Original certificates of residence issued by the U.S. government in 1894 to Chinese laborers under the provisions of the Act of May 5, 1892 (the Geary Act), allowing them to remain and work in the United States.

The Geary Act, introduced by California Congressman Thomas J. Geary, and passed by the U.S. Congress on May 5, 1892, extended the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The law required Chinese residents of the United States to apply for a Certificate of Residence and carry it at all times. Failure to do so was punishable by deportation.

.5 linear feet (37 certificates)

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Curator of Library and Archives. Consent is given on behalf of History San Jose as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

The collection is open to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives.