American Immigration In The Late 1800s

Since immigration got its meaning, the United States has played a major, if not the biggest role in control over the issue. As the issue arose and immigration began to take place in large quantities into the United States, the U.S. has tried to protect and preserve itself by taking the form of a body both literally and metaphorically. This can be seen most evidently from the late 1800s to the late 1900s, and even now. The U.S. – Mexico border has become a sense of protection for the health of that body for many. “Yes, many who come across the [U.S.– Mexico] border are workers. But among them are people coming to kill you and me and your children” (Nevins 119). Rhetoric such as this from Congressman Tom Tancredo in 2006 is a prime example

American colonial settlers came from Britain with heavy influence from Germany. As the need for industrialization was a concern, the inflow of immigration from European countries such as Germany, France, and Spain was fairly “normal” and welcomed; the culture was similar. However, as populations rose and industrialization and modernization were taking place, aspirations of emigrating to the United States also grew. Immigration began to be a problem when it came from places with exotic and much differing cultural values such as Africa, Asia, and

Physical health was and still is a large concern for the government and United States citizens. Medical evaluations and screenings became a more reoccurring thing among immigrants coming into the United States due to the fear of the arrival of sickness and disease. Despite the screenings, only about 3% of immigrants were denied entry because of it. But, a more common and more popular concern over the years has been public safety and fear of job loss. A great example of this was the Chinese Exclusion act of 1882 signed by President Chester A. Arthur. The chief purpose of the act was to stop the influx of Chinese men and women for the fear that they would take American jobs and American’s place in many industries. The United States once increased incoming immigration for the sole purpose of expanding the size of the workforce and creating more supply, consumption, and therefore, demand. Now, American citizens and the government fear for job loss by immigrants—especially by undocumented Mexican immigrants. It has been a reoccurring and more recent talking point especially with the current administration in the White House. President Donald Trump ran a campaign with very strict immigration policy and anti illegal immigrant sentiment. Again, we hear the language that has a power of its own with comments such as President Trump’s remarks on illegal Mexican