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Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

Definition

The Chinese Exclusion Act was a U.S federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers into America for ten years.

Analogy

Imagine if you were playing a game with friends and suddenly someone decided that one friend couldn't play anymore because they were too good at it - that's kind of what happened with the Chinese Exclusion Act. The U.S felt threatened by the influx of Chinese workers who were seen as competition for jobs.

Related terms

Nativism: This is an ideology favoring native-born citizens over immigrants. Nativism played a significant role in supporting policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Angel Island Immigration Station: This was an immigration station located in San Francisco Bay which operated from 1910-1940 where many Asian immigrants entered the U.S. It was often called the "Ellis Island of the West."

Gentlemen's Agreement (1907): This was an informal agreement between the U.S and Japan where Japan agreed to limit emigration of its citizens to the U.S in return for less discriminatory treatment of Japanese residents in America.