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9.5 Migration and Immigration

5 min readdecember 23, 2022

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

The Rise of the Sunbelt

During WWII, Americans began to move more to the South and West of the country, thanks partly to on the and to located in the South. This trend continued during the post-war period and into the 21st century, as the continued to grow in Florida (), California, and Seattle (). The new of the 1980s and onward were based in places like Texas and in California. This trend was also about comfort: air conditioning made living in hotter climates more tolerable. Finally, the deregulation or continued lack of in Southern states led to manufacturing and other industries moving their production facilities to more Southern states, particularly in the

All these changes meant that more and more Americans lived in the , an arc going from California through Texas and down to Florida. This, of course, changed the face of American politics as states like Texas, Florida, and California continue to be hugely influential in the . The cultural impact of the South as a region increased through things like and Country music 🤠.

New Immigrants

After Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended from the 1920s, immigration began to diversify and increase, partly because family members were no longer counted in the immigration limits. In fact, the would have decreased in recent decades had it not been for immigration. These new immigrants brought their cultures with them, increasing the diversity and richness of American life. They also provided an important influx of labor, both skilled and unskilled, into the American workforce.

The number of immigrants from continued to be a high percentage of overall immigrants, with many coming from as , but many also coming from the “North Triangle” countries of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala as a result of and violence in the 1980s and later (These were often caused by US meddling in their affairs during the or during the anti-communist interventions of the ). This increase in led to outnumbering as a percentage of the American population (around 16% vs. 13% as of 2015), and to Hispanic clusters in California and the American Southwest. 

also began to increase during this time, especially from countries like , the Philippines, China, India, and Korea. The 2010 census indicated that are now the fastest growing group of immigrants, thanks partly to US immigration law that prioritizes high-skilled immigrants and the general level of assimilation that have achieved in recent years through both education and intermarriage. 

One particularly sticky point of immigration was the US’ policy toward undocumented immigrants. President Obama signed an executive order (EO) that created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that prioritized deporting undocumented immigrants with violent criminal records rather than those brought to the US as children and thus raised in US society. This was extremely controversial, not only for its immigration stance, but also because the US continued to fight over the and the power of the (Obama wrote the EO because a bipartisan bill to fix the US immigration system failed in Congress).

Unfortunately, as we have seen before in APUSH, an influx in immigration often corresponds with a polarization of the electorate and with nativist backlashes. Although Reagan granted amnesty to approximately 3 million undocumented immigrants in the 1980s, immigration activists have criticized the for growing increasingly hardline in their immigrant stance, especially after 2016 and the election of , who made opposition to immigration a core part of his election platform. also criticized the for deporting more undocumented immigrants than any previous president.

Demographic Effects

The United States has a diverse and rapidly changing population, with a number of different trends shaping the demographics of the country. One of the most significant trends in the United States has been the growth of the , which has increased significantly in recent decades. According to the , the Hispanic population in the United States grew from 4 percent of the total population in 1960 to 18 percent in 2020. This growth has been fueled in part by immigration from , as well as by high birth rates among Hispanic Americans.

Another significant trend in the United States has been the growth of the Asian American population, which has also increased significantly in recent decades. According to the , the in the United States grew from 1 percent of the total population in 1960 to 6 percent in 2020. This growth has been fueled in part by , as well as by high birth rates among Asian Americans.

In addition to changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, the United States has also experienced significant changes in its age structure. The , born between 1946 and 1964, is now entering retirement age, and the United States is experiencing a significant increase in the number of older adults. At the same time, the younger generation, known as , is growing in size and becoming an increasingly important part of the population.

Migration and immigration have played a significant role in shaping the population trends in the United States. The United States has a long history of immigration, with people from around the world coming to the country in search of and a better life. In recent decades, the United States has experienced a significant influx of immigrants from and Asia, and these immigrants have helped to shape the demographics of the country.

Key Terms to Review (47)

Aerospace Industry

: A sector that produces aircraft, guided missiles, space vehicles, aircraft engines, propulsion units, and related parts.

African Americans

: African Americans are an ethnic group in the United States with total or partial ancestry from any black racial groups of Africa.

Army Bases

: Military facilities where soldiers live or where weapons and military equipment are stored.

Asian American Population

: The Asian American population refers to people in the United States who identify themselves as being of Asian descent.

Asian-Americans

: Asian-Americans are Americans of Asian descent. This group is incredibly diverse encompassing people from places like East Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.

Automobile Industry

: The automobile industry comprises companies involved in the design, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles.

Baby Boomer Generation

: The Baby Boomer Generation refers to the people born during the post-World War II baby boom, approximately between 1946 and 1964.

Boeing

: Boeing is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcrafts, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment globally.

