Restrictive Immigration
More than forty years prior to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, several restrictive immigration laws were in effect. Objections to them by U.S. presidents couldn't hinder the spreading mindset among Americans that immigrants should be numerically limited by ethnicity, religion, etc. These xenophobes harbored a "fear of economic and cultural competition," along with "racial and ethnic prejudice." (Daniels 12)
|
"The famous words of Emma Lazarus on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty read: 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.' Until 1921 this was an accurate picture of our society. Under present law it would be appropriate to add: 'as long as they come from Northern Europe, are not too tired or too poor or slightly ill, never stole a loaf of bread, never joined any questionable organization, and can document their activities for the past two years.' "
~President John F. Kennedy, A Nation of Immigrants
Back to Home
|
Next to the Chinese Exclusion Act
|