Final answer:
Attitudes towards immigrants in the United States have historically ranged from welcoming to hostile, largely shaped by competition for jobs and cultural differences. Hostility was especially apparent among wage workers who feared job competition, and certain groups like Irish Catholics, Jews, and Italians faced significant discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historically, the attitudes of Americans toward immigrants have been complex and varied over time, often influenced by economic, demographic, and social factors.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States experienced waves of immigration, primarily from Europe, which led to mixed reactions among the American populace. Hostility towards immigrants was not uncommon, particularly among wage workers in the North who feared competition for jobs.
This anxiety was heightened by concerns over cultural differences and the influx of new customs and religions brought by immigrants, such as from Irish Catholics and later Jewish and Italian communities, who faced significant discrimination and stereotypes.
Despite the hardships, immigrants were drawn to the U.S. by the prospect of bettering their lives and achieving the American Dream, often clustering in ethnic enclaves within major cities.
While some Americans embraced the multicultural society, others, especially during times of economic downturn, viewed the new immigrants as threats to their job security and way of life, giving rise to nativist sentiments. These nativist sentiments led to demands for restrictive immigration laws and periods of heightened xenophobia.