Chinese Immigration Act, 1923 facts for kids

The Chinese Immigration Act, 1923 was a Canadian law. It is now known as the Chinese Exclusion Act. This law stopped almost all Chinese people from moving to Canada. While other countries had some rules for immigrants, only Chinese people were completely banned. This difficult time is often called the Exclusion Era.

A Difficult Past: The Chinese Exclusion Act

Before 1923, Canada already had rules for Chinese immigrants. The Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 made Chinese immigrants pay a special fee. This fee was called a head tax. It was a very heavy cost for them.

Why Was the Act Created?

Many people in the Canadian government wanted to stop Chinese immigration. This was especially true in British Columbia. Because of this pressure, the Chinese Immigration Act was passed. It became law on July 1, 1923.

Who Was Allowed to Enter Canada?

The Act banned most Chinese immigrants. However, a few groups were still allowed to enter Canada. These groups included:

• Diplomats (people who represent their country)
• Foreign students
• Merchants (people who trade goods)
• People with "special circumstances" approved by the Minister of Immigration. For example, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson's family came to Canada under this rule.

This law did not just apply to Chinese people from China. It also affected ethnic Chinese people who were British citizens.

"Humiliation Day"

The Chinese Immigration Act started on July 1, 1923. This was the same day as Dominion Day, which is now called Canada Day. Because of this, Chinese-Canadians called July 1 "Humiliation Day." They refused to celebrate Canada's birthday.

When Did the Act End?

After World War II, Canada signed the United Nations' Charter of Human Rights. This charter said that all people have rights. The Chinese Immigration Act did not fit with these new ideas. So, the Canadian Parliament ended the Act on May 14, 1947.

However, it took more time for Chinese people to freely immigrate to Canada. This happened after 1962. That year, Canada removed rules based on where people came from. In 1967, Canada started a points-based immigration system. This system judged immigrants based on their skills and education.

Making Amends: Apologies and Legacy

The Chinese Exclusion Act caused a lot of pain. Years later, leaders in Canada began to apologize for this unfair law.

Federal Government Apology

On June 22, 2006, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper said sorry in the House of Commons. He started his apology in Cantonese Chinese. This is a common language spoken by many Chinese immigrants. He also announced that people who paid the head tax, or their spouses, would get money back. They received about CA$20,000 as a way to make up for the past.

British Columbia Apology

On May 15, 2014, then-Premier of British Columbia Christy Clark also apologized. She did this in the Legislative Assembly. Everyone agreed to the apology. Unlike the federal apology, no money was given to individuals. Instead, CA$1 million was promised for a special fund. This fund would support projects that remember this history.

Vancouver Apology

On April 22, 2018, the Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, Gregor Robertson, also gave a public apology.

Remembering Through Art

The Chinese Exclusion Act and its impact have been shown in films and books. These works help people learn about this important part of history.

• Lost Years: A People's Struggle for Justice (2011) by Kenda Gee and Tom Radford (a documentary film)
• In the Shadow of Gold Mountain (2004) by Karen Cho (a documentary film)
• The Red Tiger (2019) by Chuck Lim (a historical fiction book)