Chinese Exclusion Act

( 1882 ) Commentary by Randy Wagner, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

“Whereas in the opinion of the Government of the United States the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of certain localities within the territory thereof.” - Opening Section
“That from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage of this act, and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said ninety days to remain within the United States.” - Opening Section
“That hereafter no State court or court of the United States shall admit Chinese to citizenship; and all laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.” - Section 14

Cartoon satirizing the Chinese Exclusion Act (Library of Congress)

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