Immigration Myths from the Past Continue to Shape U.S. Debates
Immigration in the United States has long been surrounded by myths, many of which continue to influence political and public discourse today. Recent discussions, including remarks by Vice President JD Vance, have revived claims that early 20th-century immigrants were more eager to assimilate and that Americans were more welcoming to them—a perspective that experts say oversimplifies history.
Professor Nancy Foner, whose new book Immigration: How The Past Shapes The Present will be released next year, explains that immigrants arriving in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century—mainly from Southern and Eastern Europe—often faced hostility. Jewish and Italian immigrants, in particular, were regarded as racially inferior and unlikely to assimilate. Contrary to popular myths, many did not learn English immediately, and their social and economic progress was gradual rather than rapid.
“The story of quick assimilation and rags-to-riches is mostly a myth,” Foner notes. She highlights her own grandfather’s experience as an example: he arrived in New York working menial jobs and eventually co-owned a garage, but it was only in the second generation that his children moved into professional careers—a pattern still visible among many immigrants today. Currently, about 35% of immigrants over 25 in the U.S. hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Foner points out that these myths persist largely for political reasons. Nativist messaging appeals to certain voter bases, particularly non-college-educated and evangelical white communities, who may perceive demographic changes as a threat. Economic factors, such as the decline in manufacturing jobs, also contribute to the perception that immigrants are responsible for economic challenges. Historically, nativist sentiment is not new: examples include the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the anti-Mexican movements, showing a long history of selective acceptance of immigrants.
Looking forward, demographic trends suggest that immigration will remain crucial for the U.S. workforce. With an aging population and baby boomers reaching retirement age by 2030, the need for workers is expected to sustain relatively high levels of immigration.
Experts emphasize that understanding historical context is key to navigating today’s immigration debates, separating political myths from the realities of immigrant experiences.
