U.S. Expands Refugee Aid Program for Afghans Following Rise in Taliban Violence

The late nineteenth century experienced one of the largest mass migrations in history, tens of millions of immigrants came to America from Europe, Asia, and North America. Immigrants settled in the United States primarily for economic opportunity afforded by the growing industrial economy and faced challenges upon arriving. The influx of so many immigrants changed American culture and presented unique tensions in American society, leading to a debate over immigration, citizenship, and the restriction of immigration.

What is the background history of immigration policy in the United States? Examine the philosophical origins, legal debates, and legal history from the Founding of the nation to the late 1900s. Give students tools to understand how American lawmakers have viewed immigrants and the reasoning behind the evolving nature of immigration policy.

What is importance of immigration to the American story? Trace the history of immigration in the United States from its Founding to the first half of the twentieth century. Help students gain an understanding of the experience of immigrants in the 1800s, the factors that brought them to the United States, and the challenges they faced upon their arrival. Equip students to engage in the modern conversation on immigration in the United States.

What are the modern day debates on immigration and what are the consequences of the different proposals? Help students refine their research, writing, and presentations skills as well as gain an understanding of how to engage with civility in a discussion about a sensitive topic.

The rise in immigration to the United States in the 1840's altered the economic, cultural, and political climate of the nation in the first half of the 19th century.

Have American views on immigration changed over time? In this episode, Mary walks through "The Anti-Chinese Wall" cartoon by Friedrich Graetz to understand the discriminatory reasons why many Americans objected to Chinese immigration in the late 19th century, and what they revealed about many Americans' beliefs during the time. How did the debate against Chinese immigration turn into the Chinese Exclusion Act?

Tony Williams is joined by Dr. Stephanie Hinnershitz, author and assistant professor of history at Cleveland State University, as they discuss her thought-provoking essay on the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 in BRI’s new digital textbook, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. She chronicles the social, economic, and political factors that compelled many people to immigrate to the United States from China in the late 19th century, as well as the tragic violence and xenophobia that Chinese laborers routinely suffered. How did these tensions culminate in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, and what impact did this discriminatory law have on society?