How we cite our quotes: (Section)
Quote #1
Whereas, in the opinion of the Government of the United States the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of certain localities within the territory thereof. (Sec.1)
Right there in the first line of the law. It does not say laborers endanger good order, or immigrants. It specifically singles out the Chinese. With an opening salvo like that, it's tough to argue that race is less than the primary impetus behind the law.
Quote #2
That from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage of this act, and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said ninety days, to remain within the United States. (Sec.1)
For a fun exercise, count how many times they say "Chinese" in this act. Okay, not so much "fun" as "potentially shattering your faith in the essential goodness of humanity." This is the meat of the law, kicking out the bulk of the Chinese in the country and keeping any more from coming. Again, this is specifically targeting race.
Quote #3
[…] every Chinese person other than a laborer who may be entitled by said treaty and this act to come within the United States, and who shall be about to come to the United States, shall be identified as so entitled by the Chinese Government in each case, such identity to be evidenced by a certificate issued under the authority of said government. (Sec.5)
This section links any person of Chinese ethnicity with the Chinese government. It's a subtle point, but it ties ethnicity to nationality in a way that makes Chinese people doomed to be the other.
Quote #4
That the master of any vessel arriving in the United States from any foreign port or place shall, at the same time he delivers a manifest of the cargo, and if there be no cargo, then at the time of making a report, of the entry of the vessel pursuant to law, in addition to the other matter required to be reported, and before landing, or permitting to land, any Chinese passengers. (Sec.8)
Chinese passengers on a ship are expected to be dealt with at the same time as cargo. It's a short leap from there to start classifying Chinese passengers as cargo, which is pretty terrible.
Quote #5
That hereafter no State court or court of the United States shall admit Chinese to citizenship; and all laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed. (Sec.14)
This arguably is the worst section. Think about this one for a second. If you allow a Chinese-born person to become an American citizen, they are American. That's how it works. This is a nation of immigrants (except the Native Americans), so that's how Americans get made. This draws a distinction between race and nationality the way nothing else in the law does: a person of Chinese ethnicity must remain a citizen of China.