Which immigrant group faced significant barriers due to the quota systems established in the early 20th century?

Asian immigrants faced significant barriers due to the quota systems established in the early 20th century because these systems were explicitly designed to limit immigration from specific countries, particularly those in Asia. The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, implemented strict quotas that essentially aimed to reduce the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe while effectively barring immigration from countries like China and Japan through outright restrictions.

This discriminatory policy reflected racial prejudices prevalent at the time, as it favored immigration from Northern and Western European countries. The result was a significant decline in the number of Asian immigrants legally able to enter the United States, fostering an environment of exclusion that persisted for decades. The impacts of such legislation were profound, leading to family separation and diminishing opportunities for those seeking a new life in America.

The other groups mentioned did not face the same level of legal barriers. For instance, Western European and Canadian immigrants were able to enter the U.S. more freely during this time, benefiting from more favorable quota systems. Mexican immigrants, while facing their own set of challenges, were largely exempt from these quota restrictions, particularly due to labor demands in the U.S. during that period. Thus, the unique nature of discrimination embedded in the