Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Arthur signs Chinese Exclusion Act, bans Chinese immigration

5/6/2026

50 6

Summary

Story summary

On May 6 1882 President Chester A. Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act, outlawing Chinese laborer immigration for ten years and barring Chinese residents from naturalization. The law demanded travel certificates, exempted diplomats, and marked the first federal ban on a specific ethnic group, a restriction that persisted, with extensions, until 1943.

1 of 1

Story summary

On May 6 1882 President Chester A. Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act, outlawing Chinese laborer immigration for ten years and barring Chinese residents from naturalization. The law demanded travel certificates, exempted diplomats, and marked the first federal ban on a specific ethnic group, a restriction that persisted, with extensions, until 1943.