Which legislation prohibited further immigration of Chinese laborers to the U.S. based on race and nationality?

The Chinese Exclusion Act is significant as it was the first federal law to explicitly restrict immigration based on race and nationality. Enacted in 1882, this legislation aimed to curb the influx of Chinese laborers who were arriving in the United States in large numbers, particularly during the Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The act reflected widespread racial discrimination and anti-Asian sentiment prevalent during that era, culminating in a complete ban on Chinese laborers for ten years, which was later extended indefinitely. This piece of legislation not only affected Chinese immigrants but also set a precedent for future immigration policies that discriminated against various nationalities. The historical context surrounding the act highlights the racial tensions and the changing attitudes toward immigration and labor in the United States at the time.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to immigration restrictions based on race or nationality. The Homestead Act encouraged settlement of the western territories by offering land to settlers; the Comstock Lode refers to a significant silver discovery that spurred mining activity; and the Mining Frontier Act does not exist as a notable piece of legislation in U.S. history.