Which immigrant group predominantly entered the U.S. in the decades following World War II?

The influx of immigrant groups into the United States following World War II was notably characterized by large numbers of Italians and Eastern Europeans. This period saw a significant shift in U.S. immigration patterns, as policies began to favor certain groups while others faced restrictions.

After World War II, many Italians who had been emigrating since the late 19th and early 20th centuries continued to arrive, driven by economic opportunities and the rebuilding of Europe. Similarly, Eastern European immigrants, particularly from countries affected by the war and the subsequent Soviet influence, sought refuge and new lives in the U.S. due to political unrest and economic hardship in their home countries.

The emphasis on this group is also influenced by the background of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This act abolished the National Origins Formula, which had prioritized immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, instead shifting focus to family reunification and skilled migrants, which allowed for a more diverse immigration flow from all over the world. However, the immediate post-war era continued to see significant numbers of those from Italy and Eastern Europe entering the U.S.

The other options represent groups that, while they have interesting immigration histories, do not predominantly characterize the post-World War II immigration wave as