In 1943, The Magnuson Act repealed The Chinese Exclusion Act to promote better relationships with China during WWII. Chinese were given 105 “slots” per year, while European countries were given tens of thousands of “slots”. Even though the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943, discrimination didn’t end until 1965, when the Immigration and Naturalization Act was passed abolishing an earlier quota system based on national origin and establishing a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled labor to the United States.
"There is now pending before the Congress legislation to permit the immigration of Chinese people into this country and to allow Chinese residents here to become American citizens. I regard this legislation as important in the cause of winning the war and of establishing a secure peace. China is our ally. For many long years she stood alone in the fight against aggression. Today we fight at her side. She has continued her gallant struggle against very great odds."
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Although the Act has been in effect only two months, it has already reunited hundreds of families through its preferential admissions policy for aliens with close relatives in the United States .... Another 9,268 refugees from Cuba arrived in the United States during 1965. Of these, 3,349 came in December via the airlift arranged by the United States and the Cuban governments. Some 104,430 resident aliens were naturalized as American citizens during the year." |
By the repeal of the Chinese exclusion laws we can correct a historic mistake and silence the distorted Japanese propaganda. The enactment of legislation now pending before the Congress would put Chinese immigrants on a parity with those from other countries. The Chinese quota would, therefore, be only about 100 immigrants a year. There can be no reasonable apprehension that any such number of immigrants will cause unemployment or provide competition in the search for jobs.The extension of the privileges of citizenship to the relatively few Chinese residents in our country would operate as another meaningful display of friendship. It would be additional proof that we regard China not only as a partner in waging war but that we shall regard her as a partner in days of peace. While it would give the Chinese a preferred status over certain other Oriental people, their great contribution to the cause of decency and freedom entitles them to such preference."
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt
As an immigrant, I chose to live in America because it is one of the freest and most vibrant nations in the world. And as an immigrant, I feel an obligation to speak up for immigration policies that will keep America the most economically robust, creative and freedom-loving nation in the world.”
-Rupert Murdoch