History Revealed

The Chinese Exclusion Act

In the late 19th century, rising anti-Chinese prejudice paved the way for one of the most controversial laws in US history. Danny Bird explains how the legislation was passed and why its legacy is still felt today

WHAT WAS THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT?

The Chinese Exclusion Act was a federal law passed by the United States Congress that received approval from President Chester A Arthur on 6 May 1882. It was the only piece of legislation in US history to ban members of a specific nationality from entry to the country.

The law explicitly prohibited the immigration of “both skilled and unskilled laborers” from China for 10 years, although exceptions

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