JEWISH INVOLVEMENT IN SHAPING AMERICAN IMMIGRATION POLICY, 1881-1965 - A HISTORICAL REVIEW

This paper discusses Jewish involvement in shaping United States immig ration policy. In addition to a periodic interest in fostering the imm igration of co-religionists as a result of anti-Semitic movements, Jew s have an interest in opposing the establishment of ethnically and cul turally homogeneous societies in which they reside as minorities. Jews have been at the forefront in supporting movements aimed at altering the ethnic status quo in the United States in favor of immigration of non-European peoples. These activities have involved leadership in Con gress, organizing and funding anti-restrictionist groups composed of J ews and gentiles, and originating intellectual movements opposed to ev olutionary and biological perspectives in the social sciences.