NPR

The Huddled Masses And The Myth Of America

The United States has always thought of itself as a nation of immigrants. So why has immigration been such a controversial topic throughout our nation's history?
A century ago, many new immigrants to the United States ended up returning home. And it often took a while for those who stayed to learn English and integrate into American society.

Our airwaves are filled with debates about immigrants and refugees. Who should be in the United States, who shouldn't, and who should decide?

These modern debates often draw upon our ideas about waves of immigration.

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