The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and a series of laws represented more than 60 years of harsh legislation targeting Chinese for physical and political exclusion. They explicitly barred Chnese from immigration and citizenship and became a "Barred Zone" to exclude all Asians. The laws established the confrontational character of the execution of immgration laws up to today.
Despite hardships and discrimination, generations of Chinese Americans helped build the first transcontinental railroad, fought in wars to defend the nation, and contributed to every segment of American society.
The State of California apologized for its anti-Chinese laws. The US Senate and House issued resolutions of regret. Only the President has not closed this shameful chapter in American history with an apology.