Immigration Act of 1917

Definition

The Immigration Act of 1917 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to regulate immigration to the United States by imposing stricter restrictions and prohibitions on certain groups of immigrants. This act expanded the list of undesirables who could be barred from entering the country, including those from Asia, as it effectively banned immigration from most Asian countries and set a precedent for future restrictive policies, particularly affecting South Asian immigrants and laborers seeking opportunities in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Immigration Act of 1917 established a literacy test for immigrants, requiring them to read and write in any language, which was intended to limit the influx of unskilled laborers.
2. The act included a 'barred zone' that prohibited immigration from a wide range of Asian countries, marking a significant step in anti-Asian sentiment in U.S. immigration policy.
3. It was one of the first laws to explicitly outline categories of undesirables that included criminals, mentally ill individuals, and those deemed likely to become public charges.
4. South Asian immigrants faced heightened scrutiny due to the act, leading to decreased opportunities for labor migration during a time when their skills were in demand in various industries.
5. The Immigration Act of 1917 laid the groundwork for more restrictive immigration policies in the subsequent decades, influencing future laws like the Asian Exclusion Act and National Origins Act.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration Act of 1917 impact South Asian immigration patterns and labor opportunities in the United States?
  • The Immigration Act of 1917 severely restricted South Asian immigration by categorizing many potential immigrants as undesirable due to their origins. This led to a decline in South Asian laborers entering the U.S., even though their skills were needed in various industries. The act's limitations created barriers that not only hindered individual opportunities but also stunted the growth of South Asian communities in America during that period.
• Analyze the implications of the 'barred zone' established by the Immigration Act of 1917 on Asian communities and subsequent immigration legislation.
  • The 'barred zone' created by the Immigration Act of 1917 had profound implications for Asian communities, as it effectively cut off many potential immigrants from entering the U.S. This exclusion fostered an environment of discrimination and reinforced existing prejudices against Asians. Additionally, this act set a precedent for future restrictive immigration laws such as the Asian Exclusion Act and National Origins Act, which continued to marginalize Asian populations and limit their ability to contribute to American society.
• Evaluate how the Immigration Act of 1917 reflects broader socio-political attitudes towards immigration during that era, particularly regarding labor and racial dynamics.
  • The Immigration Act of 1917 is a clear reflection of the socio-political attitudes towards immigration at the time, showcasing a growing fear among policymakers regarding labor competition and racial purity. This act not only targeted specific groups but also revealed a pervasive belief that certain races were inferior or less desirable as contributors to American society. By imposing literacy tests and restricting access for many Asians, including skilled South Asian laborers, this legislation illustrated how racial dynamics played a critical role in shaping immigration policy, revealing an underlying narrative that prioritized certain ethnicities over others in America's labor market.

Related terms

Asian Exclusion Act:

A law enacted in 1924 that further restricted immigration from Asian countries, building on the restrictions established by the Immigration Act of 1917.

Labor Movement: A collective effort by workers to improve their rights and working conditions, which was significantly influenced by immigrant laborers, particularly those from South Asia.

National Origins Act: A 1924 law that set quotas on immigration based on national origins, heavily favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while virtually excluding immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia.