The Chinese Exclusion Act: A Law That Shut People Out
Throughout American history, millions of people have traveled across oceans hoping to build a better life. During the California Gold Rush of the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Chinese immigrants arrived on the West Coast. They worked in gold fields, helped build the transcontinental railroad across rugged mountains, ran small businesses, and farmed productive valleys. Yet despite these vital contributions, Chinese immigrants faced deep prejudice and unfair treatment.
On May 6, 1882, the United States government took an unprecedented step. President Chester A. Arthur signed a federal law called the Chinese Exclusion Act. Today, the original document is preserved in the National Archives as a major milestone in American legal history. This law was unique and damaging because it was the very first major federal law to ban a specific group of people from immigrating to the United States based entirely on their race and national origin.
- prejudice:
- An unfair feeling of dislike or bias toward a person or group, often based on race or background.
- unprecedented:
- Never done, experienced, or known before.
- naturalized:
- Granted citizenship to someone who was born in another country.
- resilience:
- The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or withstand tough challenges.
- repealed:
- Officially canceled or reversed a law.
- allies:
- People, groups, or nations that cooperate with each other for a common purpose.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What major economic activities did early Chinese immigrants participate in during the California Gold Rush era?
- 2Why was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 considered a unique and unprecedented federal law?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Chinese Exclusion Act: A Law That Shut People Out” is a explanatory article reading passage about The Chinese Exclusion Act, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (527 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.