Factors Influencing Immigration Attitudes
Isolationism and Economic Concerns
Isolationism played a role in shaping immigration laws, as the United States sought to distance itself from European affairs. This was evident in the country's refusal to join the League of Nations. However, the impact of isolationism was limited, as restrictive attitudes towards immigration existed before World War I, as demonstrated by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Economic fears also contributed to changing attitudes towards immigration. Native-born Americans were concerned about immigrants taking jobs and potentially threatening the capitalist system. However, these fears were often exaggerated, as immigrants typically took low-paying jobs in poor conditions.
Highlight: The essay argues that economic fears had a limited impact on changing attitudes, as immigrants primarily sought to improve their lives and provide for their families.
Fears of Revolution and Social Concerns
The Russian Revolution of 1917 sparked fears of communist influence in America. This led to events like the Palmer Raids, where thousands of suspected communists and anarchists were arrested. However, the actual threat was minimal, with only about 0.01% of the population being communist.
Social fears, particularly related to organized crime, also influenced attitudes towards immigrants. The growth of the Italian mafia and the prohibition era led to stereotypes associating immigrants with high crime rates. However, these perceptions were often exaggerated by the media and failed to account for the poor living conditions many immigrants faced.
Example: The construction of the Empire State Building in New York City was often attributed to immigrant labor, highlighting both the contributions and stereotypes associated with immigrant workers.