Who was known for opposing Chinese immigration during his presidency?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam covering Period 6. Prepare with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your APUSH exam!

The person known for opposing Chinese immigration during his presidency was Chester A. Arthur. During his administration, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was enacted, which significantly restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. This piece of legislation marked a major turning point in American immigration policy, as it was the first federal law to prohibit immigration based on nationality. Arthur's support for this act illustrated the broader anti-Chinese sentiment prevalent in American society at the time, driven by economic concerns and racial prejudice. His administration’s actions reflected the growing nativist movements that sought to limit the rights of immigrants and culminated in the legal exclusion of a specific ethnic group from entering the country altogether.

The other presidents mentioned either did not have significant policies regarding Chinese immigration or were in office before the wave of anti-Chinese sentiment escalated to the point of legislative action.

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