Civil Wars

: A civil war is an intense conflict within a country fought by organized groups that aim to take control over certain regions or even overrule the entire government.

Cold War

: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.

Computer Industries

: The computer industry is a broad term that refers to all aspects related to computers and software, including development, manufacturing, sales, repair, and service.

Defense Industry Plants

: Defense industry plants are factories or facilities where weapons and military technology are produced. During times of war, these plants often increase production to meet the demand for military equipment.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

: DACA is an American immigration policy that allows some individuals brought to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit.

Demographic Effects

: These are changes in the characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, ethnicity, or income level. These changes can impact various aspects of society and economy.

Economic Opportunity

: Economic opportunity refers to the chance for individuals to improve their economic status often through employment, education or entrepreneurship.

Electoral College

: The Electoral College is a group of people appointed by each state who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Executive Branch

: The executive branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. government, responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering laws. It's headed by the president.

Executive Order (EO)

: An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government.

Farm Laborers

: Farm laborers are workers who are employed in the agricultural sector, performing physical labor tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.

Hispanic Population

: The Hispanic population refers to the group of people in the United States who identify themselves as being of Spanish-speaking background and heritage.

Hispanics

: This term refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Latin America. In the context of US history, it often refers to individuals from these regions who have migrated to the United States.

Immigrant Rights Groups

: These are organizations that advocate for the rights and protections of immigrants, often focusing on issues such as immigration reform, legal representation, and anti-discrimination.

Immigration from Asia

: This refers to the movement of people from Asian countries to the United States, either voluntarily or involuntarily (as in the case of refugees).

Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

: This was a law passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that abolished the national-origins quota system that had been in place in the United States since the 1920s. The act resulted in a significant increase in immigration, particularly from Asia and Latin America.

Labor Protections

: Labor protections refer to laws and regulations designed to protect workers from unfair treatment by employers. They cover areas such as minimum wage, working hours, safety standards, etc.

Latin America

: Latin America refers to the region of the Americas where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and French) are primarily spoken. It includes countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.

Latinx Immigrants

: Latinx immigrants refer to individuals who have migrated from Latin American countries to the United States.

Mexico

: Mexico is a country located in North America south to United States. It's known for its rich history from ancient Mayan civilizations to Spanish colonization.

Millennials and Gen Z

: Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996, while Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to those born from 1997 onward. These generations are characterized by their familiarity with technology, social media, and global awareness.

NASA

: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research.

NASCAR Racing

: NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that's best known for stock car racing.

Nativist Quota Systems

: These were policies put into place to limit immigration into the U.S., particularly from certain countries or regions. They reflected nativist sentiments - favoring native-born citizens over immigrants - prevalent at various times throughout U.S. history.

North Triangle Countries

: The North Triangle Countries, also known as the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA), refers to the three Central American countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. These countries are known for their high levels of violence and poverty which often lead to mass migration.

Obama Administration

: The executive branch of the federal government under President Barack Obama from 2009-2017. It was responsible for implementing national policy and executing laws passed by Congress.

Pacific Coast

: The westernmost region of the United States, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It includes states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

President Trump

: Donald J. Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from January 2017 until January 2021. He was known for his controversial policies on immigration, trade agreements, climate change among others.

Reagan's Amnesty to Undocumented Immigrants

: This refers to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 signed by President Ronald Reagan. The act granted amnesty, or legal status, to about 3 million undocumented immigrants who had been living in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982.

Republican Party

: The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, founded in 1854 to oppose the spread of slavery into new states and territories.

Rise of the Sunbelt

: The rise of the Sunbelt refers to the significant population and economic growth in the southern and western regions of the United States from around 1970 onwards. This shift was due to factors like warmer climate, lower cost of living, and job opportunities in these areas.

Roosevelt Corollary Era

: The Roosevelt Corollary Era refers to the period during President Theodore Roosevelt's administration (1901-1909) when he expanded the Monroe Doctrine. He declared that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American nations' affairs if they were seen as unstable.

Separation of Powers

: The division of governmental authority into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.

Silicon Valley

: Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California that serves as a global center for high technology, innovation, and social media. It's home to many start-up and global tech companies.

Sunbelt

: The Sunbelt refers to a region in the United States generally considered to stretch across the Southeast and Southwest. This area has seen substantial population growth since the 1960s due to its warm climate, low cost of living, and job opportunities.

U.S. Census Bureau

: The U.S. Census Bureau is a government agency responsible for collecting and providing data about the people and economy of the United States every 10 years.

US Population

: The total number of people living in the United States at any given time.

Vietnam

: These are five countries located in Asia. They have played significant roles in global history and have had unique relationships with the United States throughout different periods.

World War II

: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations. It was marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons.

