This document provides an overview of U.S. immigration history and policy. It discusses the early waves of immigration to the U.S. from the 17th century through the early 20th century. It also outlines the various pieces of legislation passed in response to public anxiety about immigration, such as quotas and restrictions. Additionally, it notes trends in the modern era such as increased unauthorized immigration and new destinations beyond traditional gateway states. The document aims to educate by debunking common myths and calling for an ethical and objective discussion of immigration reform.

1. An Introduction to U.S.
Immigration Policy and its
Societal Implications
Adam Stiles
December 6th, 2012

2. What are the goals of this
presentation?
✤ Inform and Educate
✤ Eliminate Misconceptions
✤ Encourage Objectivity
✤ Inspire Action

3. Early History of
Immigration to the
United States
✤ “Settlers” and indentured
servants: 17th-Early 19th
Century
✤ The first large influx: 1820s-
1880s
✤ Early 20th century “flood” of
immigration
✤ Contributed to economic boom
and rise of industrialization
(America.gov)
✤ Sought urban areas and formed
tight-knit neighborhoods

4. Public Anxiety & Fear Leads to Legislation to
Curb Immigration
✤ Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
✤ Formation of Immigration Restriction League (1893) (America.gov)
✤ National Origins Act (1924) establishes racial quotas
✤ Hart-Celler Act (1965) eliminates quotas

5. Change in Region of Origin: US
Immigrants from 1970-2010
1970 2010

6. Modern Era 1980-Current
✤ Significant Amount of Unauthorized (Illegal) Immigration
✤ Immigration numbers approaching 1900 levels as percentage of
population (13% as of 2010)
✤ Non-Traditional Destinations (NC, GA, AR, NV, TN, SC, NE)
✤ Aging Population and Voting Bloc
✤ Legislative Failures

7. Debunking Common Immigration
Myths
✤ From 1990-2007, Immigration Contributed to an Increase in Real Income
Per Worker (6.6%-9.9%), or Roughly $5,100 Annually
✤ Approximately 75% of Immigrants Have a Legal Permanent Resident
(LPR) Visa
✤ From 1986-1998 Border Patrol Budget Increased 6x. Number of Border
Agents Doubled
✤ In California, Incarceration Rate for U.S.-Born Men (4.2%) is Ten Times
That of Foreign-Born Men (0.42%)
✤ Deportations of Criminals Has Increased by 87% from 2008

8. Conclusion
✤ Reform is Needed
✤ State and Local Measures Have Largely Been Ineffective (Arizona)
✤ Bipartisan Support is Growing
✤ Consider Your Community
✤ Do What’s Ethical