How did World War I affect immigration patterns to the United States?

World War I had a profound impact on immigration patterns to the United States, primarily due to the combination of wartime restrictions and the economic turmoil that afflicted many European nations during and after the conflict. As the war intensified, many countries imposed strict controls on emigration, limiting the ability of people to leave war-torn areas. This was particularly true in Europe, where the conflict generated widespread devastation, leading to unstable economies and dangerous living conditions that discouraged migration.

Additionally, the United States itself implemented measures that restricted immigration during this period, such as the Immigration Act of 1917, which established literacy tests and other requirements that made it more challenging for many would-be immigrants to enter the country. These factors combined meant that the number of immigrants coming to the U.S. saw a significant decline during the war years as the situation in Europe deterred potential migrants and heightened scrutiny over arrivals.

The post-war period did see a resurgence in immigration, but during World War I specifically, the combination of external and internal restrictions fundamentally shifted the immigration landscape, leading to a decrease in overall immigration levels.