'Page Act of 1875' (ch. 141, ,
March 31875) was enacted by the
United States Congress to deal with immigrants from
China and
Japan. The law required migrants from
Oriental countries be processed at the port of departure by representatives of US Consulates. Those whom are found to be ''obnoxious'' were denied departure rights to
America.
Although this law was ostensibly paternalistic - to prevent the entry of both prostitutes and forced "
Coolie" labourers, it also substantially reduced the opportunities for all oriental women to enter the United States, with adverse consequences for the wives of immigrants already in the country.
Reference
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Full text of 1875 Page Law, via University of California Hastings College of the Law
Guide to Internet Resources on Racism, Race, and American Law