The times America closed its borders to immigrants
The US government restricted entry into the country
© Getty Images
From terrorism to military conflict and from public health emergencies to migration control, there are several reasons a country might close its borders. There have been various points in United States history when immigration has been encouraged, starting with the colonial period to the early 19th century when people from England, Ireland, Germany, and other parts of Europe were actively encouraged to emigrate to the US. However, attitudes started to change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924 reflected a shift towards restricting immigration.
If you're curious to discover the points in time when America closed its borders to immigrants, click through the gallery.
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