There were two laws related to United States immigration that were passed in 1882.
The Immigration Act of 1882 is considered one of the first attempts at broad federal oversight of immigration into the United States. The law established that the U.S. would screen immigrants; and anyone deemed a “convict, lunatic, idiot, or person unable to take care of himself or herself without becoming a public charge” would not be allowed to enter the U.S. The law also created a tax of 50 cents per non-U.S. citizen entering the country. The law constituted a significant step in establishing the foundation for later immigration regulations.
The Chinese Exclusion Act is considered one of the first attempts at regulating immigration along racial lines. The law suspended the immigration of Chinese laborers for 10 years. The law paved the way for a series of laws that severely restricted and targeted Chinese immigration and allowed for the deportation of Chinese nationals in the U.S.
If you have any questions about the immigration matter of you or a family member, call us today and consult with an experienced immigration attorney!