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The Roots of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in the U.S.: Understanding the Past to Effectively Navigate the Near Future.

Throughout U.S. history, since its inception as a Country, the anti-(im)migrant sentiment has been fueled by policies and ideologies that began long before today's debates over (im)migration.


To understand why (im)migration is such a contentious issue, it’s extremely crucial to look back at the key moments that have shaped attitudes toward immigrants in this country: from early colonization to the recent threats of mass deportation, each phase has left its mark on how we see and treat those who arrive from "other lands".


Colonization and the Doctrine of Discovery


The roots of anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. can be traced back to the earliest European settlers. European colonizers arrived on this land with the Doctrine of Discovery, a framework established in the 15th century by European monarchs, which justified the takeover of lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples and the Transatlantic Slave-Trade. This doctrine set the stage for seeing non-European, non-Christian populations as “inferior” and lacking rights to their own land, this is a perspective that would shape future (im)migration policies and the treatment of people deemed “outsiders.”


Manifest Destiny and Expansionism


By the 19th century, the idea of Manifest Destiny—the belief that Americans were “destined” by God to expand across the continent—became widespread. This expansionist mindset not only displaced Indigenous communities but also instilled a sense of entitlement to territory and control over populations deemed “un-American.” The Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in the U.S. seizing nearly half of Mexico’s territory, shows how the idea of "destiny" was used to justify taking land and imposing control over others. This mentality reinforced a sense of cultural and racial superiority and laid the groundwork for viewing Mexican and Latin American immigrants with suspicion and hostility.


U.S. Imperialism in Latin America


In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. extended its reach beyond its borders, intervening in countries throughout Latin America to secure resources and political control. This period of U.S. imperialism saw repeated invasions and political interference, often leaving these countries economically weakened and politically unstable. These actions created the very conditions that forced people to migrate north for survival—a reality often overlooked when discussing why people come to the U.S. today.


Double Colonization: Immigrants and Indigenous Peoples


As immigrants from various countries arrived, especially from Mexico and Latin America, they found themselves experiencing what some call “double colonization.” Not only were they navigating the challenges of being non-European in a society dominated by Eurocentric ideals, but they were also entering a land that had already been taken from its original Indigenous inhabitants. This overlapping history of displacement and marginalization has contributed to complex, often conflicted attitudes about who “belongs” in the U.S. and who doesn’t.


Anti-Immigrant Policies in the 20th Century


Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. enacted numerous policies targeting immigrants, particularly those from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and Operation Wetback in 1954, which forcibly deported Mexican nationals, are two examples of federal actions driven by racialized views of immigration. These policies reinforced stereotypes about non-European immigrants as threats to jobs, culture, or safety—a narrative that has repeatedly been used to justify exclusionary measures.


Project 2025 and Threats of Mass Deportations Today


Today, anti-immigrant sentiment continues to evolve, with new policies that echo the exclusionary practices of the past. Project 2025, a current plan developed by certain political groups, threatens mass deportations and restrictive policies if implemented. This initiative mirrors historical strategies to label certain populations as “other” and “undesirable,” aiming to create a society defined by rigid boundaries rather than inclusion. The fear of deportation disrupts families, threatens cultural diversity, and stirs fear among communities simply trying to contribute to a better life in this country.


Learning from the Past to Build a Just Future


Understanding the history of anti-(im)migrant sentiment helps us see that today’s challenges are not isolated incidents—they are part of a much larger historical pattern. By examining how these attitudes and policies were formed, we gain a clearer view of how they impact communities today and how we can work to create a more just society.

At Teyolia, we believe in honoring all backgrounds and advocating for communities affected by exclusionary practices. Our work supports those who strive for equity and dignity, helping (im)migrant communities find empowerment and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. Only by learning from history truthfully can we prevent repeating it and move towards a future that values and includes everyone.

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