Which regions of Europe were mainly affected by the 1924 Immigration Act?

The 1924 Immigration Act primarily aimed to limit the number of immigrants entering the United States from Southern and Eastern Europe. This was a significant historical shift in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting the nativist sentiments and racial biases prevalent at the time. The legislation established strict quotas based on national origin, favoring immigrants from Western and Northern European countries while severely restricting those from Southern and Eastern Europe, which included nations like Italy, Poland, and Hungary.

This act was influenced by prevailing attitudes that perceived Southern and Eastern Europeans as less desirable due to cultural differences, economic competition, and fears about their integrating into American society. As a result, individuals from these regions faced discriminatory barriers that curtailed their immigration opportunities, drastically changing the demographic landscape of new arrivals to the United States during that period. The focus on limiting immigration from these specific regions underscores the broader themes of race, ethnicity, and nationalism that were shaping American policies in the early 20th century.