Question

Explain the changes in immigration laws brought about by the National Origins Act and subsequent legislation. What ethnic groups were favored? Why?

Answer 1

In 1924, the United States passed the National Origins Act, which established strict quotas on the number of immigrants who could enter the country. The quotas were based on the number of people from each country who were already living in the United States in 1890. The goal of the National Origins Act was to limit immigration from southern and eastern Europe, which were seen as countries with large numbers of poor, uneducated, and unskilled workers. The Act also favored immigrants from northern and western Europe, who were seen as more likely to assimilate into American society.

The National Origins Act was passed in response to a growing wave of immigration from southern and eastern Europe in the early 20th century. Between 1900 and 1920, the number of immigrants from these regions increased from 3.5 million to 8.3 million. This increase was seen as a threat to American workers, who were competing for jobs with immigrants who were willing to work for lower wages. The National Origins Act was an attempt to stem the tide of immigration and protect American workers.

The National Origins Act was replaced by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished the quotas and established a new system of preferences based on family ties and skills. The 1965 Act led to a marked increase in immigration from Asia and Latin America. Today, the United States is home to immigrants from all over the world.