Sui Sin Far vs. Dehumanization

Authors

Hannah Swenson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Sui Sin Far Chinese advocacy, Chinese Exclusion Act impact, "In the Land of the Free" analysis

Abstract

In 1882, Chinese immigrants were deemed by Congress to be a corrupting influence in America; thus the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed, barring Chinese laborer immigration and the naturalization of Chinese immigrants. Their foreign cultural customs made them “unassimilable,” and their strong work ethic and acceptance of extremely low wages “rendered them an economic threat and thus targets of racial violence”. In 1889, the United States Supreme Court upheld the act, stating that Chinese immigrants were “‘a different race . . . dangerous to [America’s] peace and security’”. Subsequent laws further marginalized Chinese residents, depriving them of legal rights and protections while denying them citizenship and voting rights.

Recommended Citation

Swenson, Hannah (2025) "Sui Sin Far vs. Dehumanization," AWE (A Woman’s Experience): Vol. 11, Article 18.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/awe/vol11/iss1/18