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I’m not sure I understand... how then was congress able to exclude Chinese from immigrating in 1882? That implies they were coming here on some sort of legal basis beforehand.

Before that there were very few rules of immigration. The idea that people are mobile and travel frequently was pretty rare back in the early to mid 19th century. During the later decades, it became more common for people to travel back and forth between countries. Travel just became easier and more affordable. It was during this time that many of the first immigration restrictions were imposed upon the Chinese, the Irish, the Italians, the Poles, etc.

During this first rash of immigration “debates”, the Ark decision was handed down.

Read the arguments for those that sided with Ark and those that dissented in the opinion. You will be amazed at how close the arguments are on this thread.

But the law is the law and for 112 years this argument has been settled.

If we want it changed, we need to change the Constitution.