Nativism
Nativism was one response to the growth of immigration in America. It is an overt favoritism towards native-born Americans. It gave rise to many anti-immigrant groups as well as a demand for immigration restrictions. Many nativists believed that the Anglo-Saxons were superior to other ethnic groups. They did not object to immigrants from the "right" countries (British, German, Scandinavian), only those from the "wrong" countries (Slavic, Latin, Asian), identified by Prescott F. Hall, the founder of the Immigration Restriction League.
Some nativists only objected to the immigrants' religious beliefs, not so much their ethnic backgrounds. Most native-born Americans were Protestants, and believed that the new Roman Catholic and Jewish immigrants would erode the institutions put in place by America's Protestant founders. These immigrants were subject to attacks by a group known as The American Protective Association.
Congress passed a bill in 1897 that would require a literacy test for immigrants (influenced by the Immigration Restriction League). It was ultimately vetoed by President Cleveland, but it did show popular opinion on the topic. A similar bill would be passed in 1917 in spite of a veto by President Woodrow Wilson.
Some nativists only objected to the immigrants' religious beliefs, not so much their ethnic backgrounds. Most native-born Americans were Protestants, and believed that the new Roman Catholic and Jewish immigrants would erode the institutions put in place by America's Protestant founders. These immigrants were subject to attacks by a group known as The American Protective Association.
Congress passed a bill in 1897 that would require a literacy test for immigrants (influenced by the Immigration Restriction League). It was ultimately vetoed by President Cleveland, but it did show popular opinion on the topic. A similar bill would be passed in 1917 in spite of a veto by President Woodrow Wilson.