A CHatGPT-Produced History of Immigration to America (1607–2015)

33 min readFeb 23, 2023

What every APUSH student must know according to the APUSH CED

This post opens with an 800-word CHatGPT-produced description of the history of immigration to America from the start of the American industrial revolution (c. 1800) until the launch of the APUSH CED in 2015.

The post then gives the reader forty terms/phrases relating to that history (with each term/phrase briefly described by ChatGPT.)

Then this post provides the reader with a CHatGPT-produced bank of test questions:

Fifteen short answer questions.
Twenty-five multiple-choice questions
Fifteen T/F questions
Eight APUSH-style long essay questions

The post closes out with a listing of the APUSH Key Concepts that mention or reference the topic of immigration to America (1607–2015).

I plan to put this work in front of my APSUH students when we begin to review for the annual exam. If you notice any glaring errors or omissions (or take issue with anything written) and wish to give me a heads-up, I can be reached at ppaccone@smusd.us.

The History of Immigration to America

The history of immigration to America can be traced back to the colonial period when Europeans arrived in the New World seeking land and economic opportunities. However, it was not until the early to mid-19th century that immigration to the United States began to surge, fueled by economic growth and political upheaval in Europe.

Between 1820 and 1930, more than 30 million immigrants arrived in the United States, mostly from Europe. These newcomers came from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Irish and German immigrants.

However, as immigration to the United States increased, so did concerns about the impact of newcomers on American society and culture. These concerns were driven by a variety of factors, including economic competition, cultural differences, and fears about national security.

One of the most significant examples of nativism in American history was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. The law was motivated by anti-Chinese sentiment and the belief that Chinese workers were taking jobs away from American citizens.

Then during the 1920s, Congress passed a series of laws designed to limit immigration to the United States even further. The Immigration Act of 1924, for example, established a quota system that favored immigrants from northern and western Europe, while severely restricting immigration from other parts of the world.

These laws had a significant impact on immigration to the United States, particularly from Asia and southern and southern and eastern Europe. By the 1930s, immigration had dropped to historic lows, and it was not until the 1960s that significant changes were made to the nation’s immigration policies.

In 1965, Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act, which abolished the previous system of national quotas and established a new system based on family reunification and employment-based preferences. The law opened the doors to increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and transformed the demographic makeup of the United States.

Today, immigration remains a contentious issue in American politics. While many Americans recognize the important contributions that immigrants have made to the nation’s cultural, economic, and social fabric, others believe that immigration poses a threat to American jobs and national security.

Despite these debates, immigration has always been a key part of American history and identity. From the early settlers who arrived on America’s shores seeking a new life, to the millions of immigrants who have come to the United States in search of opportunity and freedom, newcomers have played a critical role in shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.

