During the years 1880 to 1925, the United States experienced significant tensions surrounding the issue of immigration. This period witnessed a surge in immigration from Southern and Eastern European countries, which created fears and concerns among many native-born Americans. In response to these tensions, the U.S. government enacted various policies and measures to regulate immigration and address the concerns of its citizens.
One of the key pieces of legislation during this period was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This act targeted Chinese immigrants, who were primarily coming to the United States in search of work opportunities. The act prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers, and it also placed restrictions on the already-present Chinese population, limiting their ability to naturalize as U.S. citizens. This act was driven by anti-Chinese sentiment and the belief that Chinese immigrants were taking jobs away from native-born Americans.
Another important policy during this time was the Immigration Act of 1891. This act established the Office of Immigration within the U.S. Treasury Department and created a federal framework for regulating immigration. It required certain individuals, such as those deemed "likely to become public charges," to provide a guarantee of financial support from sponsors in the U.S. Additionally, the act empowered the government to inspect, question, and exclude individuals considered to be "undesirable" for various reasons, such as having a criminal background or a contagious disease. This act laid the foundation for future immigration policies and established the concept of immigrants needing to meet certain criteria to be allowed entry into the United States.
In response to the growing concerns about immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, the U.S. government passed the Immigration Act of 1917, also known as the Literacy Act. This act required immigrants over the age of 16 to demonstrate the ability to read and write in their native language or in English. The intent was to restrict immigration from non-English speaking countries and favor immigrants from Western and Northern Europe, who were generally seen as more desirable by the government and native-born Americans.
The tensions surrounding immigration during this period were also fueled by nativist sentiments and fears of cultural change. This led to the rise of organizations such as the Immigration Restriction League, which advocated for stricter immigration policies. The league argued that the United States should prioritize immigrants from Anglo-Saxon and Nordic countries, as they were seen as more likely to assimilate and contribute to American society.
Overall, the period from 1880 to 1925 was marked by significant tensions surrounding immigration in the United States. The government responded to these concerns through legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Immigration Act of 1891, and the Immigration Act of 1917. These policies aimed to regulate immigration, restrict certain groups from entering the country, and prioritize immigrants from specific regions. The issues and debates surrounding immigration during this period continue to shape discussions around immigration policy in the United States today.