CAPAC Marks 81 Years Since the Chinese Exclusion Act Was Repealed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 81st anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The Magnuson Act of 1943, which passed on December 17, 1943, repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first law to explicitly prohibit a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States.In December 2023, CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and CAPAC Executive Member Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) introduced companion resolutions commemorating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. In June 2012, Chair Chu also introduced a resolution formally expressing regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously. The Senate version of the resolution passed unanimously in October 2011.
To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“As we commemorate the 81st anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, I am inspired by the enduring history of the Chinese American community. The Chinese Exclusion Act stands as one of the darkest chapters in our history, and its legacy continues to impact Chinese Americans today. As one of the most discriminatory laws ever enacted by Congress, the Chinese Exclusion Act tore families apart, established a permanent underclass of Chinese immigrants who were denied citizenship and voting rights, and prolonged the harmful myth of Asian Americans as ‘perpetual foreigners’ that endures to this day. My own grandfather, who arrived in the U.S. in 1904, was denied citizenship and the right to vote for more than 30 years because of this law.
“The repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943 was a crucial first step toward justice for Chinese Americans, who continue to shape our nation in countless ways. While we celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of this shameful law, we must also renew our commitment to combatting xenophobia, racism, and discrimination in all their forms, especially in the face of new alien land laws that threaten property rights and the surge of anti-Asian hate and racial profiling. As we reflect on this important anniversary and look to a precarious future, I urge us all to unite to protect the rights of immigrants, refugees, and all those targeted by harmful rhetoric and policies, so that history does not repeat itself.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“Today, on the 81st anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, we honor the struggles of those who fought against this discriminatory law. As we reflect on the progress we've made since its repeal, we must remember that the fight for equality and justice for all in the United States is far from over. I, along with my CAPAC colleagues, will not let xenophobes rewrite the Chinese Exclusion Act in Congress or in state legislatures across the country. Together we must continue to fight for laws that respect the equal rights of all Americans and move our country forward.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
"On the 81st anniversary of the repeal of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, we reflect on the profound ways immigrants have enriched our nation and acknowledge the harm our government inflicted on Chinese Americans. As we confront these historical injustices, we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting all people and ensure that our country recognizes the dignity of all its people."
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“On this day 81 years ago, the United States took an important step toward restoring equality when it repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act. This discriminatory measure became one of the first restrictions on immigration by race in U.S. history. It established exclusionary laws against the immigration of Chinese laborers, prohibiting them from entering the country and restricting immigration for generations. While we have made important progress since then, there is still much to do and I will continue working to empower AANHPI communities and advocating on behalf of all underrepresented groups across our country.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“On this day in 1943, the United States repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 – one of the most discriminatory and racist laws our country has ever seen. It paved the way for other bigoted legislation that restricted immigration for decades, having a lasting impact on our country and its makeup. Today, as we acknowledge this anniversary and the pain caused by this xenophobic law for countless communities and families, let’s recommit to rejecting all types of exclusionary and hateful immigration policies in today’s Congress. Immigrants make America a better place, and we must continue fighting alongside them for their right to live with humanity, dignity, and respect.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“81 years ago, the United States repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 - one of our nation’s most discriminatory policies and a stain on our history. Today it is important that we work to reaffirm our commitment and continue advocating for the AANHPI communities as well as condemn hate in all forms.”
Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):
“The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as one of the most discriminatory policies in our nation’s history, explicitly barring Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. and marking the first federal law to target a migrant group based on race. Many in California suffered and faced extreme racism due to this law that was in place until 1943. As we reflect on the 81st anniversary of the overdue repeal of this unjust act, we celebrate the progress we've made toward equality, while recognizing that there is still much work to be done to protect and uplift the AANHPI community. I am proud to represent California’s 15th Congressional District, which is home to a diverse AANHPI community, and will always stand against racism and discrimination.”