U.S. Immigration Quotas
The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, created quotas designed to limit immigration into the United States from countries considered to be undesirable. It limited immigration to 2 percent of that nationality already living in the United States in 1890, as recorded by census takers. This meant that the largest national groups in the United States in 1890 received larger quotes in 1924. Quotas for groups that immigrated after 1890 had much lower quotas.
This map was issued in 1940 to illustrate President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s proclamation (of 1938) reaffirming quotas from the 1924 act. It provides an opportunity to look into a period of demographic, economic, and social challenges for the United States.
Take a few minutes to study the map. Click on the “i” buttons to focus on particular sections, and to read questions that will help you analyze the map. After you’ve studied the map, click on “When You’re Done.”
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