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:

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first U.S. federal law to ban immigration of an entire ethnic group. It prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. for 10 years and barred Chinese immigrants already in the country from becoming citizens.

• The first option is incorrect because it did not limit to 5,000 but halted labor immigration.
• The second option is incorrect because nativist groups supported it, not opposed it.
• The third option is incorrect because it was passed by Congress and signed into law.
• The fourth option is correct as it halted Chinese immigration (specifically laborers) for a period (initially 10 years, later extended).

Answer:

halted Chinese immigration for a period.