Certificates of Residence Issued to Chinese Laborers, 1894

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Summary

Creators:
United States. Internal Revenue Service
Abstract:
Extent:
.5 linear feet (37 certificates)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Certificates of Residence Issued to Chinese Laborers. History San Jose Research Library

Background

Scope and content:

Original certificates of residence issued in 1894 by Collectors of Internal Revenue on behalf of the U.S. government 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 certificates include a photograph, name of individual, physical description, type of labor, and place of residence. Most certificates were issued in San Jose or the San Francisco Bay Area; several were issued outside of California.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Originally donated to Clyde Arbuckle in 1965 by Frank Emmite and Domonic Mercurio of the California Loan Office in San Jose; part of the original collection of the San Jose Historical Museum.

Access and use

Restrictions:

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

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Certificates of Residence Issued to Chinese Laborers. History San Jose Research Library

Location of this collection:
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112, US
Contact:
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
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