AMERICANS FACE MIGRATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STATE IMMIGRATION POLICY BY REGION, 1865-1925

This dissertation challenges the prevailing narrative of U.S. immigration policy by examining the pivotal role of state governments in shaping immigration patterns and regulations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through a comprehensive regional analysis, this study highlights the diverse approaches taken by different states in attracting and managing immigrant populations. The research demonstrates the complex interplay between local, state, and federal authorities by comparing state-level policies. This multi-layered approach reveals the ingenuity of state immigration boards and commissions and the complex interplay between state desires, regional characteristics, and the evolving federal response. Moreover, a vital contribution of this work is incorporating Indigenous perspectives to understand how local immigration transformed the environment and impacted Indigenous communities. This study emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices in the historical narrative and sheds light on the often-overlooked consequences of immigration policies for Indigenous peoples.