1. Chinese
Exclusion Act
Timeline

2. 1848
Gold is found at Sutter’s Mill,
influencing many Chinese immigrants to
go to California to look for gold.

3. 1864
The Central Pacific Railroad Company hires
many Chinese laborers over Americans to
build the Transcontinental Railroad.

4. 1869
Building of the Transcontinental
Railroad finishes; Leaves many
Chinese laborers unemployed.

5. 1871
Fifteen Chinese men are hanged in
an anti-Chinese riot in Los Angeles

6. 1882
Chinese Exclusion Act signed by
President Arthur to exclude
immigration of Chinese laborers for
10 years

7. 1882
The Scott Act is passed, stating that Chinese
laborers who left the country would not be
able to reenter, unless they have property
worth $1,000 or family in the country.

8. 1892
Geary Act passed to exclude immigration of
Chinese laborers for an additional ten ears, and
also required Chinese to carry certificates of
residency.

9. 1904
Geary Act becomes
indefinite

10. 1924
Asian Exclusion Act excludes all
Asian laborers from immigrating to
the US

11. 1993
World War II Begins

12. 1943
Magnuson Act is passed. It repealed the
Geary Act and allows limited Asian
immigration to the U.S.