The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a United States federal law that prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S. and restricted those already here from becoming citizens. It was the first major law to exclude a specific group based on ethnicity, driven by economic fears, racial prejudice, and competition in the labor market. The act reflected widespread anti-Chinese sentiment and aimed to limit Chinese influence. It was initially set for ten years but was extended multiple times until it effectively remained in place until 1943, significantly impacting Chinese immigrants and shaping U.S. immigration policy.