What was a common perception of immigrants among labor unions during the early 20th century?

During the early 20th century, many labor unions viewed immigrants as a threat to job security. This perception stemmed from the influx of immigrant workers who were often willing to accept lower wages and work under poorer conditions than their native counterparts. Labor unions, which aimed to protect the rights and interests of workers, found themselves in competition with these immigrants, who were seen as undermining the bargaining power of established laborers.

Union leaders often expressed concerns that the presence of immigrants in the workforce could lead to a dilution of wages and the weakening of labor standards, as employers could exploit immigrant labor to drive down costs. This perception contributed to a complex relationship between labor unions and immigrants, as some unions sought to restrict immigration to maintain job security for their members.