The Problem of Immigration in a Slaveholding Republic

In "The Problem of Immigration in a Slaveholding Republic," the author explores the historical roots of immigration policy in the United States, highlighting how the legacy of slavery shaped national approaches to regulating foreign admission and exclusion. The book examines the roles of states and the federal government before and after the Civil War, revealing how fears surrounding the control of immigration intertwined with the issues of slavery and racial dynamics. It also discusses the transition from a state-controlled system to a federal one, particularly the exclusionary tactics employed against Chinese laborers, drawing connections to earlier practices against free Black individuals.