Final answer:
Prejudice towards immigrants in 19th century America stemmed largely from nativist sentiments and fear of economic and social change. Immigrants faced significant discrimination, resulting in restrictive anti-immigration legislation and the scapegoating of immigrants for urban problems. Reports like the Dillingham Commission reinforced stereotypes that deepened societal prejudices.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 19th century, much of American society was prejudiced towards immigrants because these new arrivals were often seen as threats to the existing social order and economic stability. Many immigrants who arrived in the United States after the 1890s were from Southern and Eastern Europe, and faced xenophobia and discrimination. They were seen as despised immigrants who had different cultures, languages, and religions, which estranged them from the so-called 'Old-stock Americans'.
The backlash against immigrants resulted in anti-immigration legislation and movements like the American Protective Association, which promoted policies to restrict immigration. Reverend Josiah Strong, in his writings, vocalized the nativist concerns of the period by labeling immigrants from specific regions as threats to American moral values.
This set the stage for the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, and the Immigration Act of 1924, which further discriminated against certain immigrant groups.
Prejudice and discrimination were compounded by the notion that immigrants were to blame for various social and economic issues. They were scapegoated for problems such as unemployment and overcrowded housing conditions. The Dillingham Commission report further reinforced these ethnic stereotypes and prejudices by highlighting the differences between 'newer' and 'older' waves of immigrants.