During the late 1800s and early 1900s, millions of people immigrated to the United States from Europe to start new lives. During this time, immigrants faced discrimination, miserable working conditions, and low wages. The Immigration Act of 1924 restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, while the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese immigrants from entering the country. Another shift in immigration law occurred in the middle of the 20th century with the abolition of the nationality-based restrictions and the establishment of a new system focused on reunited families and employment-based immigration. However, due to concerns over border security, unauthorized visitors, and refugees, the immigration debate has become more heated recently. In general, there have been times of openness and decades of exclusion and discrimination over how immigrants are treated in the United States throughout history. The treatment of immigrants and the discussion of immigration policy are important political issues in the United States even now.