Economic Depression: The Great Depression had a devastating impact on the US economy, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. As a result, the United States significantly reduced immigration quotas to limit competition in an already saturated job market.
Nativism and Xenophobia: The economic climate fueled sentiments of nativism and xenophobia, promoting a belief that native-born Americans should be prioritized for jobs and resources over immigrants. This resulted in increased hostility toward immigrants and a desire to restrict further immigration.
The Immigration Act of 1924: This act, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, placed strict quotas on immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. The quotas were based on the national origins of the US population in 1890, heavily favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while significantly restricting immigration from other regions.
Political Instability and World War II: The rise of totalitarian regimes and the outbreak of World War II in Europe created geopolitical chaos and uncertainty, which further hindered immigration to the United States. Many countries were focused on addressing domestic issues and conflicts, limiting their ability and willingness to facilitate emigration.
Changing Immigration Policies: In 1934, the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed, requiring immigrants to obtain visas before entering the United States. This additional layer of bureaucracy made immigration more challenging and complicated, further contributing to the decline in immigration during this period.