The Angel Island Immigration Station in California was the West Coast counterpart to Ellis Island in New York. However, if Ellis Island is typically perceived as a symbol of freedom and opportunity for immigrants primarily coming from Europe, then Angel Island is associated with anti-Asian racism and exclusion.

Also known as the Immigration Act of 1917, the Barred Zone Act legislation expanded immigration restrictions, targeting the Asia-Pacific region by introducing literacy tests and new categories of inadmissible newcomers.

The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act banned the immigration of Chinese laborers to the US. Exceptions were made for diplomats and certain professions like merchants and teachers. After the Geary Act's extension, the Act was made permanent in 1904.