Need-to-Know Terms/Phrases

Industrial Revolution — This played a significant role in the history of immigration to America, as it created a demand for labor that was often filled by immigrants. This demand for labor, coupled with the promise of economic opportunity, drew many immigrants to the United States.
Irish immigration — began in the early 19th century and was largely driven by economic hardship in Ireland. Many Irish immigrants settled in the northeastern United States, where they faced significant discrimination and prejudice. Despite these challenges, Irish immigrants played a significant role in the development of the United States, particularly in the areas of politics and labor (the transcontinental railroad, in particular).
German immigration — increased significantly in the mid-19th century. Like many other groups of immigrants, Germans were drawn to the United States by the promise of economic opportunity (farming west of the Appalachian mountains in particular). German immigrants also brought with them significant cultural contributions, including the development of a strong brewing industry.
Chinese immigration — began in the mid-19th century, largely as a result of the California Gold Rush. From there the Chinese played a significant role in the construction of America’s first transcontinental railroad. Nonetheless, Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination and prejudice, and they were often subjected to violence and harassment. This discrimination eventually led to the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which severely restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. (Click here to learn more about the history of the Chinese transcontinental railroad workers)
Italian immigration — began in the late 19th century, and it was largely driven by economic hardship in Italy. Italian immigrants faced significant discrimination and prejudice, particularly in the early years of their immigration. Despite these challenges, Italian immigrants made significant contributions to the development of the United States, particularly in the areas of art, music, and cuisine.
Jewish immigration — began in the late 19th century and was largely driven by religious persecution in Eastern Europe. Jewish immigrants faced significant discrimination and prejudice, particularly in the early years of their immigration. Despite these challenges, Jewish immigrants made significant contributions to the development of the United States, particularly in the areas of business and finance.
Russian immigration — began in the late 19th century and was largely driven by political and economic turmoil in Russia. Russian immigrants faced significant discrimination and prejudice, particularly during the Red Scare of the early 20th century. Despite these challenges, Russian immigrants made significant contributions to the development of the United States, particularly in the areas of science and technology.
The Push-Pull Theory — explains the factors that motivate individuals to leave their home country (push factors) and the factors that attract them to a new country (pull factors). In the case of Irish immigration to the United States, the potato famine of the 1840s and 1850s was a significant push factor that forced many Irish to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities. The famine led to widespread starvation and death, as well as economic collapse, which left many Irish people with no choice but to emigrate. Meanwhile, the industrial revolution in America was a significant pull factor that attracted many immigrants to the country, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The industrial revolution created a huge demand for labor in American factories, mills, and mines, and immigrants were seen as a cheap and expendable source of labor. In addition, the construction of the transcontinental railroad in the mid-19th century was another significant pull factor that attracted many immigrants to the United States. The building of the railroad created thousands of new jobs and helped to open up the western part of the country, which in turn led to increased economic opportunities. Overall, the push-pull theory helps to explain the complex factors that led to Irish immigration to the United States, including both the push factors that forced many Irish to leave their homeland and the pull factors that attracted them to America. The potato famine, the industrial revolution, and the construction of the transcontinental railroad were all significant factors that helped to shape the course of Irish immigration to the United States.
The American Dream — the ideal that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.
Xenophobia — a fear or hatred of foreigners or anything perceived as foreign, and it has often been directed at immigrants to the US.
Nativism — a belief that native-born Americans are superior to immigrants and that immigrants are a threat to American society.
Anti-Catholic Nativism — a form of prejudice against Catholics and Catholic immigrants to the United States, which was fueled by religious, social, and economic factors. The movement emerged in the mid-19th century, fueled by the influx of Catholic immigrants from Ireland and Germany. Many native-born Protestants viewed Catholicism as a foreign, hierarchical, and anti-democratic religion that threatened American values and institutions. Anti-Catholic nativists promoted a range of discriminatory policies, including the denial of citizenship and the exclusion of Catholics from political and social positions. This prejudice against Catholics persisted well into the 20th century and was a significant factor in the immigration debates of the time. The anti-Catholic sentiment ultimately led to the formation of groups such as the Know-Nothing Party and played a significant role in shaping the immigration policies of the United States.
The Know-Nothing Party — a political organization in the mid-19th century that was characterized by its anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic beliefs.
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882— the first significant federal law to restrict immigration to the United States. The act severely restricted Chinese immigration to the United States, and it remained in place until 1943. The Chinese Exclusion Act was a reflection of the widespread discrimination and prejudice faced by Chinese immigrants in the United States.
Quota Act of 1921 —the first federal law to establish immigration quotas for different countries. The act limited the number of immigrants who could come to the United States from each country, and it heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. The Quota Act was a reflection of the nativist sentiment that was prevalent in the United States during this time period.
Immigration and Nationality Act (1965) — a significant overhaul of the United States immigration system. The act abolished the national origins quota system that had been in place since 1924, and it established a new system that prioritized family reunification and skilled labor. The Immigration and Nationality Act led to a significant increase in immigration to the United States, particularly from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
The Refugee Act of 1980 — created a standard procedure for the admission of refugees into the United States and established the Office of Refugee Resettlement to manage refugee resettlement programs.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 — provided amnesty to certain illegal immigrants and increased penalties for employers who hired undocumented workers.
Americanization — refers to the process by which immigrants adopt American culture and values, and it was a significant goal of assimilation efforts in the early 20th century.
Assimilation — refers to the process by which immigrants adopt the customs, language, and culture of their new country.
Naturalization — the legal process of becoming a citizen of a country.
The Statue of Liberty — a long-held symbol of freedom and opportunity for immigrants to the US, and the poem “The New Colossus” inscribed on its base refers to America as a welcoming haven for “huddled masses” of immigrants.
Ellis Island — a processing center for millions of immigrants who came to the US between 1892 and 1954, particularly those from Europe.
Angel Island — a processing center for Asian immigrants to the US from 1910 to 1940 and was known for its harsh conditions and lengthy processing times.
The Melting Pot — a metaphor used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to American culture, particularly during the early 20th century.
