What was the primary purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

The primary purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was indeed to deny Chinese laborers entry to the United States. This legislation was the first significant law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the U.S., reflecting the intense anti-Chinese sentiment that had developed during that period.

The Act specifically targeted Chinese laborers, who were seen as a threat to American jobs and economic stability, particularly on the West Coast, where many had settled during the gold rush and in building the transcontinental railroad. It not only prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers but also made it difficult for those already in the U.S. to become naturalized citizens. This marked a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy, showcasing how economic and social factors can influence laws and attitudes toward immigrants. The Act would remain in effect in varying forms until it was repealed in 1943.