Why were Chinese immigrants targeted by the Chinese Exclusion Act?(1 point)
Responses
They suffered growing discrimination.
They suffered growing discrimination.
They populated urban spaces.
They populated urban spaces.
They were wealthier than other Americans.
They were wealthier than other Americans.
They were treated better by employers than their White counterparts.
They suffered growing discrimination.
The correct response is:
They suffered growing discrimination.
The reason why Chinese immigrants were targeted by the Chinese Exclusion Act was that they suffered growing discrimination. To understand this, we need to look at the historical context.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a surge in Chinese immigration to the United States, particularly after the discovery of gold in California. This influx of Chinese immigrants triggered fears and resentments among the American population. Many Americans believed that Chinese immigrants were taking away their job opportunities and lowering wages.
As a result, there was a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment and discriminatory practices against Chinese immigrants. They were subjected to discriminatory laws, social exclusion, and violence. The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed in 1882, was the culmination of such attitudes. It was the first significant law passed in the United States to restrict immigration based on nationality or ethnicity.
The Chinese Exclusion Act banned the entry of Chinese laborers to the United States and denied naturalization rights to Chinese immigrants already residing in the country. The act was explicitly aimed at targeting Chinese immigrants and limiting their opportunities for social and economic advancement.
So, to summarize, Chinese immigrants were targeted by the Chinese Exclusion Act because they suffered growing discrimination, particularly in the form of anti-Chinese sentiment and perceived economic competition. This act was a reflection of the prevailing attitudes and discriminatory practices towards Chinese immigrants at that time.