Brain drain/brain gain — refers to the loss of skilled workers from one country to another, often resulting in a negative impact on the economy of the country losing those workers. Brain gain refers to the positive impact on a country’s economy when skilled immigrants come to live and work there.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) — an immigration policy that provides temporary protection from deportation and work permits to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children.
Family reunification — refers to US immigration policies that prioritize the reunification of families separated by immigration.
The English-Only Movement — advocates for the use of English as the official language of the US. The political machine was a type of political organization that controlled the politics of urban areas through corruption and patronage.
The Settlement House Movement — a response to the social problems brought about by urbanization and immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Settlement houses were community centers that provided services and support to immigrants and the working class, such as education, healthcare, and housing assistance. These centers were intended to promote assimilation and Americanization among immigrants but also aimed to improve their living conditions and address the challenges of poverty, social inequality, and cultural diversity that arose from immigration. Therefore, the Settlement House movement played a significant role in shaping the history of immigration to America by facilitating the integration of immigrants into American society and promoting social reform.
The First Red Scare — a period of political repression and fear of communist influence in the United States that occurred in the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution of 1917. Many Americans feared that the communist ideology would spread to the United States and undermine the political and economic system of the country. During the First Red Scare, immigrants were often viewed with suspicion and were accused of being responsible for the spread of communism in the United States. The fear of communism and its perceived association with immigrants led to a crackdown on immigration and the passage of laws aimed at restricting immigration from certain regions and countries. The Immigration Act of 1917, for example, established a literacy test for immigrants and banned immigration from most Asian countries. The Palmer Raids of 1919–1920 saw the arrest and deportation of thousands of suspected communist sympathizers, many of whom were immigrants. Immigrants who were associated with left-wing politics or who spoke out against the government were often targeted for persecution during the First Red Scare. This included anarchists, socialists, and members of labor unions who were seen as a threat to the established order. In conclusion, the First Red Scare had a significant impact on the history of immigration to America by contributing to the fear and suspicion of immigrants and the passage of laws aimed at restricting immigration from certain regions and countries.
The Second Red Scare — also known as the McCarthy Era, was a period of intense fear and suspicion of communism in the United States that lasted from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. During this time, many Americans believed that communists were attempting to infiltrate and subvert American society, including the government, military, and entertainment industry. One way in which the Second Red Scare related to the history of immigration was through the fear and suspicion of foreign-born individuals, particularly those from communist countries. Many Americans believed that immigrants from countries such as the Soviet Union and China were more likely to be communists or sympathetic to communist ideology. This fear of foreign-born individuals led to a crackdown on immigration during the Second Red Scare. In 1952, the McCarran-Walter Act was passed, which established quotas on immigration from certain regions and countries and allowed for the deportation of immigrants deemed to be subversive or a threat to national security. Additionally, many foreign-born individuals who were suspected of being communists or communist sympathizers were targeted by the government during the Second Red Scare. This included high-profile cases such as the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were accused of passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. The Second Red Scare also had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many actors, writers, and directors being blacklisted or forced to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about their political beliefs and associations. In conclusion, the Second Red Scare contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion of foreign-born individuals, particularly those from communist countries, and led to a crackdown on immigration and the targeting of immigrants suspected of being subversive or a threat to national security.
The Progressives — a political movement that disagreed about immigration restrictions, with some advocating for restrictionist policies and others opposing such policies.
Upton Sinclair’s book “The Jungle”: — written in 1906 and exposing the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and the difficult living and working conditions of immigrant workers. The book highlighted the struggles of Lithuanian immigrants, who faced exploitation and abuse in the meatpacking plants. “The Jungle” helped to raise awareness of the plight of immigrants in America and contributed to the progressive movement’s push for labor and immigration reform. As a result, the book had a significant impact on the history of immigration to America by helping to galvanize support for better working and living conditions for immigrants, as well as greater protections and rights for workers in general.
Jacob Riis’s book “How the Other Half Lives,” — published in 1890, exposed the terrible living conditions of immigrants and the working class in New York City’s slums. The book depicted the overcrowded tenement buildings, unsanitary living conditions, and poverty that immigrants faced in the city. Riis was a Danish immigrant himself and his book aimed to draw attention to the plight of immigrants and advocate for reform. The book helped to galvanize support for better living conditions for immigrants and paved the way for housing reform efforts in the city. “How the Other Half Lives” was therefore a significant contribution to the history of immigration to America by shedding light on the experiences of immigrants in urban areas and prompting action to improve their living conditions.
Political Machines — Political machines were a type of political organization that emerged in the late 19th century in cities across the United States. They were typically led by a single powerful figure or “boss” who controlled a network of supporters and followers. Political machines were known for their ability to mobilize large numbers of voters and to deliver favors and services to their constituents in exchange for political support. The rise of political machines in the United States coincided with a period of massive immigration from Europe. Between 1880 and 1920, more than 23 million immigrants came to the United States, primarily from southern and eastern Europe. Many of these immigrants settled in large cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, where political machines were particularly active. Political machines were able to establish strong ties with immigrant communities by providing them with basic services like housing, jobs, and access to social welfare programs. In exchange for these services, political bosses would demand loyalty and political support from their constituents. Immigrants were often drawn to political machines because they offered a way to navigate the complex and often hostile environment of American politics. Political machines provided a sense of security and belonging in a new country, and they helped immigrants to gain access to the resources they needed to survive. However, political machines were also known for their corruption and their ability to manipulate the democratic process. Bosses would use their power to rig elections and to extract bribes and kickbacks from businesses and individuals seeking political favors. In summary, political machines emerged as a response to the challenges of urbanization and immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While they provided important services to immigrant communities, they also played a controversial role in American politics, and their legacy continues to be debated to this day.
