Final answer:
Jefferson believed that America's stance on immigration, highlighted by the Embargo Act of 1807, would economically influence Europe to respect American neutrality. However, this approach failed and led to significant economic hardship in the U.S., damaging Jefferson's popularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
During his presidency, Thomas Jefferson believed that America could use its stance on immigration to affect Europe by promoting an economic battle rather than engaging in warfare. Jefferson had hoped the Embargo Act of 1807 would economically pressure Great Britain and France to cease their harassment and abuse of American shipping due to the Napoleonic Wars. Unfortunately, the Act did not have the intended impact on Europe, and in fact, caused significant economic hardship at home in America, leading to its repeal in 1809. This outcome, which saw the devastation of American shipping and a financial crisis, disappointed Jefferson and decreased the popularity of his administration. Jefferson’s approach reflects the intricacies and complexities surrounding foreign policy and immigration during this period.