Julia G. Young
Making America 1920 Again? Nativism and US Immigration, past and Present
Catholic University of America
paper surveys history nativism united states late nineteenth century present compares recent surge nativism earlier periods particularly decades leading 1920s nativism directed southern eastern european asian mexican migrants led comprehensive legislative restrictions immigration based primarily review historical literature well contemporary immigration scholarship major findings include following many similarities nativism 18701930 period today particularly focus purported inability specific immigrant groups assimilate misconception may therefore dangerous nativeborn population fear immigration threatens american workers mexican migrants particular consistent targets nativism immigration restrictions deportations also key differences two eras apparently targets nativism today undocumented muslim immigrants president trumps consistent highly public widely disseminated appeals nativist sentiment historical studies nativism suggest nativism disappear completely rather subsides furthermore immigrants adopt nativist attitudes well descendants politicians government officials civic leaders scholars journalists must reach sectors society feel threatened immigration eradicating nativism may impossible focus avoiding overturning nativist immigration legislation may prove successful