NAFTA — The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that was signed into law in 1994. While NAFTA was primarily focused on reducing trade barriers and promoting economic growth, it also had implications for immigration and migrant labor. One of the key provisions of NAFTA was the establishment of a new temporary worker program, known as the TN visa. Under this program, citizens of Canada and Mexico with specialized skills and education could obtain a work visa to work in the United States for up to three years. This program was designed to facilitate the movement of highly skilled workers across North America and to promote economic integration among the three countries. However, critics of NAFTA argued that the agreement also had negative effects on immigration and migrant labor. For example, some argued that NAFTA led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and workers in Mexico, who were unable to compete with the flood of cheap agricultural imports from the United States. As a result, many of these workers were forced to migrate to the United States in search of work. Additionally, some critics argued that NAFTA led to the expansion of low-wage manufacturing jobs in Mexico, which in turn led to an increase in undocumented immigration to the United States. These workers often faced exploitative working conditions and low wages, and many were unable to obtain legal status in the United States. In summary, while NAFTA was primarily a trade agreement, it also had implications for immigration and migrant labor. Critics of the agreement argued that it led to the displacement of workers in Mexico and the expansion of low-wage jobs, which in turn contributed to an increase in undocumented immigration to the United States.
Bracero Program — The Bracero Program was a guest worker program that was in place in the United States between 1942 and 1964. The program was designed to address labor shortages in agriculture and other industries during World War II and the post-war period by bringing in temporary workers from Mexico. Under the Bracero Program, Mexican workers were recruited to work in the United States on short-term contracts, typically lasting six months to a year. The program was initially intended to provide employment for Mexican agricultural workers, but it was later expanded to include other industries, such as railroad maintenance and forestry. The Bracero Program was controversial from the start. Critics argued that it exploited Mexican workers by paying them low wages and subjecting them to poor working conditions. In addition, some American workers viewed the program as a threat to their own jobs, and there were concerns that the program would lead to an increase in undocumented immigration to the United States. Despite these criticisms, the Bracero Program remained in place for more than 20 years. At its peak in the early 1950s, the program brought in more than 200,000 workers per year. However, by the 1960s, there was growing opposition to the program, and it was ultimately phased out in 1964. Today, the legacy of the Bracero Program remains controversial. Supporters argue that it helped to stabilize the agricultural industry and provided much-needed employment for Mexican workers, while critics maintain that it was exploitative and contributed to the growth of undocumented immigration to the United States.
Angel Island and Ellis Island — Ellis Island and Angel Island were two of the most important immigration processing centers in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While both were designed to serve as gateways to America for immigrants, there were some important differences between the two.
The Transcontinental Railroad — The construction of the transcontinental railroad played a significant role in the history of immigration to America. The railroad was built between 1863 and 1869 and connected the east coast of the United States to the west coast, greatly facilitating transportation and communication across the country. The construction of the railroad brought about significant changes in the American economy and society, including the growth of urbanization, industrialization, and immigration. One of the most significant impacts of the transcontinental railroad on immigration was that it provided a means of transportation for people to travel from the east coast to the west coast of the United States. This led to a significant increase in immigration to the western United States, particularly to states such as California and Oregon, which were experiencing rapid growth due to the gold rush and other economic opportunities. Immigrants from many different countries, including China, Ireland, and Italy, were among those who were drawn to the opportunities presented by the transcontinental railroad. Chinese immigrants, in particular, played a significant role in the construction of the railroad, with thousands of Chinese workers being hired to lay tracks, build tunnels, and perform other labor-intensive tasks. The construction of the transcontinental railroad also helped to facilitate the growth of industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing in the western United States, which in turn created new job opportunities for immigrants. The railroad also helped to connect these industries to markets on the east coast, allowing for the growth of trade and commerce across the country. In summary, the construction of the transcontinental railroad played a significant role in the history of immigration to America, providing a means of transportation for immigrants to travel to the western United States and facilitating the growth of industries and job opportunities in the region. The railroad also played a key role in connecting the various regions of the country, helping to facilitate the growth of the American economy and society.
Anti-Chinese sentiment — The history of anti-Chinese nativism in America dates back to the mid-19th century, during the period of mass Chinese immigration to the United States. Chinese immigrants first came to the United States in significant numbers during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. Many Chinese immigrants worked as laborers in gold mines, on the railroads, and in agriculture. As the Chinese population in the United States grew, so too did anti-Chinese sentiment among the white American population. In the 1870s, the United States passed a series of laws collectively known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, which were designed to restrict Chinese immigration to the United States. These laws included the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the United States for ten years, and subsequent laws that extended the ban and placed restrictions on the Chinese who were already in the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first law in American history to explicitly target a particular ethnic group for exclusion from the United States. The law was motivated by a combination of economic, cultural, and racial factors. White Americans feared that Chinese immigrants were taking their jobs and driving down wages, and they also viewed Chinese culture as alien and threatening to American values. The Chinese Exclusion Act remained in effect until 1943, when it was repealed as part of a wartime alliance with China. However, even after the repeal of the Exclusion Act, Chinese immigrants continued to face discrimination and hostility in the United States, particularly during times of economic uncertainty and social unrest. Today, anti-Chinese sentiment in America continues to be a problem, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. In addition to the Chinese Exclusion Act, there were also attempts to expel Chinese immigrants from the United States. One notable example is the Rock Springs Massacre of 1885 in Wyoming, where a mob of white miners attacked Chinese immigrants who were working in a coal mine. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Chinese immigrants and the expulsion of many others from the area. There were also efforts to expel Chinese immigrants from other parts of the United States. In 1906, the city of San Francisco passed a law that required all schoolchildren of Chinese descent to attend a segregated school. This law was challenged by a group of Chinese-American parents who took their case to the United States Supreme Court. In 1923, the Supreme Court upheld the law, which effectively led to the expulsion of many Chinese-American students from mainstream schools. During World War II, there were further attempts to expel Chinese immigrants from the United States. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans and also affected Chinese Americans. Many Chinese Americans were forced to move out of coastal areas and were subjected to curfews and other restrictions. Despite these attempts to expel or exclude Chinese immigrants from the United States, Chinese Americans have continued to contribute to American society and culture. Today, Chinese Americans are one of the largest and fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, and they have made significant contributions to fields such as science, technology, business, and the arts.
Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aye9c4SgPw&t=1s

