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 (1882) was the first significant law restricting immigration in the United States. It did not force those already in the US to leave. It also did not prevent them from taking low - paying jobs (in fact, many continued in such jobs). And it did not prohibit the establishment of Chinatowns. However, it blocked Chinese immigrants from becoming American citizens (by barring naturalization for Chinese laborers).

Answer:

The act blocked Chinese immigrants from becoming American citizens.