Introducing Worky Genie — AI-powered reading passage generator with vocabulary, quiz, flashcards & moreTry it free →

Immigration Restriction 1920s — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This rigorous U.S. history reading passage examines the causes, debates, and consequences of immigration restriction in the United States during the 1920s. Students will analyze the motivations behind the new laws, including nativism, economic concerns, and shifting national identity, while considering multiple perspectives from immigrants, lawmakers, and native-born Americans. The passage integrates primary source evidence and disciplinary vocabulary, encouraging critical thinking and historical reasoning. Activities include a comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer, all designed to meet C3 Framework (D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5) and Common Core ELA standards (RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2). Features include a timeline of key events, a glossary, and both English and Spanish versions of the passage, as well as read aloud audio support. This resource is ideal for investigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on American society.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Where would we be?
Source: Library of Congress - Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956

In the 1920s, the United States government created new legislation that limited immigration in ways never seen before. These laws, called quota laws, drastically reduced the number of people allowed to enter the country from certain regions. This period marked a major shift in American immigration policy, and its effects are still studied by historians today.

Before the 1920s, the U.S. had welcomed millions of immigrants from all over the world. However, many Americans began to fear that too much immigration threatened jobs, wages, and the nation's identity. These worries were fueled by nativism, a belief that people born in the U.S. were superior to newcomers. Nativists argued that immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia, could not easily assimilate into American society.

In response to these anxieties, Congress passed the Emergency Quota Act of 1921. This law set strict restrictions on how many immigrants could come from each country, favoring those from Northern and Western Europe. Soon after, the Immigration Act of 1924 established even stricter quotas. This new legislation used data from the 1890 census to assign quotas, which greatly favored immigrants from Northern and Western European countries and all but excluded people from Asia and Africa.

The government justified these laws by claiming they would protect American jobs and preserve American culture. Supporters believed that limiting immigration would help the economy and prevent social problems. Critics, however, argued that the restrictions were unfair and based on prejudice rather than facts. Many families were separated, and people who hoped to build new lives in America were denied entry. The laws also ignored the contributions that immigrants had made to American society.

These 1920s immigration laws had long-lasting effects. The quota system remained in place for decades, shaping the makeup of the U.S. population. It was not until the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 that many of the old quotas were removed and new, fairer policies were put in place. Historians now view the 1920s as a time when the U.S. turned away from its tradition of welcoming newcomers, reflecting deep national debates about identity and fairness.

Although the laws were passed before the Great Depression, they influenced the way people viewed immigrants during hard economic times. Many Americans believed that reducing immigration would help the country recover. However, the reality was more complicated, and the debate about immigration has continued into the present day.

Interesting Fact: In the 1920s, the number of immigrants entering the U.S. dropped from over 800,000 per year to less than 150,000 after the quota laws were passed.

What did the quota laws do?

Limited immigration by countryIncreased immigration numbersEnded all immigrationFavored Asian immigrants

When was the Emergency Quota Act passed?

1921192919651910

Who did the quotas favor?

Northern and Western EuropeansSouthern EuropeansAsiansAfricans

Why did nativists want restrictions?

Protect jobs and cultureIncrease populationEncourage diversityReduce taxes

What was a criticism of the laws?

They were unfair and prejudicedThey allowed too many peopleThey supported Asian immigrantsThey helped families stay together

How did the laws affect families?

Many were separatedThey helped reunite familiesFamilies got citizenshipFamilies moved to Asia