Steeplechase Films/The Chinese Exclusion Act Chinese women detained at Angel Island, California. The Chinese Exclusion Act, iterations of which remained on the books for over 60 years, had a lasting effect on the history of U.S. immigration, as depicted in a new PBS documentary airing Tuesday. Filmmaker Ric BurnsIn the film, several historians marvel that some Americans are shocked to learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act. Steeplechase Films/The Chinese Exclusion Act A poster celebrating the Chinese Exclusion Act's passage, proclaiming that "The White Man is on Top." Through these connections, the documentary effectively makes the case that the Chinese Exclusion Act is fundamental to questions of American identity.

Source: Huffington Post May 25, 2018 09:45 UTC