Push, Pull, and Policy: The History of US Immigration

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive historical overview of United States immigration and citizenship policies from the Early Republic through the mid-20th century. The narrator guides viewers through five distinct eras, examining how the definition of who belongs in America has evolved over time. The video begins with the etymology of the word "immigrate" and moves through key legislative milestones, including the Naturalization Act of 1790, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and the implementation of the quota system. The content explores complex themes such as push and pull factors for migration, the rise of industrialization, and the social backlashes known as nativism and xenophobia. It candidly discusses sensitive historical topics like the eugenics movement and how pseudoscientific racism influenced government policy, specifically through the biased Dillingham Commission. The video also highlights the contributions of immigrants to American culture and economy, balancing the narrative of restriction with one of opportunity and growth. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent anchor for units on US History, Civics, or Human Geography. It breaks down dense historical concepts into digestible segments using visual aids, primary source imagery, and clear definitions of academic vocabulary. The video encourages critical thinking about how historical definitions of race, ethnicity, and nationality were constructed and used to shape the demographics of the United States, providing a necessary context for understanding modern immigration debates.