They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us

by Prachi Gupta

In 1882, America enacted the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first significant race-based immigration ban in the country’s history. America later extended the ban to all of Asia. Canada passed a similar set of laws, and both countries curbed citizenship, land, and other rights for Asian laborers already within their borders. While America’s racial segregation was more explicit, both countries shared a commitment to building a white nation.

I had no idea

With the Hart–Celler Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, America established a new system of selection that favored immigrants with professional skills, high educational levels, and strong family ties. Canada followed suit, allowing immigrants like Papa’s parents, my Dadaji and Dadiji, into the country.