American history is a unique example of the convergence of different nations, which has given birth to a new and unlike any other. In the formation of the modern American community different nations have taken part, but not always this commonwealth has had a friendly character. Most often such contradictions occurred between the representatives of “traditional” nationalities and others, but almost always they had a legislative basis for development. One striking example in which members of particular nations were disadvantaged in their rights is the Immigration Act of 1882.

What was the Immigration Act of 1882?

It was essentially the first general federal law that had an outright ban on Chinese people from entering the country. Initially, such a statutory prohibition was valid only for ten years, but later, after a number of changes, the law became perpetual. In the first place, the law prohibited entry to the country for workers of various skill levels, but later it was extended to all other members of the Chinese people. The law provided exemptions only for those categories of Chinese citizens who visited the territory of the United States only for a certain period.

Implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act for modern society

Like any other piece of legislation, the Immigration Act of 1882 has received mixed reviews from historians, sociologists, and political scientists of today, according to experts on write my essay. Some of its major consequences, which manifested themselves almost immediately or shortly after its passage, include:

1. The inflow of labor to the West Coast decreased. Despite the fact that members of the Chinese nation did not represent any significant part of society, there was a perception in American society that the Chinese were taking jobs away from Americans. After that, their influence diminished several times over.
2. Chinese communities in the United States have changed. Later amendments to the first version of the law not only prohibited the entry of new members of the Chinese nation but also prevented the departure of citizens who had previously entered the United States. Chinese communities became more insular, living within separate neighborhoods, with little interaction with other nations, as can still be seen today.
3. Anti-Chinese sentiment increased. There was a nationwide wave of anti-Chinese protests following the passage of the law. At the same time, Chinese citizens in the United States did not ignore the act, but chose a more civilized form of protest, mostly in courtrooms, to express their sentiments.
4. There is no denying the fact that the Chinese Exclusion Act was the beginning of a series of similar pieces of legislation restricting the entry of other nationalities into the country. None of them, however, had more prohibitions against specific nationalities. It should also not be forgotten that this law had many negative consequences, as modern reality shows. They not only provoked anti-national movements but also harmed the development of the economy.

Although there are experts who view this piece of legislation as the very positively-its impact has reduced the impact of foreign elements, resulting in the American nation as we see it today. It has also opened up opportunities for other nationalities to come in and bring other national elements into the American community.