Speech #900178823

Especially noteworthy among their many contributions to the building of the West was their role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad and its branch lines which welded this Nation into one. But when their work was done. the Chinese found themselves unwanted. feared. and persecuted. The phrase. "Not a Chinamans chance." was born of this period and culminated in the infamous Exclusion Acts which barred them from this country for more than 60 years and prevented them from becoming citizens. Because of the tremendous influx of Chinese immigrants--200.000 from 1850 to 1880following the discovery of gold in California. Congress enacted the first of the Chinese Exclusion Acts of 1882. The act suspended immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States for 10 years. although Chinese already in the country on November 17. 1880. were allowed to leave and reenter. Two years later. the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was tightened even further. Not only was the period of suspension of Chinese immigration extended another 10 years in the act of 1884. the stricture was made applicable to all Chinese. wherever their birth or whatever their national allegiance. While the Chinese Exclusion Act of March 12. 1888. allowed entry of Chinese officials. teachers. students. merchants. and travelers for pleasure or curiosity. the legislation of October 1. 1888. took away from Chinese laborers the right of reentry into the United States. unless they had reentered before the date of the act: These exclusion laws were extended again in 1892 and In 1902. in 1902 they were extended without limitation. How the Chinese immigrants reacted to the indignities. the discrimination. and the injustices wreaked upon them is littleknown but fascinating history and also provides a useful comparison with the experience of other minority groups. More important than the books historical account is the sociological study of the presentday AmericanChinese communities. Such a study has been only rarely undertaken. and Mrs.