Portrait of American Wong Kim Ark, 1904. Denied re-entry to the United States in 1895 due to the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Interim Archives
#### The Chinese Exclusion Act and Its Legacy
In the year 1880, Chinese immigrants constituted the largest immigrant group in the western United States. However, growing Sinophobic sentiments quickly transformed into policies, culminating in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This act asserted that prohibiting Chinese labourers would enhance job prospects for native-born Americans. If you’re interested, you can delve into more details about this era by checking “At America’s Gates: Chinese Immigration during the Exclusion Era, 1882-1943” by Erika Lee.
To gain more insight into this, listen to related discussions like “What’s missing in the immigration debate” on Apple or Spotify. [Sponsored versions removed.]
#### Turning Points and Economic Impact
Renowned economist Nancy Qian provides a comprehensive analysis of how these exclusion laws influenced the economies of western states. Her research sheds light on whether similar patterns can be observed in today’s immigration and job market debates. Her working paper offers intelligent perspectives on these critical issues and is worth a read. The paper can be accessed here.
#### Revisiting History Through Archives and Albums
For those engrossed in historical documents, a digital scan of a photo album from the California Historical Society’s collections is accessible here. Such archives offer a vivid depiction of the past, allowing us to understand the human stories behind the exclusion laws.
#### Multimedia and Additional Content
Music from Drop Electric accompanies the narratives, providing an artistic backdrop to these discussions. You can connect with us through TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Plus, there’s also a newsletter for those insatiably curious.
In summary, the ripple effects of the Chinese Exclusion Act continue to shape immigration and economic policies. While the act itself has long been repealed, its historical legacy provides important lessons for today’s policymakers.
