Question

how did the chinese exclusion act affect chinese immigrants who were already in the united states?
the act forced chinese immigrants to leave the us and return to china.
the act blocked chinese immigrants from becoming american citizens.
the act prevented chinese immigrants from taking low - paying jobs.
the act prohibited chinese immigrants from establishing chinatowns.

Explanation:

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration in the US. It blocked Chinese immigrants from becoming American citizens. It didn't force those already in the US to leave, didn't prevent them from taking low - paying jobs (which they often did), and didn't prohibit establishing Chinatowns.

Answer:

The act blocked Chinese immigrants from becoming American citizens.