What was the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act? | The Chinese Exclusion Act

Chinese Exclusion Act was unlike any law enacted since the founding of the republic. Singling out as never before a specific race and nationality for exclusion – it made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America – and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become citizens of the United States. Fueled by deep-seated tensions over race and class and national identity that had been festering since the founding of the republic, it was the first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion – and it would remain in force for more than sixty years. It continues to shape the debate about what it means to be an American to this day. Learn more about THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT, including where to watch the documentary: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexpe... Examine the origin, history and impact of the 1882 law that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become U.S. citizens. The first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion, it remained in force for more than 60 years.