Chinese Immigration Act
The Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 was a Canadian law that effectively banned Chinese immigrants from entering the country. It followed earlier restrictions and was part of a broader pattern of exclusionary immigration policies targeting Asian communities. The Act permitted only a very small number of Chinese individuals, such as diplomats and students, to immigrate. Notably, it aimed to limit the economic and cultural contributions of Chinese people in Canada, reflecting racial discrimination prevalent at the time. This law remained in effect until it was repealed in 1947, highlighting a significant period of systemic racism in Canadian immigration policy.
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The Chinese Immigration Act, specifically the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, was a significant U.S. law that aimed to restrict Chinese immigration. It prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States and was the first law to limit immigration based on nationality. Initially meant to last ten years, it was extended and made permanent, reflecting racial prejudice and economic concerns of the time. The act was a response to growing anti-Chinese sentiment in America, often fueled by competition for jobs. It remained in effect until its repeal in 1943, highlighting a complex history of immigration and discrimination.