Immigration in the United States

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Questions and Answers

What event significantly changed the immigration debate in the U.S. post-2001?

The naturalization process for immigrants

The introduction of new job categories

Increased focus on national security (correct)

The economic recession of 2007

Which group is NOT mentioned as eligible for green cards?

Investors in U.S. companies

Temporary international students (correct)

Persons who were granted entry as refugees

Individuals who have worked in special job categories

What are some of the requirements for naturalization in the U.S.?

Holding a green card for over five years and passing a civics test (correct)

Speaking a foreign language fluently

Demonstrating financial independence

Having a job offer in the U.S.

What impact did the high numbers of newcomers in the 1990s and early 2000s have on U.S. society?

It sparked a debate about immigration levels and policies. Signup and view all the answers

How do differing opinions on immigration reform affect U.S. policy makers?

They complicate efforts to achieve consensus on immigration policies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the 1924 National Origins Act?

To limit the number of immigrants based on their nationality. Signup and view all the answers

Which immigrant group was specifically affected by the 1924 National Origins Act?

Immigrants from Italy and Hungary. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Dillingham Commission recommend in 1911?

Reduce immigration and implement new regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the 1924 National Origins Act have on the immigration of Italians and Hungarians?

It significantly reduced their immigration. Signup and view all the answers

What restriction was part of the Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907?

It required Japan to limit emigration to the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What significant claim did the Dillingham Commission make regarding immigration?

Certain groups of immigrants posed a threat to society. Signup and view all the answers

Which population year was used as a reference for determining immigration quotas in the 1924 act?

1890 Signup and view all the answers

How did the National Origins Act of 1924 affect immigration from Asia?

It continued earlier restrictions to limit Asian immigration. Signup and view all the answers

What group faced opposition from business leaders regarding immigration restrictions?

Labor unions Signup and view all the answers

What was the total quota for immigrants from Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the quota system?

34,007 Signup and view all the answers

Which Act governed U.S. immigration policy from 1924 until 1952?

National Origins Act Signup and view all the answers

How did immigration levels change during the Great Depression of the 1930s?

Immigration fell to its lowest level Signup and view all the answers

Which former U.S. president vetoed legislation in support of literacy tests for immigrants?

Woodrow Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What was the quota for Chinese immigrants established during the quota system?

100 Signup and view all the answers

Which presidents vetoed legislation related to immigration restrictions?

Cleveland and Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What factor combined with the quota system to reduce immigration significantly?

The Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a refugee?

A person seeking protection in another country due to conflict or persecution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Displaced Persons Act of 1948?

To allow the admission of over 400,000 refugees displaced by World War II. Signup and view all the answers

How many refugees came from Cuba after the revolution in 1959?

Approximately 700,000. Signup and view all the answers

What did the immigration policies of the 1950s and 1960s primarily focus on?

Offering refuge to escapees from communist countries. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of a significant immigration transformation in the U.S. after World War II?

The Great Depression ending. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was notably affected by the immigration policies during the Cold War?

Political refugees from Eastern Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of World War II on U.S. immigration policy?

The admission of refugees displaced by war. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consequence of the Cuban revolution regarding immigration?

A significant influx of refugees into the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What primary geographic regions influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution?

British Isles and northwestern Europe Signup and view all the answers

What did the Naturalization Act of 1790 specify about citizenship?

Only free white people of 'good moral character' could become citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary responsibility of Congress regarding immigration and citizenship according to the Constitution?

To address immigration and citizenship issues. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of immigration to the United States before 1820?

There was no official count of newcomers arriving by ship. Signup and view all the answers

What was the perspective on immigration expressed in the provided content?

The U.S. was open to all oppressed and persecuted individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes emigration based on the definitions provided?

Emigration refers specifically to leaving a country to settle in a specific location. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the bosom of America is open' imply about U.S. immigration policy?

America was inviting and accepting of immigrants. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of immigration policy is not addressed in the Constitution?

The counting of immigrants arriving in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immigration and the United States experience

Founding fathers primarily from British Isles and northwestern Europe
Naturalization Act of 1790 limited citizenship to free white people of good moral character
The US Constitution does not say much about immigration and citizenship, giving responsibility to Congress
The US started counting immigrants arriving by ship in 1820
The 1924 National Origins Act set quotas based on the 1890 national population, favoring immigrants from Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Anti-Immigration Movement

End of the 19th century saw a rise in anti-immigration sentiment
Labor unions feared immigrants taking jobs and lowering wages
Political reformers worried about manipulating immigrant voters
Business leaders generally opposed restrictions
Presidents vetoed Congressional legislation for a literacy test for immigrants until 1917

Immigration from Asia

Chinese immigrants began arriving in the US in the mid 19th century
Prejudice and fear of a "yellow peril" emerged
San Francisco created segregated schools for Asian students
Japan restricted emigration to the US due to the "Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907"

The Impact of World War II

The Great Depression and World War II led to a period of low immigration (1930s-1950s)
Displaced Persons Act of 1948 allowed admission of refugees from World War II and Eastern Europe
1950s and 1960s saw special bills for refugees from communist countries
Cuba saw a large wave of refugees after Fidel Castro took power in 1959

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Abolished the system of national origins quotas, making it easier for immigrants from all countries to enter the US
Increased immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa

Modern Immigration

Increased focus on national security after 9/11
Economic recession of 2007 led to scrutiny on immigrants and their use of social services
Continuous "immigration reform" debate
Ongoing debate on immigration policy in the face of changing economic conditions and societal anxieties

Key Definitions

Immigration: Moving to a country with the intention of permanently living there
Emigration: Leaving one's country to live somewhere else
Refugee: A person seeking protection in another country due to conflict or persecution
Undocumented immigrant: A person entering a country illegally

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Description

This quiz explores the complex history of immigration in the United States, highlighting key legislation, movements, and the experiences of various immigrant groups. From the founding fathers to the Anti-Immigration Movement and Asian immigration, understand the factors that shaped American immigration policy over the centuries.