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Nativism is a preference for the inhabitants of a country or region and opposition to immigration. It can arise from ethnic, religious, cultural, or racial reasons. Nativists may fear immigrants taking jobs or changing the area’s culture. Government policies can be influenced by nativism, and anti-immigration sentiments can lead to discrimination and violence. Historical examples of nativism include opposition to immigration in the US and Europe.
The term “nativism” refers to a strong preference for the inhabitants of a country or region and an opposition to immigration into that area. Nativism could arise for ethnic, religious, cultural or racial reasons. In many cases, it arises from fears that immigrants would reduce the social, economic, political, or cultural power or status of an area’s former inhabitants, or change the composition of the area’s population and its culture.
Reasons for nativism
There are many reasons nativists might be against immigration. For example, they may claim that immigrants will take jobs away from established residents or overburden the government if they are unable to fend for themselves. Other nativists might say the area’s culture will have changed or patriotism diminished. Some nativists might condemn immigrants’ refusal or inability to learn the local language, and others might argue that too much immigration will lead to overpopulation. Even if they don’t consider themselves nativists, many people hold certain views that could be called nativists, at least to some extent.
Influence on government policies
Many countries and regions have adopted policies and laws that have been influenced by nativism. Immigration limits are a common example. Other examples include the establishment of official languages and residency or citizenship requirements to qualify for certain government benefits.
Sometimes, especially during times of war, countries will restrict the rights of some immigrants. For example, one country at war with another might force immigrants from that country to live in specific areas or in internment camps. Immigrants could lose the right to vote or, in some cases, could be forced to leave the country.
social ramifications
Even when government policies are not influenced by nativism, anti-immigration sentiments among the public can lead to discrimination against immigrants. They may have difficulty finding work or housing, for example. Extreme nativism could result in violence or other crimes against immigrants. Less severe cases could result in a lack of acceptance or integration into a society.
Historical examples
Examples of nativism can be seen throughout history, such as in the United States in the 1800s and early 1900s. During this time of heavy immigration, many Americans opposed the immigration of groups such as Germans, Catholics, and Chinese. More recently, opposition to illegal immigration from Mexico has been prevalent among some Americans. In Europe, citizens of many countries have feared or opposed immigration for various reasons. Examples of opposition to immigration from China or Japan can also be found in several countries.
