11. Ongoing Immigration and Refugee Concerns
During the 1930s and 1940s, the United States maintained restrictive immigration policies, including strict quotas that limited the number of immigrants from various countries. These policies were influenced by isolationist sentiments, economic concerns, and national security considerations. As a result, many individuals fleeing persecution, particularly Jews escaping Nazi-occupied Europe, faced significant challenges in obtaining visas and asylum. Between 1933 and 1941, at least 110,000 Jewish refugees were admitted to the U.S., but hundreds of thousands more were unsuccessful in their attempts to immigrate. This restrictive approach to immigration and refugee admissions contributed to the nation’s reluctance to engage in international conflicts, as domestic debates over immigration and national security often overshadowed foreign policy considerations (ushmm.org).
