Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 - Definition and Overview

The Chinese Immigration Act 1923, better known in the Chinese-Canadian community as the Chinese Exclusion Act was an act passed by the Federal Government of Canada, virtually banning all forms of Chinese immigration to Canada. This is an example of institutional racism by the Canadian Government.

After every efforts was made from all levels of government to discourage Chinese immigration, the Federal Government passed the Chinese Immigration Act 1923, which went into effect on July 1, 1923. The act stipulates that all Chinese will be banned from entering Canada except the following:

• Merchants

• Diplomats

• Foreign Students

• "Special circumstances" (This is the class that Governor General Adrienne Clarkson's family fall under)

It should be noted that this act did not only apply to Chinese from China, even ethnic Chinese with British nationality were banned from entering Canada due to this act.

Since Dominion Day coincided with enforcement of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Chinese-Canadians at the time referred to Canada's birthday as "Humiliation Day" and refused to take any part in the celebration.

Due to the contribution of the Chinese communities in Canada during World War II, the Canadian Govenment repealed the Exclusion Act in May 14, 1947. However, independent Chinese immigration to Canada only came after the liberalization of Canadian immigration policy in 1967.

Internal Links

• Chinese Canadian

• Overseas Chinese

• Anti-Chinese Legislations in Canada before 1947

• History of Chinese Immigration to Canada

• Institutional racism