1914 immigration laws

The 1914 immigration laws, primarily through the Immigration Act of 1914, expanded restrictions on incoming immigrants by creating more detailed entry requirements, including a literacy test for some immigrants and increased regulations on certain groups. It aimed to limit arrivals from southern and eastern Europe and restrict what was seen as undesirable elements, such as anarchists or persons with health issues. The law also established federal authority over immigration enforcement and set the stage for future restrictions, reflecting the period’s concerns about national security, cultural integration, and societal change.