The belief that certain immigrant groups are incompatible with the values and norms of the dominant culture in the United States has historically fueled exclusionary practices. This sentiment, often intertwined with a preference for native-born inhabitants and a suspicion of foreign influences, has manifested in various forms of discrimination and restriction aimed at limiting immigration and curtailing the rights of immigrants. For instance, periods of heightened immigration have frequently been accompanied by concerns about cultural homogeneity and economic competition, leading to calls for stricter immigration laws and the assimilation of newcomers.
These attitudes have significantly shaped American history, influencing public policy, social movements, and cultural discourse. The perception of certain groups as undesirable has resulted in discriminatory legislation, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the National Origins Act of 1924, which imposed quotas based on national origin. These policies reflected a desire to preserve a particular vision of American identity and limit the influx of individuals deemed incapable of integrating into the existing social fabric. The impact of these historical biases continues to resonate in contemporary debates about immigration reform and national identity.
