Immigration & Nativism

Definition

Immigration refers to the movement of people from one country to another with the intent of settling there. Nativism is a political policy favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants.

Analogy

Think of a popular lunch table at school. Immigration is like new students joining the table, bringing their unique stories and experiences (like different food). Nativism, on the other hand, would be like the original group at the table insisting that only those who've always been there should have a seat.

Related terms

Naturalization: The legal act or process by which a non-citizen in a country may acquire citizenship.

Xenophobia: Dislike or prejudice against people from other countries.

Ellis Island: The gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the U.S. as the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954.