Continuity and Change In 1882, The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by congress in order to calm the growing violence and political pressure caused by the anti-Chinese sentiment. The act banned further Chinese immigration for 10 years, and prevented the naturalization of Chinese citizens. The Chinese protested the act, but had little effect. Diplomatically, it caused more tension between Americans and the Chinese. Socially, it showed the nation’s fear of unemployment. Economically, it helped to ensure employment for American citizens. Politically, it calmed the anti-Chinese movement. Anti-immigrants or nativism is a recurring theme in the history of the United States. These feelings continued when new sources