Why did public opinion and our government's policies on immigration in general change in the early 1900s?

Liberty, Mark, or whoever --

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Public opinion and government policies on immigration during the early 1900s underwent significant changes for several reasons. Understanding these shifts requires examining the broader historical and socio-economic context of the time.

1. Economic Factors: The early 1900s marked a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. As industries expanded, there was a high demand for labor. This resulted in an influx of immigrants, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. Many Americans began to fear that these new immigrants would take away jobs or depress wages, leading to anti-immigrant sentiments.

2. Social and Cultural Factors: The large number of immigrants from diverse backgrounds raised concerns among some Americans about preserving the country's cultural, religious, and social norms. There was a perception that these new arrivals would not assimilate into American society. This sentiment fueled nativism and the desire to restrict immigration.

3. Rise of Nativism: Nativism, or the belief in protecting the interests of native-born Americans, gained popularity during this period. Organizations like the Immigration Restriction League pushed for stricter immigration laws and the introduction of tests to exclude individuals who were deemed undesirable, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

4. Legislative Changes: In response to the changing public opinion, the federal government enacted several immigration laws to restrict and regulate immigration. The Immigration Act of 1903 introduced rules requiring immigrants to pass a literacy test, while the Immigration Act of 1917 implemented a more comprehensive screening process, including medical exams and the creation of a "Barred Zone" from which immigrants were excluded.

Overall, economic concerns, cultural anxieties, and the rise of nativism influenced the shift in public opinion and government policies on immigration during the early 1900s. It is important to remember that while immigration restrictions increased during this time, they primarily targeted specific countries and ethnic groups, reflecting the prejudices of the era.