Immigration Legislation in the United States By kdalak Period: Jan 1, 1880 to Jan 1, 1900 Timespan of Immigration Legislation from 1880-1900 Jan 1, 1882 The immigration Act of 1882 is passed into law. http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/timeline-1790 Jan 1, 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act is passed into law. Jan 1, 1888 The 1888 Scott Act is passed, prohibiting Chinese nationals to return to the United States after leaving. Jan 1, 1891 President Harrison makes it unlawful to harboring or bringing illegal immigrants into the US. Jan 1, 1892 Congress passes the Geary Act into law, extending the Chinese Prohibition Act.