USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Chinese Exclusion Act was a United States federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882, prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers for 10 years. The law excluded merchants, teachers, students, travelers, and diplomats.

Detailed explanation-2: -It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. In the spring of 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur. This act provided an absolute 10-year ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the United States.

Detailed explanation-3: -Many Americans on the West Coast attributed declining wages and economic ills to Chinese workers. Although the Chinese composed only 0.002 percent of the nation’s population, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act to placate worker demands and assuage concerns about maintaining white “racial purity."

Detailed explanation-4: -The Chinese Exclusion Act was intended for 10 years, but the ban lasted for more than 60 years and made it difficult for Chinese immigrants already here from finding jobs and from becoming American citizens. Chinese gold miners in California, at the head of the Auburn Ravine c. 1852.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1965, all restrictions were lifted and the Chinese started to arrive in America in huge numbers. The first Chinatowns started appearing in U.S. cities as far back as 1900. Today, the largest Chinatown is in New York City, where almost 100, 000 Chinese Americans live and work.