Immigration Act of 1917

Definition

The Immigration Act of 1917 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to restrict immigration to the United States by imposing new barriers, particularly targeting certain groups considered undesirable. This act established a literacy test and created a list of barred categories, including individuals from Asia and those with criminal backgrounds, shaping the demographic landscape of the U.S. during the 1920s and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The act was passed over President Woodrow Wilson's veto, indicating significant political support for immigration restriction at the time.
2. It included a controversial provision that required all immigrants over the age of 16 to pass a literacy test in English or their native language.
3. The act targeted specific groups, particularly Asians, leading to a virtual halt of immigration from many countries in Asia.
4. This legislation reflected growing nativist sentiments and fears surrounding national security during World War I.
5. The Immigration Act of 1917 laid the groundwork for more restrictive policies in the following decades, including the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration Act of 1917 reflect the changing attitudes towards immigration in the U.S. during the early 20th century?
  • The Immigration Act of 1917 showcased a shift towards more restrictive immigration policies driven by nativism and fears about national security amid World War I. With increased anxiety about foreign influences, lawmakers sought to limit the influx of immigrants, particularly those deemed undesirable, such as people from Asia. This act marked a turning point where the U.S. government began to prioritize certain immigrant groups over others, reflecting broader societal fears and prejudices.
• Discuss the implications of the literacy test imposed by the Immigration Act of 1917 on immigrant populations and how it shaped public perception.
  • The literacy test mandated by the Immigration Act of 1917 had profound implications for immigrant populations, as it effectively barred many individuals who could not meet these educational requirements. This law was viewed as an attempt to control the quality of incoming immigrants and was based on racial and ethnic biases that characterized public perception at that time. As a result, many hardworking individuals who were otherwise capable contributors to society were denied entry, reinforcing stereotypes about immigrant capabilities and further entrenching nativist sentiments.
• Evaluate how the Immigration Act of 1917 set a precedent for future immigration policies in the United States and its long-term effects on American society.
  • The Immigration Act of 1917 set a significant precedent by establishing strict criteria for who could enter the United States, influencing future legislation such as the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924. It introduced notions of literacy and national origins as benchmarks for acceptable immigrants, leading to decades of restrictive immigration policies that disproportionately affected certain ethnic groups. The long-term effects on American society included increased racial and ethnic divisions, as well as shaping a national identity that often excluded those deemed 'undesirable,' ultimately impacting America's demographic composition well into the future.

Related terms

Literacy Test:

A requirement for immigrants to demonstrate reading and writing skills, introduced as part of the Immigration Act of 1917 to limit entry.

Asiatic Barred Zone:

A geographic area established by the Immigration Act of 1917 from which immigration was largely prohibited, targeting many Asian nations.

Quota System:

A system implemented in later immigration laws that set limits on the number of immigrants allowed from specific countries based on national origins.