Eugenics and Immigration. Early Immigration Laws in the US (Research Paper Sample)

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Eugenics and Immigration
Introduction
Eugenic practices aimed at preserving the sanctity of ‘model’ human beings or social groups deemed superior to others were common occurrences in the late 19th to the early 20th century before the Second World War broke out. Invented by Francis Galton, an English scientist, eugenics endeavored to preserve the inherent qualities of members of the elite class in Britain by encouraging reproduction among within the ruling class and prohibiting the biological mixing of races. According to the scientist, maintaining the ruling class at the helm of the country’s leadership could only be achieved through biological restriction or controlled breeding within the various social constructs. However, Galton’s principles of eugenics formed the basis upon which both social, physical, and mental problems would be deemed as hereditary and, more so, emanating from a particular group of people or region. The increased immigration of Europeans from the East and Southern Europe fuelled fears among the native Americans who saw the new group of immigrants as unfit for the enlightened society. Additionally, the culture associated most cases of social disorder and unrest with the group of immigrants burdening the nation with their criminal activities, poverty, and insanity. The increasing number of immigrants coming to North America coupled with their adverse economic effects led to the formulation of restrictive immigration policies seeking to preserve the model or desired class and status the native Americans who originated from Northern Europe.