the United States in 1935, when Japan was in the midst of a full-on invasion of mainland China. He received masters and PhD degrees from top U.S. universities, and held prestigious positions at CalTech and in the U.S. Department of War.
I have read that he was subjected to racial discrimination such as not being able to buy a house in certain neighborhoods.
But, overall, he escaped the Japanese invasion and enjoyed great freedom and success in the United States. He then showed his gratitude and loyalty by going back to China and sharing his knowledge and expertise to build up an enemy of the United States, soon after the Korean War.
I would say, Prof. Qian was an example of exactly what the U.S. government fears.