Hom Hing, the father of the family, represents the quintessential hardworking and aspirational immigrant figure. He makes a home for his family in the United States, attempts to build wealth, and generally considers himself to be a full-fledged American citizen. However, his experiences with the US customs officials and with the lawyer, James Clancy, showcase the clear distinction between him and the typical white citizen.

At the same time, Hom Hing is reluctant to reject the system in its entirety, even as it rejects him and his family. He initially holds out hope that his son will be returned as promised. He remarks to his wife, “‘Tis the law […] ‘twill be but for a little while—until tomorrow’s sun rises” (5). As time passes with little word, he resigns himself to his fate, acknowledging his powerlessness. When Clancy offers him a chance to fight for the return of his son, he accepts his proposition—and the included cost—with only a little hesitation. As a character, Hom Hing clearly illustrates the divide between the powerful and the powerless in US society, heightened by his own acceptance of these societal structures.