One In, One Out

"Chinese people had numerous bad habits and prejudices. They could not become Americanized in their daily lives, much less accept the ethical and moral standards upon which the United States was founded—Christianity. Moreover, the massive influx of Chinese laborers created a tense situation in which they competed with American workers for their rice bowls. Using Chinese labor would lead to lower workers' wages." —Labor Knights.

"Today, the United States officially passed the 'Law Concerning the Execution of Provisions of Treaties Relating to Chinese People.' This was a major step forward for American society, representing the preservation of traditional order and culture while also safeguarding the interests of San Francisco's broad citizenry." —San Francisco Workers Association.

Anti-Chinese forces in the United States had existed for a long time, particularly in California, the heart of the western region. But beginning in May 1882, their political demands formally received legal backing, a first in American history.

San Francisco soon established a Chinese immigrant processing station to deport Chinese immigrants, while the East African Immigration Office quickly reached an agreement with San Francisco city officials to help the United States save on deportation expenses.

Angel Island Immigration Processing Station.

An ironic name. Illegal Chinese residents throughout San Francisco were now sent here. In the cramped confines, people packed together in surging masses; it was even filthier, more chaotic, and more wretched than San Francisco's slums.

Most of the Chinese people here wore queues, no different from those in the Far East Empire. Their faces were sallow with hunger, their clothes ragged, and they did not appear particularly healthy. After all, the work they did was all dirty and exhausting, not much better than in the Far East Empire.

Even Wilson, an Immigration Office employee who had seen all manner of scenes, found the environment