Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 1800's.
The Chinese Exclusion Act was a law passed by Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882. This act restricted Chinese immigration to the U.S. It lasted for 10 years and only allowed non-laborer Chinese who had certification from the Chinese government to come to the U.S. Even then, they weren't allowed to become citizens. This law was extended by ten more years with the Geary Act of 1892. In 1902, the law became permanent.
Chinese immigrants were drawn to the U.S. during the Gold Rush of 1849. At the beginning of the Gold Rush, Americans tolerated the Chinese because there was more gold. Later on though, they started to have hatred towards the Chinese because there wasn't as much gold left. They also helped build the first transcontinental railroad. Because working on the railroad was dangerous, Americans had the Chinese immigrants do it. After building the transcontinental railroad and the Gold Rush, the Chinese moved into the bigger cities and worked for very little pay. This upset Americans because it took away a lot of job opportunities.
The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed during WWII in 1943. This was done with the Magnuson Act. Because China was an ally during WWII, we allowed for a little more immigration to the U.S. Only 105 Chinese immigrants were allowed to come to the U.S. a year.
I think that almost completely restricting immigration is a bit much. I think that the U.S. government should've allowed a few hundred to come to America. Also, they should've allowed some laborer Chinese to come to America just in case some businesses couldn't find workers to work for such low wages like the Chinese would.
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=47
Comments
Good job!