Anti-Coolie Act of 1862
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California's Anti-Coolie Act of 1862 was an attempt by the State of California to tax the labor of Chinese workers as well as discourage Chinese immigration into the state. The act taxed, by way of a $2.50 a month work permit, all workers over the age of 18 of the "Mongolian Race." "Coolie" was a derogatory term used for unskilled Asian workers. Chinese workers were exempt from this tax if they produced or manufactured sugar, rice, coffee or tea.