9.5 Migration and Immigration

5 min readdecember 23, 2022

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

The Rise of the Sunbelt

During WWII, Americans began to move more to the South and West of the country, thanks partly to on the and to located in the South. This trend continued during the post-war period and into the 21st century, as the continued to grow in Florida (), California, and Seattle (). The new of the 1980s and onward were based in places like Texas and in California. This trend was also about comfort: air conditioning made living in hotter climates more tolerable. Finally, the deregulation or continued lack of in Southern states led to manufacturing and other industries moving their production facilities to more Southern states, particularly in the

All these changes meant that more and more Americans lived in the , an arc going from California through Texas and down to Florida. This, of course, changed the face of American politics as states like Texas, Florida, and California continue to be hugely influential in the . The cultural impact of the South as a region increased through things like and Country music 🤠.

New Immigrants

After Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended from the 1920s, immigration began to diversify and increase, partly because family members were no longer counted in the immigration limits. In fact, the would have decreased in recent decades had it not been for immigration. These new immigrants brought their cultures with them, increasing the diversity and richness of American life. They also provided an important influx of labor, both skilled and unskilled, into the American workforce.

The number of immigrants from continued to be a high percentage of overall immigrants, with many coming from as , but many also coming from the “North Triangle” countries of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala as a result of and violence in the 1980s and later (These were often caused by US meddling in their affairs during the or during the anti-communist interventions of the ). This increase in led to outnumbering as a percentage of the American population (around 16% vs. 13% as of 2015), and to Hispanic clusters in California and the American Southwest. 

also began to increase during this time, especially from countries like , the Philippines, China, India, and Korea. The 2010 census indicated that are now the fastest growing group of immigrants, thanks partly to US immigration law that prioritizes high-skilled immigrants and the general level of assimilation that have achieved in recent years through both education and intermarriage. 

One particularly sticky point of immigration was the US’ policy toward undocumented immigrants. President Obama signed an executive order (EO) that created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that prioritized deporting undocumented immigrants with violent criminal records rather than those brought to the US as children and thus raised in US society. This was extremely controversial, not only for its immigration stance, but also because the US continued to fight over the and the power of the (Obama wrote the EO because a bipartisan bill to fix the US immigration system failed in Congress).

Unfortunately, as we have seen before in APUSH, an influx in immigration often corresponds with a polarization of the electorate and with nativist backlashes. Although Reagan granted amnesty to approximately 3 million undocumented immigrants in the 1980s, immigration activists have criticized the for growing increasingly hardline in their immigrant stance, especially after 2016 and the election of , who made opposition to immigration a core part of his election platform. also criticized the for deporting more undocumented immigrants than any previous president.

Demographic Effects

The United States has a diverse and rapidly changing population, with a number of different trends shaping the demographics of the country. One of the most significant trends in the United States has been the growth of the , which has increased significantly in recent decades. According to the , the Hispanic population in the United States grew from 4 percent of the total population in 1960 to 18 percent in 2020. This growth has been fueled in part by immigration from , as well as by high birth rates among Hispanic Americans.

Another significant trend in the United States has been the growth of the Asian American population, which has also increased significantly in recent decades. According to the , the in the United States grew from 1 percent of the total population in 1960 to 6 percent in 2020. This growth has been fueled in part by , as well as by high birth rates among Asian Americans.

In addition to changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, the United States has also experienced significant changes in its age structure. The , born between 1946 and 1964, is now entering retirement age, and the United States is experiencing a significant increase in the number of older adults. At the same time, the younger generation, known as , is growing in size and becoming an increasingly important part of the population.

Migration and immigration have played a significant role in shaping the population trends in the United States. The United States has a long history of immigration, with people from around the world coming to the country in search of and a better life. In recent decades, the United States has experienced a significant influx of immigrants from and Asia, and these immigrants have helped to shape the demographics of the country.

Key Terms to Review (47)

Aerospace Industry

: A sector that produces aircraft, guided missiles, space vehicles, aircraft engines, propulsion units, and related parts.

African Americans

: African Americans are an ethnic group in the United States with total or partial ancestry from any black racial groups of Africa.

Army Bases

: Military facilities where soldiers live or where weapons and military equipment are stored.

Asian American Population

: The Asian American population refers to people in the United States who identify themselves as being of Asian descent.

Asian-Americans

: Asian-Americans are Americans of Asian descent. This group is incredibly diverse encompassing people from places like East Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.

Automobile Industry

: The automobile industry comprises companies involved in the design, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles.

Baby Boomer Generation

: The Baby Boomer Generation refers to the people born during the post-World War II baby boom, approximately between 1946 and 1964.

Boeing

: Boeing is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcrafts, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment globally.

