the obligations until the World War forced their recognition. The polyglot army that fought under the American flag focused attention upon the fact that the assimilative process had not gone very far. This led to elaborate undertakings known by the name Americanization, some of which were more or less patronizing in nature, and consequently distasteful to those whom they were designed to help. Feverish efforts to bring changes about quickly inevitably have unfortunate results, not the least of which is the alienation of those primarily affected. The experience of conquering nations has shown that attempts at forcible assimilation result in further alienation and desperate clinging to persecuted flags and languages. The amazing degree to which America has assimilated millions of aliens is due largely to the fact that no compulsion has been attempted to make them learn our language or our ways. Our foreigners can be Americanized only by making them respect and love America, and helping them in a process of assimilation which they have been led to desire. The immigrant churches, societies and press had gone long as unchallenged leaders of the people and it was inevitable that they should resent supervision of a certain type when it was applied. Leadership that was wholly un-American of course was quick to take offense. 8 Undoubtedly the power of the Immigrant Press in this country as a possible unifying force has been greatly underestimated. War time investigations revealed thirteen hundred foreign language newspapers being read by about ten million people. This presents an unequalled opportunity for disseminating ideals of good citizenship as well as for promulgating doctrines hostile to the republic. Suppression of such papers, even if justifiable as a war measure, could serve no good purpose in times of peace, while co-operation with them would be of inestimable value in the promotion of good feeling. What is true of the press is likewise true of the foreign Robert E. Park, The Immigrant Press. A far reaching study of the subject. language churches. If religion is a recognized moral force among men, adequate expression of it should be encouraged. There is cold comfort for a Pole or Italian in an English Catholic Church, but where his own language is in use, he feels at home, and may derive strength to withstand temptations. Religious superstitions and proselytism are to be discouraged in any tongue. National societies also exert a great influence over immigrant races. When these are designed to promote the welfare of the race in a new land, they have possibilities of usefulness as an Americanizing force. Some of these formerly had other aims. The fraternal features of these societies make a strong appeal to their members. The United States had taken her population problems lightly before the World War; since then she has felt the necessity of taking them seriously. Professor Ross points out that no country has ever faced the task of trying to assimilate so many and so varied elements as the United States has in her midst. Until recently, the assimilative process was unconscious and not notably successful. The real need now is for co-operation and the extension of opportunity. Formal classes for the teaching of English, although they be conducted with maximum efficiency, will not effect a deep and lasting "Americanization" so long as the foreigner is exploited on every side by unprincipaled natives. Instruction is needed but not more than evidence of a kindly spirit which recognizes "the fundamental human values of the immigrant." > 10 CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN LIFE It has been pointed out from time to time 11 that the immigrant heritage could be utilized for the enrichment of American life, and that the native-born should have a care for the strangers within the gates if they would avert a The Principles of Sociology pages 12-13.-note. 10 Dr. Carol Aronivici, "Americanization" page 47. 11 Peter Roberts-The New Immigration (1910) is an example of this. menace. Many of the immigrants have brought from the Old World a love of the arts that is surprising to uncultivated native Americans. This love could be used as an antidote to the bleakness of modern industry. The common language of music could be made a vehicle of communication. Common enjoyment is a unifying force not to be overlooked, and to which there is a hearty response. Humble people who have come from nations with an illustrious past often have a pride in the glory behind them even though they themselves have made no contribution to national achievement, and they bitterly resent disparaging reference to the land of their birth. It is a well known fact that the retention of old loyalties neither weakens nor renders impossible new national attachments. Indeed the mental habit of loyalty whether old or newly acquired is an essential to good citizenship. Doctor Carol Aronivici 12 mentions the following as wise guiding principles in the work of Americanization: 1. Fair treatment in regard to American institutions. 3. Recognition of national rights of the home country. Or, stated in other terms, "Protection, understanding, participation, acceptance of racial and national values are fundamental." It takes time to learn a language and to absorb the ideas of a new land. There is a period of bewilderment even under the most fortunate conditions, and encouragement is needed. Sympathetic understanding and tolerance should form the basis of all work designed to bring about better assimilation of the immigrants. The immigrant has come to us bringing all that he has; the native-born should reciprocate by placing within his reach all that the country has to offer in the way of a better life. ""Americanization" The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Nov., 1921, 137-8. CHAPTER IV LEGISLATION THROUGH the earlier period of our national life, we look in vain for general legislative regulation of immigration; Congress was occupied with more pressing problems than the migration of aliens. In-coming foreigners, who, in the first few decades, rarely numbered more than ten thousand a year, caused no special anxiety. In fact immigrants were greatly desired since native industries were developing, and an abundance of unoccupied land awaited cultivation. There was always, however, a lurking fear that through the activities of European countries, undesirable settlers might be sent to America. This fear was born of colonial experience. England had systematically used the colonies as a dumping ground for such persons as she wished to be rid of. This was doubtless done in the hope, frequently justified, that they would respond to the chance of a better life offered them in the New World. But the policy of emptying the jails and almshouses into the colonies was met with stolid opposition by the colonists. The new nation viewed with apprehension the possibility of a criminal or feeble-minded strain in the immigration stream. With this exception strangers were usually welcomed. THE FIRST ALIEN BILL During the period of the French Revolution, a fear of foreign influence was felt in the United States. Our government was then so new that thoughtful men distrusted its power to battle successfully with foreign propagandists who might wish to influence the trend of politics here. In an effort to forestall such a difficulty, the Alien Bill was passed in 1798. This law empowered the President to deport any aliens whose influence he might consider detrimental to the country. This was in reality a war measure, as there was the remote possibility of war with France, and its operation was limited to two years. It served the purpose of establishing the right of deportation, a right never relinquished by the United States since only by its exercise can national integrity be maintained. NATURALIZATION BILLS Aside from the Alien Bill, the earliest laws enacted in regard to foreigners were the Naturalization Bills. The law of 1790 provided that citizenship could be acquired after a residence in the country of two years, but in 1795 this period was lengthened to five years. The same agitation that led to the passage of the Alien Bill, led in 1798 to the extension of the residential period to fourteen years. After four years, however, this law was repealed and the five year term re-established. For some years after the birth of the American nation, outside accessions of population were almost entirely from Great Britian and Germany, and these people quickly became an integral part of the new country. The traditions of the American nation were Anglo-Saxon, and representatives of this race immediately felt at home. There was little or not clashing of moral standards or customs; and those who came were in the main agriculturists. Certain changes were noticeable, however, after the war of 1812. Owing to war restrictions, it became necessary for this country to assume new business enterprises. With a further development of manufacturing industries came an increased demand for labor which the country itself could not supply. While land was free or cheap, the natives were unwilling to forego the independence that goes with being even small farmers for the seemingly inferior position of factory wage-earners. European workers, on account of a strongly intrenched upper class, could make no such choice and eagerly responded to the call of American industry. |