OCA Celebrates 80th Anniversary of the Magnuson Act
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2023
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Fellow
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Acts. These acts were the first laws in U.S. history that explicitly targeted and excluded a specific ethnic group from immigration and citizenship.
The Chinese Exclusion Acts were fueled by racial prejudice and economic fears. They prevented Chinese laborers from entering the U.S., denied naturalization rights to Chinese Americans, and exposed them to discrimination, harassment, and violence.
On December 17, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Magnuson Act into law, ending years of exclusion and injustice. The Magnuson Act granted Chinese Americans the right to become citizens and allowed an annual quota of just 105 Chinese immigrants to enter the U.S. The legislation was a significant step toward racial equality and justice, but with a quota limit, it did not erase the challenges faced by Chinese Americans and other immigrants.
OCA wants to acknowledge the work of Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), in fighting against racial discrimination and profiling. In 2012, she introduced a resolution that expressed regret for the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Laws and reaffirmed the commitment of Congress to uphold the civil rights and constitutional protections of all Americans.
“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Magnuson Act, we also remember the painful legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Acts that denied the dignity and rights of Chinese Americans,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates President Linda Ng. “The Magnuson Act was a historic victory for our community, but it also reminded us of the need to continue fighting for justice and equality for all immigrants and people of color.”
“The Magnuson Act ended the unjust exclusion of Chinese Americans,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “While we honor their strength and achievements, we recognize the ongoing struggles of anti-Asian discrimination and racial profiling, as well as the continued need for immigration reform. OCA remains committed to empowering the AANHPI community and safeguarding our rights, dignity, and voice.”
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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.