Chinese+Exclusion+Act

Chinese Exclusion Act

 * Annika Napier-Smith**

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The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed on May 8th, 1882 to keep Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. At first, the mass immigration wasn't a problem, but it was quickly realized by the Government and the citizens that it was a potential issue. ======

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**How it began**======

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The Chinese started coming over to the US in larger numbers when the California Gold Rush happened. The current economic situation in China wasn't the best, and people were struggling to make a living for themselves and their families. By traveling to California, they could potentially build a better life on the gold they might be able to find. However, the economic state of the US wasn't high either. The after math of the Civil War had taken an economic blow on the country, and when the gold became rare, the Chinese stayed in big cities like San Fransisco and Los Angeles in hope of making a living in America. Jobs were in low amount, and as the Chinese came piling in, they were receiving more and more work. It was harder to find a job as an average American than it used to be.====== This loss of jobs to the Chinese was brought to the political eye by certain anti-Chinese politicians, such as John Bilger, the California Governor, and the "Workingman's Party." They blamed the new-comers for "depressing wage levels" and "white unemployment." Soon enough, other people joined in, trying to convince the rest of the country through marches, cartoons, and other propaganda that the Chinese were stealing their jobs. Things didn't get better, for not only were the Chinese immigrants being discriminated against by the Americans, they were also being discriminated against by other immigrants. Non-American whites (such as the Irish and the Russians) treated the Chinese poorly in order to heighten their statuses as American workers. The discrimination soon turned into physical violence in Californian cities, and it was then that the Government decided to put a stop to it.

**The Act**
The Exclusion Act of 1882 permitted Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. Originally it was vetoed by President Chester Arthur because of how much it went against the constitution. But once minor alterations were made, it became a law. Chinese Government Officials needn't have any means of identification when entering the United States, the exclusion was only towards immigrants and workers. The law was supposed to be temporary, but Congress made it a permanent law in 1902 by calling it the Geary Act.

The Geary Act extended the Exclusion Act, and added restrictions to Chinese residents; they must obtain a certificate of residence. Without it, they would face deportation. Chinese residents could not leave the United States and come back without their certificate or some sort of identification.
 * The Geary Act**

When the Exclusion Act was passed, the Chinese living in the States suffered under the discrimination and hatred of their American peers. The American people were resentful of the Chinese using the community resources, like schools, hospitals, and public places. Some Chinese people fought back against the country, but most tried to go on about their lives in the most normal way possible. Those living in China, hoping to immigrate to America, were furious with the new laws.
 * The Chinese's Response**

Because the Chinese were now banned, the Japanese sought their turn to immigrate to the United States. Most of the immigrants came to farm in California, but with their skilled farming technique, low living standards, and innovative ideas, they soon became a competition to other American farmers. Things had begun to repeat themselves, discrimination, violence, and hatred. People in California began petitioning to extend the exclusion act to the Japanese as well. The Congress found a solution in 1908, when the "Gentleman's Agreement" was passed.
 * Japanese Immigration**

The Gentleman's Agreement meant that there would be no more discriminatory laws against the Japanese as long as they stopped immigrating to the United States. America also agreed to put a stop to other immigration from other countries in the Western Hemisphere. After the Chinese Exclusion Act was signed, many other people from different nationalities other than Japan, also came to the United States in large numbers.
 * Gentleman's Agreement**

The United States and China became allies during World War II. It was important that they stayed on good terms with one another, and in order to do that, the US government felt it a necessity to repeal the Exclusion Act. During the war, small numbers of immigrants could come to America from China and gain a citizenship. Congress passed the **Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act** on December 17, 1943. Chinese people could once again immigrate to the United States. Americans kept their peace with the Chinese after this repeal act.
 * World War II**

In 1952 (after the war had ended) the Immigration and Nationality Act was signed, saying that a maximum of 170,000 immigrants from the Western Hemisphere would be aloud to come to the United States, Japanese included.
 * The Immigration and Nationality Act**

The Burlingame Treaty marked a peaceful turning point between China and the US. It was ratified in 1968, and was made to protect the immigration between the two countries.
 * Burlingame Treaty**

China will be forever resentful of the United States discrimination towards them. The ending of the exclusion act was thought to be merely for political reasons, rather than the good of the people. As of now though, their is a friendly relationship between China and the United States.
 * The Aftermath**