Immigrant Backlash

In 1852, over 20,000 Chinese immigrants enter California. The backlash against newcomers that is already underway intensifies. Two years later, in People v. Hall, the California Supreme Court rules that Chinese people, along with blacks and Native Americans, cannot give testimonial evidence for or against a white man in court. In 1858, the state bars entry of any more Chinese or "Mongolian" people into California. Four years later, in an equally prejudicial move, the state legislature levies a monthly "police tax" of $2.50 on every Chinese person in California.

Anti-Chinese Riot of 1880