The exhibit discusses the use of Chinese immigrant labor in the U.S. and Mexico and the impact it had on regional Chinese settlements. It addresses anti-Chinese backlash by Borderland citizens and the governments of United States and Mexico that resulted in anti-Chinese immigrant laws, in particular the federal Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the New Mexico Alien Land Act of 1921. Through this changing political landscape, a small Chinese settlement developed in El Paso - plus there was a thriving Chinese-owned truck farming business in Deming and several small businesses in Las Cruces. Chinese artifacts from the El Paso settlement that were uncovered during a 1980s urban archeological excavation are featured in the exhibit.

Exhibit curator Jennifer McClung will discuss the research and resources that went into developing this exhibit on Thursday, July 20, from Noon-1pm in the Swartz Room at the Branigan Cultural Center.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main St. and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm and Saturday 9am to 4:30pm. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or call (575)541-2154.