6. The Page Act of 1875 and Human Trafficking
The Page Act of 1875 was the first federal law restricting Asian immigration, targeting Chinese women under claims of curbing “slavery” and prostitution. Ironically, this law drove migration underground, increasing trafficking and exploitation of Asian women rather than protecting them. Many were forced into servitude, facing abuse and little hope of legal recourse. The Page Act highlights how restrictive policies can have devastating unintended consequences. For more, see History.com’s analysis.
