Washington, D.C. — On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, President Joe Biden issued a statement reflecting on this historical event and its profound impact on American society. In his address, President Biden underscored the core values of the United States as a nation of immigrants, reaffirming its commitment to equality and cultural diversity.
The Chinese Exclusion Act, enacted in 1882, was the first U.S. law to impose immigration restrictions based on nationality. President Biden noted that the Act contradicted the fundamental principles upon which the United States was founded — the belief in equality and fair treatment for all. It turned the immigration system into a tool of discrimination against a specific ethnic group for 61 years and led to further discrimination against many people from Europe and Asia. He linked the Act to historical instances of racism and xenophobia in American history, including the Rock Springs Massacre and the Hells Canyon Massacre during the anti-Chinese “Driving Out” era.
In 1943, the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed, followed by legal reforms that gradually established an immigration system more reflective of American values. In his statement, President Biden commemorated the lives, families, and communities irreparably harmed by the Act. He praised the diverse voices who courageously stood against it, demanding a fairer and more just immigration system, including Frederick Douglass, Blanche Bruce, Pearl Buck, the American Jewish Committee, and many others.
The President also pointed out that, despite progress, hatred never disappears; it only hides. He condemned the ongoing demonization of immigrants and the fanning of intolerance, reiterating his presidential campaign’s purpose: to restore the soul of America, unite its people, and ensure that hatred finds no safe harbor.
President Biden concluded by emphasizing the significant contributions of Chinese Americans throughout generations, from their labor in building the transcontinental railroad in the 1800s to serving in the military, to today’s authors, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and scholars. He paid tribute to all immigrants who continue to make extraordinary contributions to the nation.
This statement serves as a reflection on a significant moment in American history and a reaffirmation of the United States’ values of multiculturalism and inclusivity.
