Immigration Act of 1924
The US Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, was a significant piece of legislation that significantly restricted immigration to the United States. Here are the key points:
National Origins Quota: The act established a national origins quota system, which limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the US based on the nationalities represented in the 1890 US census. This meant that immigrants from certain countries, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe, were severely restricted.
Two Percent Quota: The quota provided immigration visas to two percent of the total number of people of each nationality in the US as of 1890. This effectively reduced immigration from these regions.
Exclusion of Asians: The act completely excluded immigrants from Asia, a move that angered Chinese and Japanese communities already living in the US.
Precedent for Future Restrictions: The 1924 act set a precedent for future immigration restrictions, including the Immigration Act of 1929, which made the quotas permanent and restricted immigration to 150,000 per year.
These provisions were aimed at reducing immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, which was seen as a threat to the “American stock” and the country’s cultural homogeneity. The act had a profound impact on the demographics of the US, leading to a significant decline in immigration from these regions and a shift towards immigration from Northern and Western Europe.
Context: The 1924 act built upon earlier restrictions, including the 1917 Immigration Act, which introduced a literacy test and increased taxes for new immigrants. The uncertainty generated by World War I and concerns about national security also contributed to the passage of more restrictive immigration laws.
Legacy: The US Immigration Act of 1924 remained in place until 1965, when the Immigration and Nationality Act abolished the national origins quota system and established a new system based on family reunification and employment needs. The act’s legacy continues to influence US immigration policy and debates to this day.
We did back 100 years ago.
Immigration Act of 1924 The US Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, was a significant piece of legislation that significantly restricted immigration to the United States. Here are the key points:
National Origins Quota: The act established a national origins quota system, which limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the US based on the nationalities represented in the 1890 US census. This meant that immigrants from certain countries, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe, were severely restricted. Two Percent Quota: The quota provided immigration visas to two percent of the total number of people of each nationality in the US as of 1890. This effectively reduced immigration from these regions. Exclusion of Asians: The act completely excluded immigrants from Asia, a move that angered Chinese and Japanese communities already living in the US. Precedent for Future Restrictions: The 1924 act set a precedent for future immigration restrictions, including the Immigration Act of 1929, which made the quotas permanent and restricted immigration to 150,000 per year. These provisions were aimed at reducing immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, which was seen as a threat to the “American stock” and the country’s cultural homogeneity. The act had a profound impact on the demographics of the US, leading to a significant decline in immigration from these regions and a shift towards immigration from Northern and Western Europe.
Context: The 1924 act built upon earlier restrictions, including the 1917 Immigration Act, which introduced a literacy test and increased taxes for new immigrants. The uncertainty generated by World War I and concerns about national security also contributed to the passage of more restrictive immigration laws.
Legacy: The US Immigration Act of 1924 remained in place until 1965, when the Immigration and Nationality Act abolished the national origins quota system and established a new system based on family reunification and employment needs. The act’s legacy continues to influence US immigration policy and debates to this day.
Sauce: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/immigration-act