Question

in 1882, the chinese exclusion act

• limited chinese immigration to 5,000 people per year.
• was strongly opposed by nativist groups.
• was debated in congress but did not pass.
• halted chinese immigration for a period.

Explanation:

Analyze the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

The Chinese Exclusion Act was a federal law signed by President Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882. It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States.

Evaluate the options

• limited Chinese immigration to 5,000 people per year: Incorrect. The act did not set a quota; it placed a broad ban on the immigration of Chinese laborers.
• was strongly opposed by nativist groups: Incorrect. Nativist groups strongly supported and lobbied for the passage of the act due to anti-Chinese sentiment.
• was debated in Congress but did not pass: Incorrect. The bill passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law.
• halted Chinese immigration for a period: Correct. The act suspended Chinese immigration of laborers for an initial period of 10 years, which was later extended and made permanent until its repeal in 1943.

Answer:

• (A) limited Chinese immigration to 5,000 people per year.
• (B) was strongly opposed by nativist groups.
• (C) was debated in Congress but did not pass.
• (D) halted Chinese immigration for a period. (Correct answer)