Blog on Chapter 11 Migration in Prosperity, Depression, and War, 1921-1945

            The intensification of the new pattern of immigration following the end of the “century of immigration” is interesting to think about. Immigration from Europe dropped while it continued to increase from the New World. While the goals of immigration restriction were considered a qualified success, this same restrictive legislation causing more and more people to enter the United State illegally. It was becoming even harder to “count the uncountable.” People will always seem to find a way –illegal crossings, loopholes in legislation, etc. I think Daniels was correct when he said patterns of immigration would probably not have changed if our prosperity had continued – but it didn’t, and everything changed. It’s also noteworthy that while quotas were discussed relative to immigrants from the New World, they were never brought forward because we needed labor. So often it is about the money.

            I was disappointed that FDR did not take a more proactive role in altering immigration legislation – so frequently using the conservative views of the State Department to shape his actions. Even though he was not a nativist, he held their belief that the country was completed and immigration was a thing of the past. It was particularly irresponsible to be indifferent to the fate of Jewish and other refugees – it was well put by Walter Mondale that we failed the test of civilization by not seeing the need to offer asylum to so many. That the State department made it so difficult and often impossible for most refugees to enter this country is really a tragedy – the cases of Lewkowitz and Spanier were heartbreaking and there were countless others. It is a great testimony to those refugees that did make it here that there contributions would so far exceed their numbers.

            Our treatment of Japanese Americans was inexcusable and I am sure still felt today. Daniels points to race, prejudice, hysteria and a failure of political leadership as the broad historical causes that shaped these decisions. Our own country today in many ways does not seem so far from this point at times. Does history repeat itself?