Multiple Choice Questions

The first federal law to restrict immigration based on nationality was: a. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 b. The Immigration Act of 1917 c. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 d. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
The Red Scare of 1919–1920 was fueled by: a. Fear of anarchists and communists b. Fear of immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe c. Fear of Native American tribes d. Fear of Japanese immigrants
The Immigration Act of 1924: a. Established quotas for immigration based on national origin b. Required immigrants to pass a literacy test c. Provided amnesty for unauthorized immigrants d. Abolished national origin quotas for immigration
The Bracero Program brought laborers from which country to the United States? a. Mexico b. Canada c. China d. Japan
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 resulted in: a. Increased immigration from Cuba to the United States b. Decreased immigration from Cuba to the United States c. No significant change in immigration from Cuba to the United States d. All Cuban immigrants being deported
The Immigration Act of 1965 abolished: a. The National Origins Formula b. The quota system for immigration c. The literacy test for immigrants d. The Bracero Program e. both A and B
The Refugee Act of 1980 established: a. Quotas for immigration based on national origin b. A guest worker program c. Procedures for admitting refugees to the United States d. The principle of family reunification as a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 provided: a. Amnesty for unauthorized immigrants who had been living in the United States since before 1982 b. Quotas for immigration based on national origin c. A guest worker program d. Procedures for admitting refugees to the United States
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) led to: a. Increased migration from Mexico to the United States b. Decreased migration from Mexico to the United States c. No significant change in migration from Mexico to the United States d. Deportation of all Mexican immigrants
Which of the following is true about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program? a) It provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants b) It was established by executive order in 2012 c) It has been permanently canceled by the U.S. government d) It only applies to immigrants from certain countries

Short Answer Questions

What was ONE factor that led to an increase in Irish immigration to the United States in the mid-1800s?
What was ONE cause of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?
What was ONE reason why some immigrants were detained on Ellis Island during the late 1800s and early 1900s?
What was ONE result of the quota system established by the National Origins Formula in 1924?
What was ONE factor that led to an increase in Mexican immigration to the United States during World War II?
What was ONE reason why the Bracero Program was established in 1942?
What was ONE result of the 1965 Immigration Act?
What was ONE factor that led to an increase in South Asian immigration to the United States in the late 20th century?
What was ONE similarity between the experiences of Irish and Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century?
What was ONE difference between the Immigration Acts of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1965?
What was ONE similarity between the experiences of Italian and Jewish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
What was ONE impact of the Red Scare on immigration policy in the United States in the 1920s?
What was ONE effect of Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle on public opinion about immigration in the early 20th century?
What was ONE contribution of Jacob Riis to the debate over immigration and urban poverty in the late 19th century?
What was ONE challenge faced by immigrants who lived in tenements in New York City in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

