What was the name of the 1924 Act of Congress that severely restricted immigration in the United States?

The Johnson-Reed Act, officially known as the Immigration Act of 1924, was a landmark piece of legislation that significantly restricted immigration to the United States. The act established quotas based on national origins, effectively limiting the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, while favoring Northern and Western European countries. This approach reflected the nativist sentiments and prevailing social attitudes of the time, as there was widespread concern about the influx of immigrants and their perceived impact on American society.

The act not only aimed to reduce the overall number of immigrants but also included provisions that discriminated against individuals from Asia and other regions by completely prohibiting immigration from certain countries. The Johnson-Reed Act marked a turning point in U.S. immigration policy, as it signified a shift toward more restrictive measures and had lasting effects on the demographic makeup of the nation.

Understanding the significance of the Johnson-Reed Act helps contextualize the evolving attitudes toward immigration in the United States during the early 20th century and the resultant legislative efforts to control and shape the nation’s immigrant population.