The Chinese Exclusion Act is a documentary by Ric Burns and Li-Shin Yu, and produced by Steeplechase Films and the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). The film explores the important connections between the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act — the only federal legislation in United States history ever to single out and name a specific race and nationality for exclusion.

From immigration and citizenship — and the history of American civil liberties, immigration, labor, and culture, The Chinese Exclusion Act examines the dramatic social, political, and economic circumstances that lead to this landmark piece of legislation and the wide-ranging consequences it had on national attitudes towards race, culture, politics, and society.

Join us at the Chicago Cultural Center for a free screening of the film, and discussion. RSVP now.