The Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law on May 6, 1882 by President Arthur. It took a long lengthy process of treaties, debates, and a veto to finally pass it. By this time, most people were simply tired of the subject. Many newspapers said little of the subject; few rejoiced like the example below.
The Chinese Exclusion Act's provisions were designed to keep Chinese laborers out of China, with heavy fines for any who dared try. Ship captains bringing in Chinese laborers would be fined up to 500 dollars per head, or $11,363.64 in today's currency.
"...and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 for each and every such Chinese laborer so brought..."
-Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882. |
"Whereas, in the opinion of the Government of the United States the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of certain localities within the territory thereof..."
-Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882 "...and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come..."
-Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882 The Chinese Exclusion Act specifically created several exempt classes. These were teacher, student, merchant, traveler, and any servants they might have.
|
Next page: The Exclusion Era and Angel Island