Question

in 1882, the chinese exclusion act was debated in congress but did not pass. was strongly opposed by nativist groups. limited chinese immigration to 5,000 people per year. halted chinese immigration for a period.

Explanation:

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration in the United States. It halted Chinese immigration for a period. It was not debated and not passed - it was passed into law. Nativist groups supported it, not opposed it. And it did not limit Chinese immigration to 5,000 people per year; it essentially banned Chinese laborers from entering the U.S.

Answer:

halted Chinese immigration for a period.