In the 1800s, many people faced nativism, which was

Summary and Definition of Nativism in America

Summary and Definition: Nativism in America refers to the preference for established US residents, as opposed to foreigners or "others" considered to be outsiders and the opposition to immigration. The belief in Nativism was a prejudicial attitude towards immigrants based on their national origin, their ethnic background, their race or religion. The doctrine of Nativism in America resulted in a widespread attitude that rejected alien persons, or culture, and led to xenophobia and new, stringent laws being passed to restrict immigration.

Nativism is a political stream that promotes the interests and rights of national population over immigrants. It supports the establishment of measures to control (to block) immigration flows.

Such feelings against imigration are justified by nativists due to the amount of money that they cost to the public agencies, because they steal jobs that should pertain to domestic citizens, or because they are condenmed to isolation, as they do not know the language or customs of their home country.