The term references a significant piece of United States legislation that severely restricted immigration. Specifically, it involved a federal law passed in 1882 that prohibited all immigration of Chinese laborers. This act marked the first time in United States history that immigration was restricted based on nationality or race. The historical significance of this policy is frequently examined in Advanced Placement United States History courses due to its impact on immigration policy and its reflection of nativist sentiments prevalent during the late 19th century.
Its importance lies in its demonstration of the evolving attitudes toward immigration and race in the United States. The policy reflected anxieties over economic competition, particularly on the West Coast, where Chinese laborers were perceived as undercutting wages and taking jobs from white Americans. Its enactment had lasting effects, contributing to a decline in the Chinese population in the U.S. and shaping subsequent immigration laws and policies. Furthermore, it underscored the vulnerability of immigrant groups to discriminatory legislation driven by social and economic factors.
