1. Anti-Irish Sentiments: In the mid-19th century, there was significant xenophobia against Irish immigrants, who were often seen as a threat to American jobs and culture. This led to riots and discrimination, particularly during the "Know Nothing" movement of the 1850s.
2. Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882: This act was a significant instance of xenophobia targeting Chinese immigrants. It prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the US and restricted Chinese Americans' rights, including the ability to own property or become naturalized citizens.
3. Anti-Italian Lynchings: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were several cases of violence and lynchings targeting Italian immigrants in various parts of the US, particularly in the South.
4. Anti-German Sentiment during World War I: During the First World War, there was a wave of xenophobia against German immigrants and German Americans, who were viewed with suspicion and sometimes persecuted due to their ethnic background.
5. Internment of Japanese Americans during World War II: One of the most well-known instances of xenophobia in the US was the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Over 120,000 people of Japanese descent, including American citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in internment camps.
6. Anti-Muslim Sentiments post 9/11: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, there was an increase in xenophobic sentiments against Muslims and individuals perceived to be from Middle Eastern or South Asian backgrounds. This resulted in discrimination, hate crimes, and instances of Islamophobia.
These are just a few examples of xenophobia that have occurred in the US throughout history, although there are many more instances that could be noted.