How did the Great Depression affect immigration to the U.S.?

The Great Depression had a profound impact on immigration patterns to the United States, primarily leading to a significant decrease in immigration. During this period, high unemployment rates and economic instability made it exceedingly difficult for immigrants to find jobs. With many Americans struggling to find work, the prevailing attitude towards immigration shifted to one of suspicion and restriction.

Additionally, the U.S. government enacted more stringent immigration policies to control the influx of foreigners seen as competition for scarce jobs. This culminated in the implementation of laws, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which had already established quotas that limited the number of immigrants from certain countries.

The economic conditions during the Great Depression prompted many potential immigrants to reconsider their plans, as the prospects of finding stable work and building a new life in the U.S. were dim. Consequently, rather than seeking better opportunities in America, many individuals opted to stay in their home countries or returned to them if they had already migrated. Thus, the overall trend during the Great Depression was one of reduced immigration due to high unemployment and increasingly restrictive immigration policies.