Civil Wars

: A civil war is an intense conflict within a country fought by organized groups that aim to take control over certain regions or even overrule the entire government.

Cold War

: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.

Computer Industries

: The computer industry is a broad term that refers to all aspects related to computers and software, including development, manufacturing, sales, repair, and service.

Defense Industry Plants

: Defense industry plants are factories or facilities where weapons and military technology are produced. During times of war, these plants often increase production to meet the demand for military equipment.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

: DACA is an American immigration policy that allows some individuals brought to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit.

Demographic Effects

: These are changes in the characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, ethnicity, or income level. These changes can impact various aspects of society and economy.

Economic Opportunity

: Economic opportunity refers to the chance for individuals to improve their economic status often through employment, education or entrepreneurship.

Electoral College

: The Electoral College is a group of people appointed by each state who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Executive Branch

: The executive branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. government, responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering laws. It's headed by the president.

Executive Order (EO)

: An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government.

Farm Laborers

: Farm laborers are workers who are employed in the agricultural sector, performing physical labor tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.

Hispanic Population

: The Hispanic population refers to the group of people in the United States who identify themselves as being of Spanish-speaking background and heritage.

Hispanics

: This term refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Latin America. In the context of US history, it often refers to individuals from these regions who have migrated to the United States.

Immigrant Rights Groups

: These are organizations that advocate for the rights and protections of immigrants, often focusing on issues such as immigration reform, legal representation, and anti-discrimination.

Immigration from Asia

: This refers to the movement of people from Asian countries to the United States, either voluntarily or involuntarily (as in the case of refugees).

Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

: This was a law passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that abolished the national-origins quota system that had been in place in the United States since the 1920s. The act resulted in a significant increase in immigration, particularly from Asia and Latin America.

Labor Protections

: Labor protections refer to laws and regulations designed to protect workers from unfair treatment by employers. They cover areas such as minimum wage, working hours, safety standards, etc.

Latin America

: Latin America refers to the region of the Americas where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and French) are primarily spoken. It includes countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.

Latinx Immigrants

: Latinx immigrants refer to individuals who have migrated from Latin American countries to the United States.

Mexico

: Mexico is a country located in North America south to United States. It's known for its rich history from ancient Mayan civilizations to Spanish colonization.

Millennials and Gen Z

: Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996, while Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to those born from 1997 onward. These generations are characterized by their familiarity with technology, social media, and global awareness.

NASA

: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research.

NASCAR Racing

: NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that's best known for stock car racing.

Nativist Quota Systems

: These were policies put into place to limit immigration into the U.S., particularly from certain countries or regions. They reflected nativist sentiments - favoring native-born citizens over immigrants - prevalent at various times throughout U.S. history.

North Triangle Countries

: The North Triangle Countries, also known as the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA), refers to the three Central American countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. These countries are known for their high levels of violence and poverty which often lead to mass migration.

Obama Administration

: The executive branch of the federal government under President Barack Obama from 2009-2017. It was responsible for implementing national policy and executing laws passed by Congress.

Pacific Coast

: The westernmost region of the United States, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It includes states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

President Trump

: Donald J. Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from January 2017 until January 2021. He was known for his controversial policies on immigration, trade agreements, climate change among others.

Reagan's Amnesty to Undocumented Immigrants

: This refers to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 signed by President Ronald Reagan. The act granted amnesty, or legal status, to about 3 million undocumented immigrants who had been living in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982.

Republican Party

: The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, founded in 1854 to oppose the spread of slavery into new states and territories.

Rise of the Sunbelt

: The rise of the Sunbelt refers to the significant population and economic growth in the southern and western regions of the United States from around 1970 onwards. This shift was due to factors like warmer climate, lower cost of living, and job opportunities in these areas.

Roosevelt Corollary Era

: The Roosevelt Corollary Era refers to the period during President Theodore Roosevelt's administration (1901-1909) when he expanded the Monroe Doctrine. He declared that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American nations' affairs if they were seen as unstable.

Separation of Powers

: The division of governmental authority into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.

Silicon Valley

: Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California that serves as a global center for high technology, innovation, and social media. It's home to many start-up and global tech companies.

Sunbelt

: The Sunbelt refers to a region in the United States generally considered to stretch across the Southeast and Southwest. This area has seen substantial population growth since the 1960s due to its warm climate, low cost of living, and job opportunities.

U.S. Census Bureau

: The U.S. Census Bureau is a government agency responsible for collecting and providing data about the people and economy of the United States every 10 years.

US Population

: The total number of people living in the United States at any given time.

Vietnam

: These are five countries located in Asia. They have played significant roles in global history and have had unique relationships with the United States throughout different periods.

World War II

: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations. It was marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.