Immigration Act of 1924



Introduction3

Background4

Purpose of Immigration Act4

History of Act5

Gentleman's Agreement5

Quota for the Immigrants6

Opposition for the Idea7

Adjustments in the Restrictions7

Basic Rationale for the Immigration Act8

Relationship with the Other States after the Act9

Reaction from Japan9

Lack of Reaction from Europe9

History of the Act10

Congressman in Favor of the Act10

Sense of Identity for Americans11

Controversy Surrounding Northern and Southern Europe11

Effects of the Act12

Reduction in Number of Immigrants13

Japanese Reactions to the Immigration Act of 192413

Conclusion14

Immigration Act of 1924

Introduction

Immigration has been one of the integral elements when one talks about the formation of the USA politics. The way American society, politics and economy is shaped up, immigrants are will always play an important role in it. But no topic has divided as opinion around the USA policy as much as the topic of immigration. There are many problems that are associated with the issues of immigration as well as the way immigration policy should be chalked out. Although there are many legislations that had an impact on the way immigrants are going to be viewed in USA, the immigration Act of 1924 was the defining moments. The act had radiating affect on the way immigrants are being looked at in USA. There are some general patterns that were seen after the act of 1924. When one looks at the initial years before 1900, it was seen that immigration was something that was rather encouraged. USA was open in early 20th century as immigration from Europe was something that was not only welcomed, it was sort of appreciated.

The justification for this freedom was to propagate the idea of Laissez Faire. With the inception of the American Commonwealth, the new entrants were not really welcomed that much into the American shores. There were vigorous complaints against them. The Johnson Reed act was different from some of the other bills that were prevailing at that time. When one looks at it, the most important difference is that it was based on the quota and quotas were rather based in the national origins of the immigrants. This was something that was not seen before. The concept of racial homogenous composition was seen for the very first time and that made it rather unique as compared to some of the other bills.

Background

Before the passing of the immigration act of 1924, there were many cases that were pending at that time. The racial status of the immigrants was being looked at that time around and the sought racial infirmity was being challenged. The basic reason for adopting the quota system was to make sure that immigration of the persons from northern and eastern Europe is being looked at. When one looks at the original purpose for the initiation of the quota system, it differentiated Europeans on the basis of their nationality and they were informally ranked in the order of their desirability.

Purpose of Immigration Act

One of the basic purposes of the Immigration Act of 1924 was to make sure that American homogeneity was being ...