Immigration Act of 1924

The Immigration Act of 1924 was a law that limited the number of people entering the United States from other countries, especially targeting those from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia. It established annual quotas based on the 1890 census, favoring Northern and Western Europeans. The law also banned immigration from Asia entirely, effectively closing the door to many migrants. Its goal was to restrict and control immigration to maintain the existing demographic makeup, reflecting a desire for national homogeneity. This law significantly shaped U.S. immigration policy and had lasting impacts on the country's diversity.