Welcome to Part Two of a seven-part blog series! If you need to catch up, here’s the introduction with links to all the blog posts.
Although the 1882 Act prevented Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S., it permitted those already residing in the U.S. to stay, travel abroad, and return. Section 4 of the 1882 Act offered return certificate for departing Chinese laborers, but it was not until the passage of the 1884 amendment (23 Stat. 115) that a formal document was developed for this purpose. This marked the introduction of the first reentry document for individuals of Chinese descent - the only group issued such permits until 1924, when reentry permits became mandatory for other immigrants.
The Scott Act of 1888 (25 Stat. 504) effectively canceled these Red Eagle Certificates (named for their color and prominent eagle emblem) and stranded about 20,000 Chinese workers traveling outside the U.S. at the time of its passage. The Act also halted the issuance of any new return certificates until 1895. The Chinese American community mobilized legal opposition but their challenge ultimately fell short with the Supreme Court upholding the law in Chae Chan Ping v. United States, 130 U.S. 581 (1889), no. 13436.
Red Eagle Certificate issued to Chae Chan Ping, Habeas Corpus case, In re Chae Chan Ping, District of California, no. 10100 (NAID 348093145)
Where can I find these certificates?
Because Red Eagle certificates were only issued for a short time, very few certificates have survived. For those who challenged the Scott Act or submitted writs of habeas corpus (a petition for release from unjust imprisonment), researchers may be able to locate copies of these certificates in related federal court records. If the certificates were surrendered to immigration officials, you may be able to locate these certificates in individual immigration files.
Want to learn more? Continue on to Part Three!