America's anti-Chinese laws: a forgotten history

Historian Beth Lew-Williams explains her work uncovering legislation that contained and controlled the lives of Chinese people in the USA in the 19th century

Published: October 21, 2026 at 3:12 PM

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From the middle of the 19th century, Chinese people in the United States found themselves increasingly policed, as legislation was introduced that contained and controlled their economic and cultural lives.

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Historian Beth Lew-Williams tells Elinor Evans about her work uncovering this wide-reaching set of laws for her book John Doe Chinaman, and reveals how Chinese people resisted and avoided discrimination.

Beth’s book is a finalist for the 2026 Cundill History Prize – you can find more details at cundillprize.com.

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Find out more about the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

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