While preparing a university paper on a century of U.S. immigration history, I noticed striking parallels between the situation in 1924 and that of 2025. Although I do not believe history repeats itself exactly, we often seem to make the same mistakes without learning from past lessons.
A key turning point was the 1924 Johnson-Reed Act, which fundamentally altered immigration policy by imposing strict limits on most immigrants. Unfortunately, this legislation was motivated by overt racism, heavily influenced by the eugenics movement that deemed some ethnic groups inferior to others.
Today, although racial prejudice is less overt, similar attitudes appear to still shape current immigration policies. The president’s regrettable comment about the “pollution” of our bloodlines may provide insight into this ongoing issue.
Other historical parallels exist as well. In 1924, the nation was recovering from World War I’s massive casualties and the devastating 1919 Spanish flu pandemic. Today, we are emerging from the COVID-19 lockdowns and unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also financially supporting proxy conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza—often described as part of a broader global confrontation.
The 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression followed soon after the first major immigration restrictions. Currently, the economy teeters on the edge of adjustment or recession, completing another parallel between 1924 and 2025.
The national mood remains bleak. Recent elections offered limited choices, and early actions by the new administration have raised more questions and concerns. The large-scale deportations underway today bear an unsettling resemblance to past practices.
Historically, Southern and Eastern European immigrants, especially Jewish migrants, were the primary targets of discrimination. The new quota system favored Northern Europeans, including English and Irish immigrants. Despite a surge in immigration driven by labor demand in the early 20th century, these newcomers received little labor protection.
Today, immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Africa face similar discrimination. Increasing restrictions have made legal immigration paths exceptionally difficult. When legal avenues are scarce and prolonged, many are forced to seek alternative routes to escape persecution and widespread poverty—fueling the undocumented immigration issue.
If policies such as “golden visas” for wealthy investors and relaxed restrictions on high-tech work visas continue, talent drain could impact economies worldwide.
The earlier immigration restrictions lasted over 30 years, during which new arrivals declined sharply, weakening the economic and political influence of settled immigrant communities. Although the 1986 immigration reform legalized about three million immigrants, subsequent policies have undermined family reunification. Hostility toward “chain migration,” which allows families to support each other, has led to family separations and diminished community cohesion.
A century ago, certain nationalities were banned from entering the U.S., but established residents were not subject to mass deportations. However, large-scale deportations have occurred, such as the “Operation Wetback” targeting Mexican farmworkers during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration in the 1950s.
Looking back at history is crucial because it offers valuable lessons. Understanding these lessons is essential to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and to avoid repeating past mistakes.
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