Immigration has held a major role in shaping our country. Immigrants have
provided many things such as customs, manufacturing, inventions, and
entertainment. Many people today don't realize how greatly we have been affected
by immigration. A survey was given to ten people. The survey contained a list of
people who were all immigrants. When asked how many actually were, only one
person got the question right. Old Immigration occurred between 1840-1890.
Immigrants during this time period came from countries such as Ireland, Germany,
and Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland). Next came the
period of New Immigration. These newcomers came from Italy, Russia, Poland,
Lithuania, Greece, Austria, etc., most of whom were peasants who couldn't speak
English. The people who migrated during the period of Old Immigration disliked
these aliens because it meant lower wages for themselves and the new immigrants
had greater advantages including poor and political machines. These people also
were not willing to adapt to American ways of life, created their own little
towns that resemble their homeland. They were treated as outcasts. New
Immigration ended with World War I when the immigrant boats were being sunk.
Immigration is still continuing today. Current Immigration includes people from
Latin America, the Philippines, and Asia. Laws regarding immigration are
constantly changing to fit the needs of society. In 1854, the Know-Nothing Party
declared the need for strict limits on Immigration. Members of this party felt
it was necessary that immigrants must be residents of the United States for 21
years before being granted citizenship. The campaign ended in 1860 during the
time of the Civil War due to the demand of immigrants needed to enlist in the
Union Army. Ten years later, the Naturalization Act is passed. This states that
only "white persons and persons of African descent, " are able to
become citizens. This excludes all Asians. This trend continues for several
decades. In 1921, Congress decides to pass immigration restrictions, first
establishing a quota of 350,000 immigrants. The quota is increased as times
change. In 1995, it was passed that the total number of legal immigrants allowed
to enter the United States be limited to 650, 000 a year. Immigrants were given
visas, which allowed them to come to this country. Visas were distributed for
family and employment-based immigrants, and persons from "adversely
affected" countries. Strict regulations have also been made due to the
large amount of people entering the country illegally. The nation is on the
right track. They have created laws stating limitations of the privileges of
immigrants, including welfare and those who test positive for HIV/AIDS. There is
also a growing problem with illegal immigration which needs to be tended to.
More Border Patrol guards could be hired along the Mexican border, however, this
does cost a lot of money. Funding could come out of taxes to help put an end to
illegal aliens. Cutting down welfare, food stamps, and Medicare to immigrants
even further would also be beneficial. Immigration is a key part to our nations
history. The continuing situation could drastically affect our country's future.