What was the purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act enacted in the late 19th century?

The purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act, enacted in 1882, was specifically to limit Chinese immigration to the United States. This law reflected the growing anti-Chinese sentiment and nativism prevalent in American society during that time. As a response to economic concerns, labor competition, and racial prejudice, the act prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the U.S., marking the first significant law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating.

The act underscored the fears of many Americans who believed that Chinese immigrants were taking jobs and driving down wages for American workers. By restricting immigration, the U.S. government aimed to address these societal anxieties. The act was a clear manifestation of the xenophobic attitudes and legal frameworks that sought to exclude certain populations based on ethnicity.