Do the research about the Chinese Exclusion Act (LINK IS BELOW)
Chinese Exclusion Act – Wikipedia
Then watch this video as well.
The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943) and Lingering Harm – YouTube
-Write down your thoughts about this Act (200-300 words)
Prompt: What in the video struck you the most and why?
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The Chinese Exclusion Act, which was in effect from 1882 to 1943, was a federal law that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States. This act was the first law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States. It was also the only federal law that specifically targeted a single ethnic group for exclusion.
Watching the video, it struck me the most how this law had such a lasting impact on Chinese immigrants and their descendants, who were affected by discriminatory policies for over 60 years. The law not only prevented families from reuniting, but also created a climate of suspicion and mistrust towards Chinese immigrants, who were often subject to racial discrimination and violence.
The video also highlighted how this law served as a precedent for future exclusionary immigration policies, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which further restricted the entry of people from Southern and Eastern Europe. This act was part of a broader pattern of discrimination against immigrants and people of color in the United States.
The Chinese Exclusion Act was a discriminatory law that had a lasting impact on Chinese immigrants and their descendants. It also served as a precedent for future exclusionary immigration policies, which further restricted the entry of people from other countries. This is a sad part of American history which needs to be acknowledged and learned from, so that similar discriminatory acts are not repeated in the future.
