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

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was specifically designed to ban immigration from China. This legislation marked a significant turning point in U.S. immigration policy, as it represented the first time the federal government implemented a law explicitly restricting immigration based on nationality. The act was a response to widespread anti-Chinese sentiment and economic competition from Chinese laborers, particularly in the Western states where many Chinese had settled during the Gold Rush and built the transcontinental railroad. As a result, the act not only prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the country but also made it difficult for Chinese immigrants already in the U.S. to become naturalized citizens. This legislation laid the groundwork for further restrictive immigration policies and reflected broader patterns of xenophobia and racial discrimination throughout American history.