True/False Questions

True or false: The first major wave of immigration to the United States occurred in the early 1800s.
True or false: The majority of immigrants who came to America in the 19th century were from Europe.
True or false: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first federal law to restrict immigration on the basis of race and nationality.
True or false: The Immigration Act of 1924 established a quota system that heavily favored immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe.
True or false: Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, was the primary point of entry for Asian immigrants to the United States.
True or false: The Bracero Program, initiated in 1942, allowed Mexican laborers to work temporarily in the United States to fill agricultural jobs.
True or false: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 ended the discriminatory quota system established in the 1924 law.
True or false: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 eliminated national origin quotas altogether.
True or false: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants.
True or false: The majority of immigrants to the United States today are from Mexico and Central America.
True or false: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 created a preference system for family-based immigration.
True or false: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 required employers to verify the immigration status of their employees.
True or false: The 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act increased the penalties for illegal immigration and made it more difficult for legal immigrants to obtain public benefits.
True or false: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.
True or false: The Bracero Program ended in 1865.

Long Essay Questions

Evaluate the extent to which the influx of immigrants to America during the period of 1840 to 1890 contributed to the growth and development of the country’s society.
Evaluate the extent to which the Immigration Act of 1924 impacted the flow of immigrants to America during the period between 1924 and 1965.
Evaluate the extent to which the influx of immigrants to America during the period of 1840 to 1890 contributed to the growth and development of the country’s economy.
Evaluate the extent to which the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 impacted the social landscape of America during the period between 1986 and 2000.
Evaluate the relative importance of the push factors that contributed to the increase in Italian immigration to America between 1880 and 1930.
Evaluate the relative importance of the pull factors that contributed to the increase in Italian immigration to America between 1880 and 1930.
Evaluate the relative importance of the causes that led to the influx of Mexican immigrants to America during the period between 1942 and 1964.
Evaluate the relative importance of the outcomes that resulted from the mass migration of European immigrants to America during the period between 1880 and 1920.

The APUSH Key Concepts that Mention Immigration

Period 1 Key Concepts (1607–1754)

(I see no mention or reference to the topic of immigration in Period 3; only reference to the topic of migration)

Period 2 Key Concepts (1607–1754)

English colonization efforts attracted a comparatively large number of male and female British migrants, as well as other European migrants, all of whom sought social mobility, economic prosperity, religious freedom, and improved living conditions. These colonists focused on agriculture and settled on land taken from Native Americans, from whom they lived separately.

Period 3 Key Concepts (1754–1800)

(I see no mention or reference to the topic of immigration in Period 3)

Period 4 Key Concepts (1800–1848)

Large numbers of international migrants moved to industrializing northern cities, while many Americans moved west of the Appalachians, developing thriving new communities along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

Period 5 Key Concepts (1844–1877)

Substantial numbers of international migrants continued to arrive in the United States from Europe and Asia, mainly from Ireland and Germany, often settling in ethnic communities where they could preserve elements of their languages and customs.
The industrial workforce expanded and became more diverse through internal and international migration; child labor also increased.
A strongly anti-Catholic nativist movement arose that was aimed at limiting new immigrants’ political power and cultural influence.
The Second Party System ended when the issues of slavery and anti-immigrant nativism weakened loyalties to the two major parties and fostered the emergence of sectional parties, most notably the Republican Party in the North.

Period 6 Key Concepts (1865–1898)

The industrial workforce expanded and became more diverse through internal and international migration; child labor also increased.
As cities became areas of economic growth featuring new factories and businesses, they attracted immigrants from Asia and southern and eastern Europe, as well as African American migrants within and out of the South. Many migrants moved to escape poverty, religious persecution, and limited opportunities for social mobility in their home countries or regions.
Increasing public debates over assimilation and Americanization accompanied the growth of international migration. Many immigrants negotiated compromises between the cultures they brought and the culture they found in the United States.
In an urban atmosphere where access to power was unequally distributed, political machines thrived, partly by providing immigrants and the poor with social services.
Many women sought greater equality with men, often joining voluntary organizations, going to college, promoting social and political reform, and, like Jane Addams, working in settlement houses to help immigrants adapt to the U.S. language and customs.

