By Dave Jolly
Prior to 1882, America had a fairly open immigration policy allowing anyone from anywhere into the nation, kind of like Obama is trying to do now.
Concerns were raised about the effect of Chinese laborers, especially out west. They worked cheaper than American workers just like what is happening today with the nearly 20 million Hispanic illegals.
On May 6, 1882, Congress approved the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act that excluded any and all Chinese nationals from being able to immigrate to the United State. Additionally, all Chinese laborers that came to America after November 17, 1880 were to be rounded up and deported back to China. All Chinese that were in the country prior to November 17, 1880 were required to register. Once registered, they would be issued a certificate that contained their name, age, occupation and any identifying marks, scars, tattoos, etc. on their bodies. Japanese laborers were also included in those banned from the US.
On February 5, 1917, the Asiatic Barred Zone Act of 1917 was passed. This immigration act barred the majority of the continent of Asia. At the time, the Philippines were under US authority, so they were excluded from the new immigration act. Additionally, a literacy test was added to the requirements for all immigrants except wives, fathers or grandfathers over the age of 55, any unmarried or widowed daughters of the male immigrant, mothers or grandmothers of any age. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the Asiatic Barred Zone Act, but Congress easily over road his veto, making the bill law. The Asiatic Barred Zone Act remained in effect until 1952 when Congress passed a new immigration act.......To Read More....
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