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Quota Era
Not unlike similar efforts to limit Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, the U.S. Congress passed billd in 1921 and 1924 aimed at limiting the number of European immigrants-- particularly Jews, and those from Southern Europe like the Roma--entering the the U.S. This ended the "Ellis Island" era during which millions of European immigrants flooded into New York City and its environs. -
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Jewish Refugees
A few exceptions were made to the U.S. quotas on immigrants before and after World War II for Jewish immigrants seeking to flee Nazi Germany and other areas influenced by Nazis. The numbers of Jewish immigrants increased drastically in 1948 when the extent of the Holocaust was discovered. In total, about 140,000 Jewish Immigrants entered the country as a result of World War II. -
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Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez for many years was the face of the Latino immigrant in the U.S. Along with Dolores Huerta, they worked tirelessly for better wages and working conditions for farmers who were primarily of Mexican or Central American descent. Together they came up with "Si Se Puede!" and were successful at achieving reform. -
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Reagan Amnesty and Beyond
Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill giving legal amnesty to illegal immigrants who entered the country before 1982. Since then, many immigrants have been hoping for the Dream Act or other major immigration reform.