Question

According to Erika Lee in "Chinese Exclusion and American Gatekeeping," how did Chinese exclusion impact Mexican and European immigration?

A) It had no impact on Mexican and European immigration.
B) It led to stricter immigration policies for Mexicans and Europeans.
C) It encouraged Mexican and European immigration to balance the population.
D) It opened doors for Mexican and European immigrants to fill labor shortages.

Answer 1

Chinese exclusion laws opened up opportunities for Mexican and European immigrants to fill labor shortages in the United States, with Mexican and European workers stepping in to meet demands formerly served by Chinese labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Erika Lee in "Chinese Exclusion and American Gatekeeping," the impact of Chinese exclusion on Mexican and European immigration was such that it opened doors for Mexican and European immigrants to fill labor shortages. As Chinese laborers were barred from entering the United States by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and later immigration policies, this created a demand for other sources of labor. Consequently, Mexican and European immigrant workers were seen as replacements to meet the labor demands in the United States, particularly in industries and regions that were previously dependent on Chinese labor. Despite this opportunity for other immigrant groups, the legislation also contributed to an overall atmosphere of intolerance and nativist sentiment that would later influence restrictive measures against other immigrant populations as well, such as through the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and subsequent legislation.