Page Act of 1875

Definition

The Page Act of 1875 was the first federal immigration law in the United States that aimed to restrict certain groups of immigrants, specifically targeting Chinese women by labeling them as 'undesirable.' This act was a significant precursor to more comprehensive anti-Chinese legislation, as it reflected the growing anti-Asian sentiment during a time when many Chinese immigrants were arriving due to the Gold Rush and seeking opportunities for work in America. It set the stage for further legal restrictions on Chinese immigrants, leading ultimately to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Page Act specifically targeted Chinese women, who were often accused of being involved in prostitution and labeled as immoral, contributing to their exclusion from immigration.
2. This act marked a shift in U.S. immigration policy from more open practices to increasingly restrictive measures based on race and gender.
3. The Page Act did not completely bar Chinese men from entering the U.S., but it limited their opportunities for family reunification and community building.
4. The legislation highlighted the intersection of race and gender discrimination in immigration laws, as Chinese women were uniquely targeted compared to other immigrant groups.
5. The Page Act laid the groundwork for later laws that would further restrict immigration from Asia, culminating in the sweeping restrictions of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Review Questions

• How did the Page Act of 1875 influence later immigration policies in the United States?
  • The Page Act of 1875 established a precedent for federal restrictions on immigration based on race and gender. By specifically targeting Chinese women, it reflected and fueled anti-Chinese sentiment that was already present. This act paved the way for more comprehensive laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which expanded upon these discriminatory practices by barring all Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. The Page Act thus served as an early example of how legislation could formalize racial discrimination in immigration policy.
• In what ways did economic factors, such as the Gold Rush, contribute to the enactment of the Page Act of 1875?
  • The Gold Rush led to a massive influx of Chinese immigrants seeking economic opportunities in America. As these immigrants began to settle and compete for jobs, tensions arose among different ethnic groups. Economic competition fueled fears among white laborers who perceived the influx of Chinese workers as a threat to their jobs and wages. This anxiety contributed to the passage of the Page Act, which aimed to restrict the immigration of certain groups perceived as undesirable, further entrenching existing racial divides in labor markets.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Page Act on Chinese communities in America and their place within U.S. society.
  • The Page Act had lasting implications for Chinese communities in America by severely limiting immigration options and creating an environment of exclusion and discrimination. It not only restricted family reunification by barring women but also entrenched negative stereotypes about Chinese individuals, especially women. Over time, these policies fostered social isolation and marginalization within broader society. The act contributed to a cycle of exclusion that affected generations, reinforcing barriers that would be challenged only much later through civil rights movements and changes in public attitudes toward immigration.

Related terms

Chinese Exclusion Act: A federal law enacted in 1882 that prohibited all Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States, marking a significant turning point in U.S. immigration policy.

Gold Rush: A period during the mid-19th century when a massive influx of people traveled to California following the discovery of gold in 1848, leading to significant Chinese immigration as many sought economic opportunities.

Anti-Chinese Sentiment: A wave of prejudice and discrimination against Chinese immigrants in the United States, driven by economic competition and racial biases, particularly during the late 19th century.