Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Judy Chu have proposed resolutions in both the Senate and House of Representatives to commemorate the repeal of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. This act prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States, mandating non-laborers to secure documentation that verified their eligibility to enter the country.
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) notes that President Chester A. Arthur ratified the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred immigrants from China for nearly ten years and prevented them from becoming American citizens. The Act was extended in 1892 and made permanent in 1902 with additional provisions. It was finally repealed in 1965.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of this repeal, Sen. Hirono stated, "As we mark the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting any and all types of discrimination. I am proud to lead this resolution with CAPAC commemorating the day our country ended the injustice of the Chinese Exclusion Act and acknowledging the valuable contributions of Chinese Americans and immigrants. Diversity makes this country stronger and as we work to empower AANHPI communities, we must continue fighting hate in all its forms."
Hirono's resolution not only commemorates this milestone but also celebrates Chinese American communities across America, emphasizing that anti-Chinese legislation contradicts principles outlined in both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
According to National Archives records, The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 imposed restrictions on state and federal courts' ability to grant citizenships to Chinese residents while retaining their power to deport them - a provision particularly enforced after 1902 if these individuals had not registered or obtained a certificate of residence. All exclusion acts were repealed by 1943; however, an annual limit remained on admitting only 105 Chinese immigrants—a vestige from previous exclusion acts. It was not until 2011 and 2012 that the Senate and House of Representatives affirmed a commitment to constitutional protections for all people. Senate Resolution 201 passed unanimously in 2011, followed by the unanimous passage of House Resolution 683 in 2012.