Which group most strongly supported the Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was supported by many white Americans, especially those in the western states who competed with Chinese immigrants for jobs. The Act was also supported by labor unions, which saw Chinese immigrants as a threat to their workers’ wages and employment.

Explanation

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a major milestone in the history of the United States. It was the first federal law that explicitly denied a specific ethnic group the right to enter the country and to become citizens. This had a lasting impact on the Chinese American community, as it restricted their rights and created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

The Act was a reflection of the hostility and prejudice that many white Americans held towards Chinese immigrants, who were seen as a threat to the economy and to white workers. The Chinese Exclusion Act led to a long period of discrimination and marginalization for Chinese Americans, who were denied full rights and access to opportunities.

The impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act is still felt today. The Act is seen as a major factor that contributed to the racialization of immigration in the United States. It also serves as an example of how racism and xenophobia can be codified into law, and of the long-term consequences of such policies.