European Immigration Restriction, 1882-1924

Frank DeFina

Abstract

This paper will analyze and evaluate the premises of the inferiority and harmfulness of the new immigrants, and their historical application at times of national crisis, especially during the post-World War I period when all the important immigration restriction laws were enacted. Much attention will be given to who said what (and why) regarding immigration restriction in congressional debates, hearings, proposals and other contemporary attitudes towards it after the 1880's, but particularly by the 68th congress which enacted the first effective and permanent restrictive legislation.