Question

read the information concerning a significant us law enacted in the late nineteenth century
chinese exclusion act of 1882
the chinese exclusion act of 1882 provided an absolute ten - year ban on chinese laborers immigrating to the united states. for the first time, federal law proscribed entry of an ethnic working group on the premise that it endangered the good order of certain localities. the chinese exclusion act required the few non - laborers who sought entry to the united states (such as diplomatic officers) to obtain certification from the chinese government that they were qualified to immigrate and... very few chinese could enter the country under the 1882 law.
— national archives
why did laws such as this receive wide support at the time?
a. political machines sought to limit the influence of immigrants in local elections

Explanation:

During the late - 19th century, there was economic competition and xenophobia. Chinese laborers were seen as a threat to American jobs and social order. Political machines and some segments of society supported such laws to protect local interests and jobs, which was a form of nativist sentiment.

Answer:

A. Political machines sought to limit the influence of immigrants in local elections