Chinese Immigration Act of 1923
The Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 was a significant piece of legislation in Canada that effectively halted Chinese immigration and imposed strict restrictions on those already residing in the country. Enacted on July 1, 1923, in the context of rising anti-Asian sentiment, this act is often referred to as the Chinese Exclusion Act due to its near-total exclusion of individuals of Chinese descent. Prior to this law, Canadian policies had already imposed barriers on Chinese immigrants, including a head tax and mandatory registration. The Act allowed very few exceptions, permitting only select individuals with diplomatic ties, returning native-born citizens, students, and investors to enter Canada.
This exclusionary policy reflected societal fears and prejudices toward Asian immigrants during the 1920s, fueled by concerns over job competition and cultural assimilation. The impact of the Act was profound, as it stunted the growth of the Chinese Canadian community by preventing family reunification and leading to a significant decline in the Chinese population in Canada over the following decades. The law faced opposition from various groups, including Chinese Canadians, missionaries, and organizations advocating for equality. Notably, on the day the Act took effect, many Chinese Canadians protested by boycotting Dominion Day celebrations, an event they deemed humiliating. The legislation remained in effect until its repeal in 1947, further entrenching systemic discrimination against Chinese individuals in Canada.
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Chinese Immigration Act of 1923
Identification: The Law: Federal legislation passed by the Canadian government blocking immigration from China.
Also known as: Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923
Date: Enacted June 30, 1923
The Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 almost completely halted the immigration of Chinese into Canada and placed restrictions on those already living in Canada. Enacted in response to growing anti-Asian sentiment, this law had a severe impact on the Chinese Canadian community.
Before the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 was passed, restrictive policies were already in place to limit the number of Chinese immigrants entering and residing in Canada. Such policies imposed a head tax on every Chinese immigrant and required each to be registered.
On March 2, 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act was introduced into parliament, and after some debate, the law became effective July 1, 1923. This act is more commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act because of its total exclusion of persons of Chinese descent. During the twenty-four years that this discriminatory policy was in effect, almost no Chinese people were allowed to enter into Canada, except those with diplomatic ties, native-born children returning to Canada after education abroad, students attending Canadian colleges, and investors. These entrance requirements were so restrictive that fewer than fifty immigrants of Chinese origin are estimated to have legally entered Canada during the exclusion period. This policy also stipulated that those already residing in Canada be registered with the government.
This legislation reflected widespread fears and prejudices in Canada during the 1920s. Anti-immigration sentiment directed at Asian immigrants pervaded several Canadian provinces, based on concerns about job competition and views of the Chinese as a threat to the character of Canadian society generally. However, the law was not universally favored. Missionaries, Chinese organizations in Canada, Chinese Canadians, and the government of China opposed the law, and on the day it took effect, many Chinese Canadians protested by taking part in “Humiliation Day,” a boycott of Dominion Day celebrations.
Impact
The Chinese Immigration Act marked the exclusion of persons of Chinese descent from Canada until its repeal in May 1947 and legalized the subordinate position of those who remained in Canada. Under this act, naturalization also became exceedingly difficult. Because the Chinese Canadian population was predominately male and their wives and children were prevented from entering the country, the development of a second generation of Chinese Canadians was stunted. In fact, the Chinese population in Canada declined greatly during this twenty-four-year period. This, in turn, negatively affected many Chinese communities and Chinatowns.
Bibliography
Con, Harry, Ronald J. Con, Graham Johnson, Edgar Wickberg, and William E. Willmott. From China to Canada: A History of the Chinese Communities in Canada. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1982.
Li, Peter S. The Chinese in Canada. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Roy, Patricia E. The Oriental Question: Consolidating a White Man’s Province, 1914–41. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2003.