Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 facts for kids
.svg) |
|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the adjustment of status under the Immigration and Nationality Act of certain nationals of the People's Republic of China unless conditions permit their return in safety to that foreign state. |
|---|---|
| Acronyms (colloquial) | CSPA |
| Nicknames | Chinese Student Protection Act of 1991 |
| Enacted by | the 102nd United States Congress |
| Effective | October 9, 1992 |
| Citations | |
| Public law | 102-404 |
| Statutes at Large | 106 Stat. 1969 |
| Codification | |
| Titles amended | 8 U.S.C.: Aliens and Nationality |
| U.S.C. sections amended | 8 U.S.C. ch. 12, subch. II § 1255 |
| Legislative history | |
|
|
The Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 (CSPA) was a special law in the United States. It helped Chinese students and scholars who were in the U.S. during a difficult time in China. This law allowed them to apply for permanent residence, also known as a "green card." A green card lets someone live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Before this law, President George H. W. Bush had already issued a similar policy in 1990. The CSPA made this policy a formal law. It was supported by Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives and Senator Slade Gorton in the Senate. The Senate passed the Act on May 21, 1992. The House of Representatives passed it on August 10, 1992. President Bush signed it into law on October 9, 1992.
The CSPA was created because of political events in China in 1989. Many Chinese students in the U.S. had spoken out about these events. They were worried about their safety if they returned home. The Act helped Chinese citizens who were in the U.S. between June 5, 1989, and April 11, 1990. Even if their passports had expired, they could still apply for green cards. About 54,000 Chinese citizens received green cards because of this Act. Some Chinese people called these green cards "blood cards." This was a nickname for the green cards given to those who were in the U.S. at that specific time.
Contents
Why the Act Was Created
The Chinese Student Protection Act aimed to help Chinese students. These students were in the United States during a time of political unrest in China. Many had participated in interviews, rallies, and newspaper articles. They feared they might face problems if they went back to China. The CSPA offered them a way to stay safely in the U.S. by getting permanent residency.
Debates and Challenges of the Act
Even though the CSPA helped many students, some people had concerns. One point of disagreement was that the Act also helped immigrants who had entered the U.S. without permission. Some Americans felt this was not fair.
Another issue was that the green cards given through the CSPA used up spots for future Chinese immigrants. This meant fewer Chinese people could come to the U.S. in later years.
Some human rights groups also questioned if the Act was fully needed. They thought only students who were very public about their views might be at risk. For example, those who gave televised speeches or wrote articles. A U.S. government document noted that many students who visited China during this time reported no problems when they returned. Yet, these students were still able to apply for green cards.
How the Act Helped Chinese People in America
Studies show that the CSPA had a positive impact on Chinese people in the U.S. For those with a college degree, their hourly earnings increased by 18 percent during the 1990s. This was compared to other groups. Chinese women with degrees saw a 21 percent gain, and men saw a 16 percent gain. The Act also helped more Chinese college graduates find jobs.
Impact on the U.S. Job Market
The CSPA also had good effects on the U.S. job market. People who received green cards through the Act gained many benefits. They could earn higher incomes and had more flexibility in their jobs. They could work legally and find more stable, long-term employment.
One study found that the CSPA raised the employment rate for Chinese college graduates by 7 percent. It also boosted their hourly earnings by 17 to 24 percent. Women and highly educated immigrants benefited the most from these changes.