Period 7 Key Concepts (1890–1945)

Some Progressive Era journalists attacked what they saw as political corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality, while reformers, often from the middle and upper classes and including many women, worked to effect social changes in cities and among immigrant populations.
The Progressives were divided over many issues. Some Progressives supported Southern segregation, while others ignored its presence. Some Progressives advocated expanding popular participation in government, while others called for greater reliance on professional and technical experts to make government more efficient. Progressives also disagreed about immigration restrictions.
Official restrictions on freedom of speech grew during World War I, as increased anxiety about radicalism led to a Red Scare and attacks on labor activism and immigrant culture.
By 1920, a majority of the U.S. population lived in urban centers, which offered new economic opportunities for women, international migrants, and internal migrants.
In the 1920s, cultural and political controversies emerged as Americans debated gender roles, modernism, science, religion, and issues related to race and immigration.
Immigration from Europe reached its peak in the years before World War I. During and after World War I, nativist campaigns against some ethnic groups led to the passage of quotas that restricted immigration, particularly from southern and eastern Europe, and increased barriers to Asian immigration.
Migration to the United States from Mexico and elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere increased, in spite of contradictory government policies toward Mexican immigration.

Period 8 Key Concepts (1945–1980)

Immigrants from around the world sought access to the political, social, and economic opportunities in the United States, especially after the passage of new immigration laws in 1965
International migration from Latin America and Asia increased dramatically. The new immigrants affected U.S. culture in many ways and supplied the economy with an important labor force.
Intense political and cultural debates continued over issues such as immigration policy, diversity, gender roles, and family structure.

Period 9 Key Concepts (1980–2015

International migration from Latin America and Asia increased dramatically. The new immigrants affected U.S. culture in many ways and supplied the economy with an important labor force.

Sidenote #1

Since publishing this post, various teachers have suggested that the following words, terms, and phrases should be added to the list above.

International migration from Latin America after 1980
International migration from Asia after 1980
Immigration from Mexico before and during World War II
The spite of contradictory government policies toward Mexican immigration before World War II
Immigration and the ending of the Second Party System
Male and female British migrants (1607–1754)
Increased barriers to Asian immigration (1890–1945).

Grouping #41

Chinese Exclusion Act
Emergency Quota Act
National Origins Act
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

The Chinese Exclusion Act, Emergency Quota Act, National Origins Act, and Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 are all significant pieces of legislation related to immigration in the United States.

The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed in 1882, was the first federal law to restrict immigration on the basis of race and nationality. The act prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States and was the result of anti-Chinese sentiment and competition for jobs in the western United States.

The Emergency Quota Act, passed in 1921, established quotas for immigrants from different countries based on their national origins. The act aimed to restrict immigration from certain countries, particularly those in southern and eastern Europe, and to preserve the dominant culture of the United States. The act also marked the beginning of the modern era of immigration restriction in the United States.

The National Origins Act, passed in 1924, further restricted immigration from southern and eastern Europe and completely banned immigration from Asia. The act established quotas based on the number of people from each country who were already living in the United States and aimed to maintain the racial and ethnic composition of the country.

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished the national origins quota system and established a new system based on family reunification and employment-based criteria. The act also removed racial and ethnic barriers to immigration, and led to a significant increase in immigration from Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the world.

Overall, these four pieces of legislation reflect changing attitudes towards immigration and race in the United States over time, with the Chinese Exclusion Act and National Origins Act representing a more restrictive and exclusionary approach, and the Emergency Quota Act and Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 representing a more open and inclusive approach.

Grouping #55

Immigration in the 1840s
Immigration in the 1880s

Immigration played a significant role in shaping the United States in the 19th century. The 1840s and the 1880s were both periods of significant immigration, but for different reasons.

In the 1840s, the primary group of immigrants to the United States were from Ireland and Germany. The Irish were fleeing a devastating famine caused by a potato blight, while the Germans were leaving their homeland due to political unrest and economic hardship. These immigrants settled primarily in cities such as New York and Boston, where they faced discrimination and hostility from the largely Protestant and nativist population. Despite these challenges, they established ethnic neighborhoods and contributed to the growth of American industry and economy. During this period of time, some Chinese also arrived in the US. First, they searched for gold during the California Gold Rush. After that, 20,000 or so worked on America’s first transcontinental railroad, as did the Irsh.
In the 1880s, a new wave of immigrants came to the United States, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy, Russia, and Poland. These new immigrants were largely Catholic or Jewish and was driven by economic and political instability in their home countries and the promise of better opportunities in America. Like their predecessors, they faced discrimination and hostility upon their arrival in the United States, but also established ethnic neighborhoods and contributed to the growth of American industry and economy. The 1880s saw the introduction of new immigration laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which restricted immigration from China, and the Immigration Act of 1882, which imposed a tax on immigrants and excluded “undesirable” immigrants, such as those with mental or physical disabilities. These laws reflected the growing nativist sentiment in the United States, which sought to limit immigration and maintain the cultural dominance of the Anglo-Saxon Protestant population.

