Name __________________________
Block _________
Immigration from the 1850s to the Present
1. The two largest periods of immigration in our history occurred before World War
I and from the 1980s onward. Where did the immigrants come from in each of
these periods
Most immigrants before WWI came from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as
Asia (China and Japan). Also a small amount came from Mexico. (many were
refugees)
After 1980s, most immigrants come from Asia (esp. China, Korea, India, the
Philippines, and Vietnam) and Latin America (esp. Mexico). (many were looking for
work – many coming from Mexico for work are coming illegally)
2. How are the immigrants of these two periods different?
Most of today’s immigrants don’t come from Europe, most come from Mexico and
Asia. (Chinese were contract laborers through California) and (Mexican workers did
farm work and came through the Mexican borders)
3. How are they similar?
All have come to America hoping for a better life. Many faced difficulties with
nativist-feelings from Americans. Many immigrants often live, worship, and shop
near other members of their homeland so that they can hold onto part of their own
heritage.
4. Why do you think that more European immigrants did not come to the United
States after 1965?
Things had calmed down in Europe and the rebuilding of the countries was almost
finished. They were no longer at war. There was less persecution taking place. Less
people were able to flee communist Eastern European countries.
5. What were the “push” and “pull” factors that accounted for the mass migration of
people to the United States up to 1924?
Push – things that push them out of their homeland - famine, unemployment,
poverty, taxes, wars, religious and political persecution
Pull – things that draw you to a country (America) – land to farm, forests to cut,
railroads to build, Gold Rush, adventure, education, freedom, equality. A BETTER
LIFE
6. What is nativism?
The anti=immigrant feeling that took over America at times in our history. They
blamed immigrants for crime and lack of jobs. Became popular due to fear during
tough economic times and war (fearing people from enemy countries).
7. What are some examples of nativism in the article?
Immigration Restriction League – wanted to make all immigrants pass a literacy test
Name __________________________
Block _________
Ku Klux Klan – changed their focus to include anyone that wasn’t a White AnglSaxon Protestant
Laws that were passed in Congress that created an immigrant quota (no more than
____ number of immigrants from this country per year).
8. What did the 1924 immigration law do?
Limited the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country each year.
9. How did the 1965 law change this?
It abolished the quota system.
10. Which law do you think is better?
11. Do you think the US today does a good job of welcoming immigrants and why?
Name __________________________
Block _________
Issues of Unauthorized Immigration
1. What reasons does the article cite for unauthorized immigration from Mexico to
the United States each year?
2. How has the federal government used the Border Patrol to address the
unauthorized immigration issue?
Current Proposals on Unauthorized Immigration
Answer these questions and support your answers with reasons.
1. Do you think it is important for the United States to increase border security to
protect against terrorism?
2. Do you think it is important to reform US immigration law?
Reread the House bill carefully. Answer these questions:
1. Which provisions do you support? Why?
2. Which provisions do you oppose? Why?
Name __________________________
Reread the Senate bill carefully. Answer these questions:
1. Which provisions do you support? Why?
2. Which provisions do you oppose? Why?
Block _________