Latino threat narrative and immigration myths

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Questions and Answers

What is the central argument that the 'Latino threat narrative' puts forward, as described in the text?

That Latino immigrants refuse to assimilate into American culture, leading to social fragmentation.
That Latino immigrants, regardless of documentation status, represent an invasive force poised to undermine American society. (correct)
That Latino immigrants are a drain on public resources due to their high rates of unemployment
That undocumented Latino immigrants are more likely to commit violent crimes than native-born citizens.

What is the main idea behind the 'They Keep Coming' myth, as described in the text?

Immigration policies are effective in controlling the number of immigrants entering the country.
Immigration is primarily driven by the desire of immigrants to escape persecution and seek religious freedom.
Immigration is an unending flood of undesirable foreigners who threaten to overtake the white, 'real' Americans. (correct)
Immigration is a finite process that eventually leads to cultural enrichment and economic growth.

How did Pete Wilson's 1994 reelection ad portray immigrants?

As dangerous, unwanted foreigners that the federal government isn't stopping. (correct)
As valuable contributors to the Californian economy.
As sympathetic figures seeking refuge from political unrest.
As a drain on state resources but deserving of humanitarian aid.

What was the main proposal of California's Proposition 187, also known as the 'Save Our State' initiative?

To deny nonemergency health care and public education to undocumented immigrants. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the 'They Keep Coming' myth distort the complexities of immigration?

It ignores the role of US policies in promoting migration and obscures how global migration actually operates. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying fear does the 'xenophobic' rhetoric used in Pete Wilson's reelection ad primarily exploit?

Fear of losing cultural identity and societal control to perceived outsiders. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest the United States influences the movement of people, leading to migration?

By causing human displacement through war and foreign and economic policies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does characterizing immigrants as 'they' rather than 'us' contribute to the 'They Keep Coming' myth?

It creates a divisive narrative that dehumanizes immigrants and portrays them as outsiders. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'push-pull' framework as it relates to US immigration?

The US focuses solely on its role in attracting immigrants with promises while ignoring its contributions to the conditions that displace them. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The immigration myth has been used to justify which of the following actions in the United States?

Implementing discriminatory immigration bans targeting specific groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Benjamin Franklin's concerns about German immigrants in colonial America primarily revolved around which fear?

The Germans would maintain their own culture and language, resist assimilation, and potentially dominate the region. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did anti-German sentiments in colonial America relate to broader issues of power and identity?

They reinforced the dominance of white (English) settler colonialism, slavery, and white supremacy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The concept of the immigration myth is rooted in what historical action?

Coercing, recruiting, cajoling, and incentivizing foreigners for economic needs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of Americans believing that the disadvantages of immigration outweigh its advantages?

They dust off the immigration myth to justify new restrictions and forms of control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How has the immigration myth affected the US-Mexico border?

It has been used to justify the militarization of the border. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Beyond immigration restrictions, what other effect has the immigration myth had on immigrants already in the country?

It has been used to restrict their rights. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a common experience faced by new immigrants upon arrival?

Lengthy detentions, surveillance, and potential deportation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What underpinned the falsehoods associated with the immigration myth, particularly in relation to Chinese immigrants?

Chinese immigrants were pushed, lured, and brought to the United States due to labor demands. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924 on immigration to the United States?

It significantly reduced immigration from southern and eastern Europe and banned Asian immigrants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did eugenicists like Madison Grant perceive immigrants from southern, eastern, and central Europe?

As 'racial inferiors' who posed a threat to the existing American population. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the central argument made by Madison Grant in his book, The Passing of the Great Race?

Anglo-Saxons needed to reassert their racial pride and exclude undesirable immigrants to prevent the decline of America. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did xenophobia and racism manifest in the early 20th century regarding immigration?

Through the merging of nativism with 'America first' ideologies and discriminatory practices. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily motivated the calls to exclude Chinese immigrants after the completion of the transcontinental railroad?

Economic competition and racist sentiments fueled by nativist ideologies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ku Klux Klan express its stance on immigration during the early 20th century?

By defending 'America for Americans' and promoting nativist sentiments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily fueled the increase in Mexican migration to the United States between 1900 and 1930?

The need for a large workforce due to US territorial expansion and industrial growth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did xenophobes attempt to justify restricting Mexican immigration, despite the historical presence of Mexicans in the U.S. Southwest?

By characterizing Mexicans as racially inferior, foreign, and 'illegal'. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary implication of figures like Congressman John C. Box describing Mexicans as a 'mixed race'?

To portray Mexicans as racially inferior and therefore undesirable as immigrants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of likening Mexican immigration to a 'reconquest of the Southwest'?

It conveniently erased the historical presence of Mexicans in the US Southwest. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What concern did California governor Clement C. Young express in 1930 regarding Mexican immigrants?

That Mexican immigrants were having more children than white Californians, potentially leading to a shift in population. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of the US Border Patrol in 1924 and the criminalization of illegal entry in 1929 impact Mexicans?

It contributed to the targeting, restriction, and deportation of Mexicans, especially during the Great Depression. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all deportees did Mexicans constitute between 1929 and 1935, and what percentage of the total US population did they represent?

Mexicans constituted 46.3% of deportees and less than 1% of the total US population. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What differentiated the treatment of Mexican immigrants during the Great Depression compared to other immigrant groups?

Mexican immigrants were uniquely targeted for restriction and deportation during the Great Depression. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Bush administration redefine immigration enforcement?

By designating immigration as a national security issue and integrating its enforcement into the Department of Homeland Security. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which action characterizes Obama's approach to immigration policy?

Balancing efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform with increased investment in immigration enforcement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary message conveyed by Donald Trump regarding Mexican immigration during his 2015 presidential campaign announcement?

That Mexican immigrants are mostly criminals and pose a threat to the United States. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what was a key driver of increased Mexican migration to the US?

The North American Free Trade Agreement's impact on Mexican agriculture, displacing farmers and farmworkers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean by "They Keep Coming" myth?

The myth is that immigrants keep approaching the border to immigrate to the US. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Obama administration's actions contradict his attempts at immigration reform?

By simultaneously increasing immigration enforcement funding while seeking legislative solutions for Dreamers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects a long-term impact of Trump's rhetoric on immigration?

Trump normalized a narrative that had been present but not as openly expressed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the trend in US immigration enforcement funding from 2002 to 2012?

A dramatic increase in funding, growing from $7.5 billion to $18 billion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the net migration from Mexico to the United States when Trump was running for president?

Net migration was below zero. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which specific action did the U.S. government take under Trump's direction regarding asylum seekers from Mexico?

Required them to remain in Mexico for months while awaiting their U.S. court hearings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did President Trump refer to COVID-19 during the global pandemic, and what was the implication of this reference?

He referred to it as the 'Chinese virus,' helping to fuel anti-Asian racism. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall impact of President Trump's immigration-related actions?

They made immigration harder and reduced the number of migrants coming to the United States. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'They Keep Coming' immigration myth used for, according to the provided content?

To demonize immigrants and lobby for immigration restriction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what role have the U.S. government and businesses played in immigration?

They have often directly helped and encouraged immigration. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the origins and relevance of the 'They Keep Coming' myth?

To dismantle the myth and deconstruct xenophobia and racism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the situation regarding Trump's immigration policies during Biden's first year as president?

Biden reversed some of Trump's policies, but many remained in place. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

US Role in Migration

The US has a history of influencing immigration for its economic benefit.

"Push-Pull" Framework

The belief that the US only attracts immigrants, ignoring its role in displacing them.