THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT premieres as a special presentation on PBS’ American Experience on Tuesday, May 29. Check local listings.

 

Examine the origin, history and impact of the 1882 law that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America and for Chinese nationals already here ever to become U.S. citizens. The first in a long line of acts targeting the Chinese for exclusion, it remained in force for more than 60 years.