What immigration trend was observed in the United States during the 1920s?

The trend of decreased immigration due to quotas during the 1920s is crucial to understanding the immigration landscape of that era. The passage of the Immigration Act of 1924 established national origins quotas that severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the United States. This legislation aimed to preserve the existing demographic makeup of the country, reflecting nativist sentiments that had gained traction in the post-World War I period. The quotas favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, while drastically reducing the number from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as virtually excluding immigrants from Asia.

These restrictions were a direct response to the increasing concerns over national identity, economic stability, and potential assimilation challenges posed by new immigrant populations. As a result, the overall number of immigrants entering the United States significantly declined during this decade, marking a notable shift from previous years when immigration levels were high. This context underscores the impact of legislative measures and social attitudes on immigration trends during the 1920s.