What economic crisis in the 1930s affected immigration patterns to the U.S.?

The Great Depression, which began in 1929 and lasted throughout much of the 1930s, had a profound impact on immigration patterns to the United States. During this severe economic downturn, many Americans faced high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and a struggling economy. As a result, the demand for jobs diminished significantly, making it difficult for new immigrants to find work and settle in the U.S.

In response to the economic hardships, immigration policies became more restrictive. The government implemented measures to prioritize native-born citizens over new immigrants for available jobs. Additionally, many potential immigrants from Europe and other regions faced financial constraints that prevented them from making the journey to the U.S. The prevailing economic climate led to a significant decrease in immigration numbers, as many individuals decided it was no longer feasible to immigrate to a country facing such economic instability.

The Great Depression fundamentally altered the landscape of immigration to the U.S., creating barriers that diminished the influx of newcomers during that decade. The Dust Bowl, though it had a significant effect on migration patterns within the U.S., particularly for rural workers relocating to urban areas, did not have the same overarching influence on immigration as the Great Depression. Similarly, the Great Recession and World War I occurred in different contexts and