What Happened On February 5th?
On February 5th, 1917, the Immigration Act of 1917 was passed by the 64th United States Congress, overriding President Woodrow Wilson’s veto. This American immigration policy became the nation’s first major restrictive immigration law.
The day itself was filled with political tension. The House of Representatives had originally passed the same Act a year ago on March 30th, 1916. However, 28th President Wilson, an advocate and a voice for open immigration, expressed strong opposition and issued a veto on December 14th, 1916.
Despite his efforts, the Senate voted to override the veto on January 29th, 1917 by a comfortable 56-10 margin. The House followed suit on February 5th, achieving a decisive 287-106 vote, officially overriding the veto and making the Act law.
The Immigration Act of 1917 introduced three key changes –
- Literacy Test – This required immigrants over 16 years-old to be able to read and write in any language. This provision aimed to restrict immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, where individuals were seen as “less literate” at the time.
- Increased Head Tax – The fee paid by immigrants entering the country rose from $4 to $8, further limiting accessibility. This fee increase is about a $100 increase in today’s value of money.
- Exclusionary Clauses – The Act expanded existing bans on individuals deemed “undesirable,” including anarchists, polygamists, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
The Act’s restrictive measures immediately reduced immigration patterns from targeted regions. While proponents praised it as promoting cultural assimilation and national security, critics condemned its discriminatory nature and negative economic impact. The Act set the stage for further restrictive legislation in the 1920s, which shaped American immigration policy for decades to come.
Anti-immigrant sentiment had been simmering in the United States due to factors like nativism, concerns over labor competition, and anxieties surrounding World War I. The Act reflected these prevailing currents, which in turn created a more restrictive approach to immigration.
Today, the Immigration Act of 1917 is still debated as a controversial topic. While some see it as a necessary measure for national security, others view it as discriminatory. Today on this day, we are reminded of the often contentious nature of immigration policy, prompting ongoing debates about who is entitled to call America home.
Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Although this is considered to be a very controversial topic, Congress had their reasons to override this veto, especially during a very anxious time period.
What if this Act was not overridden? How do you think this would impact the number of immigrants in America today?
If you want to share your thoughts, please leave your comments below.
Thanks!
