Glossary of Terms and Policies/Laws
Terms
- Acculturation: Immigrants blend cultural elements, retaining some while adopting new practices.
- Angel Island: West Coast immigration station for Asian immigrants, known for stricter scrutiny.
- Assimilation: Immigrants adopt new cultural norms, sometimes losing original identity.
- Cultural Rhetoric: Messaging about societal changes; Nativist rhetoric portrayed immigrants as threats.
- Ellis Island: Main East Coast immigration station (1892–1954), processing millions of Europeans.
- Ethnic Resilience: Immigrant groups maintain culture despite discrimination and hardship.
- Generational Impact: How one generation’s experiences shape future ones, influencing adaptation or resistance.
- Immigrant Enclaves: Neighborhoods preserving immigrant culture (e.g., Little Italy, Chinatown).
- Nativism: Movement prioritizing native-born citizens, fearing immigrant disruption to stability.
- Political Cartoons: Illustrations addressing issues; Nativist cartoons often negatively depicted immigrants.
- Propaganda: Media influencing opinions; Nativist propaganda portrayed immigrants as threats.
- Pull Factors: Conditions attracting immigrants, like jobs or freedoms.
- Push Factors: Conditions forcing emigration, like poverty or persecution.
- Statue of Liberty: Symbol of freedom and opportunity, welcoming immigrants to Ellis Island.
Policies and Laws
- 1917 Immigration Act: Imposed literacy tests to limit less-educated immigrants, targeting Southern and Eastern Europe.
- American Protective Association (1887): Anti-Catholic group promoting Protestant values.
- Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): First U.S. law banning immigration based on ethnicity, targeting Chinese laborers.
- Gentlemen’s Agreement (1907): U.S.-Japan deal limiting Japanese immigration without formal legislation.
- Indian Removal Act (1830): Forced Native tribes west of the Mississippi, causing the Trail of Tears.
- Know-Nothing Party (1855): Advocated restrictions on immigrant rights and opposed Catholic immigration.
- Treaty of New Echota (1835): Ceded Cherokee land; opposed by many, leading to forced removal.
- Worcester v. Georgia (1832): Affirmed Cherokee sovereignty, ignored by President Jackson.
