Final answer:
In the 1990s, the U.S. experienced a surge in immigration from Asia and Mexico, continuing the trend from 1970 and leading to heated debate and stricter border controls. While the numbers were high, they appeared smaller when considered relative to the overall population growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1990s, the United States saw a new trend in immigration with significant numbers of immigrants arriving from Asia and Mexico.
This period represented a continuation of an increase in immigration since 1970. During the 1980s and 1990s, the issue of both legal and illegal immigration became a controversial topic in the United States. Anti-immigration activists gained momentum, leading to an increase in military and border patrol presence and heightened media focus on crimes committed by immigrants.
Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Census show that the number of immigrants to the U.S. declined from 1900 to the 1940s, then increased sharply through 2009 before starting to decline again. The 1990s specifically saw high levels of immigration, reaching numbers comparable to the early 20th century.
However, when considering the population growth over the twentieth century, the relative impact of the 1990s immigration levels appears smaller in proportion. It is also important to note the division among Hispanic communities regarding immigration policies, revealing a complex landscape of opinions and socio-economic considerations within immigrant communities.