What does "nativism" refer to in the context of U.S. immigration history?

In the context of U.S. immigration history, nativism refers to a political policy that prioritizes the interests of native-born Americans over those of immigrants. This ideology often manifests in opposition to immigration and immigrant communities, reflecting a belief that native-born citizens should receive preferential treatment in social, economic, and political spheres.

Nativist sentiments have historically arisen during periods of significant immigration, where economic competition and cultural differences led some segments of the population to advocate for policies that restricted immigrant rights and opportunities. Prominent examples include the Know-Nothing Party in the 1850s and various anti-immigrant movements throughout U.S. history, where nativists sought to preserve what they viewed as American identity and values against perceived foreign influences.

This understanding clarifies the distinction from other choices. Celebrating immigrant cultures would align more with multiculturalism rather than nativism. A social program aimed at immigrant integration would actively support and facilitate immigrant communities, contrary to nativist principles. Similarly, an economic policy encouraging immigrant labor would not prioritize native-born interests over immigrants but would actually recognize and utilize immigrant labor as a vital part of the economy. Thus, the definition accurately encapsulates the nativist movement as one deeply intertwined with the politics of exclusion