HIST1915

America boasts numerous identities: a global entertainment hub like Hollywood, a leading GDP contributor, a technological innovator, and a global policeman with military power. Yet, as U.S. Presidents like John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama have stated, the phrase "nation of immigrants" has consistently held a central position in America's self-portrait. Immigrant stories bear significant relevance to one's genealogy, often revealing diverse ancestral roots when exploring family history. Immigration not only shapes individual identity but also fuels public debates. The persistent issues surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border, debates about "illegal" immigrants, the surge of anti-Asian xenophobia during the global pandemic, and the hatred against Muslims due to Middle East conflicts underscore the ongoing impact of immigration on American. By familiarizing ourselves with American immigration history, we can better understand how this nation of immigrants has evolved over time, influenced by domestic circumstances as well as global affairs.

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