Overall, immigration in the 1840s and the 1880s played a significant role in shaping American society and culture, as well as contributing to its economic growth. However, these waves of immigration were met with resistance and discrimination, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusion of diverse communities in American society.

Grouping #71

The immigration laws prior to 1850
The immigration laws 1850–1900
The immigaraton laws prior to World War II
The immigration laws of the 1920s
The immigration laws of the World War II years

The immigration laws prior to 1850 — were largely nonexistent, as the United States did not have a centralized immigration system until the mid-19th century. However, various state and local laws were enacted to regulate immigration, particularly in the Northeastern states. Some laws imposed a tax on incoming immigrants or required them to post a bond as a guarantee of their good behavior. Others restricted the ability of non-citizens to own property or vote in elections. The Naturalization Law of 1790 restricted citizenship to free white persons of good character who had resided in the United States for at least two years. This law effectively excluded non-whites and women from citizenship.

The immigration laws from 1850–1900 — were characterized by various acts and policies aimed at regulating and restricting immigration. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one of the most significant laws of this period. It prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States for a period of 10 years and was later extended several times. Other laws during this period included the Immigration Act of 1882, which imposed a tax on incoming immigrants, and the Alien Contract Labor Law of 1885, which prohibited employers from importing foreign workers to replace American workers.

The immigration laws from 1900–1941 — prior to World War II, the United States had a series of immigration laws and policies that were largely designed to control the composition of the country’s immigrant population. Some of the notable immigration laws and policies from this period include: National Origins Act of 1924: This act established a quota system that limited the number of immigrants who could enter the United States each year from each country, with a preference for immigrants from Western and Northern Europe. The act also established the Border Patrol to enforce immigration laws along the country’s borders. Immigration Act of 1929: This act further restricted the number of immigrants who could enter the United States each year and established the Registry Act, which allowed certain undocumented immigrants who had been living in the country since before 1921 to apply for legal status.The immigration laws of the 1920s — where characterized by the national origins quota system. This system restricted immigration based on a person’s country of origin, with the aim of preserving the United States’ demographic makeup. The laws favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, while limiting the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. The laws also imposed a total immigration limit of 150,000 per year.

The immigration laws during World War II: During World War II, the United States implemented a number of immigration policies and laws that were aimed at protecting national security and preventing espionage by foreign agents. Some of the notable immigration laws and policies during this period include: The Alien Registration Act of 1940: This act required all non-citizen adults in the United States to register with the government and carry identification documents. Failure to comply was a federal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment. Executive Order 9066: This order, signed by President Roosevelt in 1942, authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. Over 100,000 individuals, including U.S. citizens, were sent to internment camps for the duration of the war. Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act of 1943: This act repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and allowed Chinese immigrants to become naturalized citizens.

Overall, the immigration laws and policies during World War II were characterized by a heightened focus on national security and the perceived threat of foreign infiltration. While some of these policies have been criticized as discriminatory or unconstitutional, others have been seen as important steps toward promoting greater inclusivity and protection for vulnerable populations.

The immigration law of 1965 — also known as the Hart-Celler Act, was a major overhaul of the United States’ immigration system. It abolished the national origins quota system that had been in place since the 1920s, which restricted immigration based on a person’s country of origin. The 1965 act replaced this system with a preference system based on family reunification, job skills, and refugees. The act also removed racial and ethnic barriers to immigration, allowing for increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The immigration laws since 1965 — since the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, there have been several significant changes and amendments to U.S. immigration law. Some of the notable immigration laws and policies enacted since 1965 include: Refugee Act of 1980: This act established the legal framework for admitting and resettling refugees in the United States; Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986: This act provided a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who had been living in the United States since before 1982. It also increased penalties for employers who hired undocumented workers and strengthened border enforcement; Immigration Act of 1990: This act increased the overall number of legal immigrants allowed into the country and established new categories for family and employment-based immigration; Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996: This act expanded the grounds for deporting non-citizens who were in the United States unlawfully, increased penalties for immigration-related crimes, and made it more difficult for legal permanent residents to naturalize; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): In 2012, the Obama administration established the DACA program, which allowed certain undocumented individuals who arrived in the United States as children to apply for temporary protection from deportation and work authorization; Travel Ban: In 2017: the Trump administration issued a series of executive orders restricting travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018.