The Chinese Head Tax

The Chinese Head Tax was a fee imposed by the Canadian government from 1885 to 1923, requiring Chinese immigrants to pay a fixed amount for entry into Canada. It was designed to restrict Chinese immigration and was one of the earliest discriminatory immigration policies. The tax increased over time, making it financially difficult for many Chinese migrants to settle in Canada. The head tax reflected widespread anti-Chinese sentiment and contributed to systemic discrimination against Chinese communities in Canada. It was eventually repealed in 1923, but its legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of immigration policy and racial discrimination.