Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Must Go - Magic Washer - 1886 anti-Chinese US cartoon

Chinese Exclusion Act was a United States federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882, marking a significant restriction on free immigration in U.S. history. This act was the first law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States. It was enacted in response to economic fears, especially on the West Coast, where native-born Americans attributed unemployment and declining wages to Chinese workers willing to work for less. The Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited all immigration of Chinese laborers, establishing a precedent for codified immigration restrictions based on race and nationality.

Background

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to a massive influx of people seeking fortune, including thousands from China. Initially welcomed, the economic downturns of the 1870s led to increased hostility towards Chinese immigrants, culminating in violent incidents such as the Rock Springs Massacre. The growing anti-Chinese sentiment among the American public and labor unions, notably the Knights of Labor, pressured Congress to take legislative action against Chinese immigrants.

Provisions

The Act suspended Chinese immigration for ten years and declared Chinese immigrants ineligible for naturalization. It required all Chinese residents in the U.S. to carry a resident permit—a precursor to the modern green card. Failure to carry the permit could result in deportation or imprisonment. The Act also placed restrictions on Chinese travelers, who had to obtain certifications to re-enter the U.S. if they left.

Extensions and Repeals

The Chinese Exclusion Act was initially intended to last for 10 years but was extended by the Geary Act in 1892, which required Chinese residents in the U.S. to carry special documentation or face deportation. The exclusion was made permanent in 1902. It was not until the Magnuson Act of 1943, during World War II, when the U.S. was allied with China against Japan, that the law was repealed, allowing for a limited number of Chinese immigrants and for Chinese nationals residing in the U.S. to become naturalized citizens.

Impact

The Chinese Exclusion Act had a profound impact on the Chinese community in the United States. It led to a significant decrease in the Chinese population in America and contributed to the formation of Chinatowns in major cities as Chinese immigrants clustered together for mutual support against widespread discrimination. The Act also set a precedent for future immigration restrictions based on race and nationality, influencing the development of American immigration policy.

Legacy

The Chinese Exclusion Act is now widely regarded as a grave injustice and a violation of civil liberties. It was a significant departure from the traditional American value of open immigration and highlighted the racial prejudices of the time. The Act's repeal and the subsequent changes in immigration law reflect the evolving attitudes towards immigrants in the United States. In 2012, the U.S. Congress formally expressed regret for the Chinese Exclusion Acts, acknowledging their harmful legacy.