American Immigration Policy Milestones

Periods of U.S. Immigration Policy

• The goal is to create a timeline of significant immigration policies.
• Starting point: 1719, but focus on key milestones.

Key Milestones (1880-1924)

• This period marked the transition from increasing acceptance of immigrants to attempts to limit immigration.
• Initial focus on limiting immigration from specific groups (e.g., Asians, illiterates, communists).

Resources for Understanding Immigration Policy

• Articles providing historical context, such as the 1924 Immigration Act, which was partly a reaction to a surge in immigration.
• Importance of understanding the racist undertones of U.S. immigration history, which can include ethnic considerations.

Recent Immigration Trends

• Significant immigration surge in recent years, with recent figures showing 8 million entrants in a short period.
• Government responses and public reactions to immigration changes.

The 1924 Immigration Act

• Landmark law establishing quotas based on national origins, heavily favoring Northern Europeans over other groups.
• Fueled by a backlash against the influx of immigrants and the nativist sentiments of the time.

Historical Context of Nativism (1850s)

• Nativism refers to a political movement favoring the interests of native-born citizens over immigrants.
• Formation of groups such as the Know-Nothing party advocating against Irish and Catholic immigrants.
• Dramatic demographic shifts due to Irish immigration leading to cultural and political dominance of Irish Americans.

Immigration Waves

• Highlighted three major waves of immigration:

1. First Wave (1840s-1860s): Mainly German and Irish immigrants, leading to nativist reaction.
2. Second Wave: Post-1900, with further restrictions emerging for Asian immigrants.
3. Third Wave: Post-1965, significant changes in laws allowing for quotas for Latin American countries.

Legislative Changes

• The Naturalization Act of 1790 stipulated citizenship for “free white persons.”
• Exclusion of Asians established by federal laws beginning in the late 19th century (e.g., Chinese Exclusion Act).
• Increased immigration restrictions and quotas solidified with the 1924 law, fundamentally changing the landscape of U.S. immigration.

Impact of Immigration on Society

• Immigrants significantly shaped American politics, especially through their increasing role in urban areas and civic institutions.
• Political machines (e.g., Democratic Party in New York) relied on immigrant votes to maintain power, leading to potential corrupt practices.

Cultural and Societal Backlash

• Growing nativist sentiments encapsulated fears over immigrants’ influence on American values and society.
• Stereotypes portrayed immigrants as undesirable or dangerous (e.g., Irish as drunks, Catholics as un-American).

Post-World War II Immigration

• Continued adjustments in policy following the war, particularly concerning labor shortages and the role of Latino immigrants.
• Introduced new quotas impacting the flow of Latin American immigrants.

Looking Forward

• 1965 legislation marked a dramatic policy shift, addressing previous quota restrictions and allowing for a more multicultural approach to immigration.