State Historical Society of Iowa

Chinese Exclusion Act, May 6, 1882

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Courtesy of National Archives, "An act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to the Chinese, May 6, 1882; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress," 6 May 1882

Description

The Chinese Exclusion Act was approved on May 6, 1882. It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. The Act also was a reversal in relations with China as outlined in the Burlingame Treaty.

Full Transcript of the Chinese Exclusion Act

Transcribed Excerpts from the Chinese Exclusion Act

Source Dependent Questions

  • What rationale for the Chinese Exclusion Act can you infer from the law? Use evidence from the document.
  • How was the government planning to enforce the law? What type of documentation was required? What mistakes do you think could have happened that would have prevented a Chinese-American from legally re-entering the United States?
  • What type of Chinese immigrant did the law allow into the United States? How did the Chinese Exclusion Act incentivize those interested in emigrating to stay home?
  • How was this treaty a reversal in the relationship between the United States and the Chinese governments? Use evidence from the Burlingame Treaty along with the Chinese Exclusion Act to support your response.

Citation Information

"An act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to the Chinese, May 6, 1882; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress," 6 May 1882. Courtesy of National Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress