International Implications of American Immigration Policy

served as a safety valve against excessive economic and social pressures at home. Ambitious and restless spirits as well as those who were just plain hungry could relieve their lot by departure for America. Crop failures, religious persecution, overcrowding with low living standards, and political dissatisfaction were among the leading reasons for migration to America. Those who did not go, often found profitable investment opportunities or markets for their goods through friends who did. Thus at the outset a policy of no restrictions was on the whole a good policy for all concerned

Immigration · Immigration policy · Political science · Law · Migration and Labor Dynamics · Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy