COLD WAR, IMMIGRATION LAWS, AND THE PAPER CURTAINS:  THE POLITICS OF US IMMIGRATION LAWS IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER, 1945-1965

Saheed  Adeniyi  OGUNKOYA

Abstract“Cold War, Immigration Laws, and the Paper Curtains: The Politics of US Immigration Laws in the New World Order, 1945-1965” explains how Cold War anxieties intensified the politicization of US immigration law. I argue that, driven by fears of communism, US politicians and citizens split into "admissionists" and "restrictionists" over proposed amendments to immigration laws and the acceptance of displaced persons and immigrants during this period. This research is significant for broadening historical scholarship on the intersection of US immigration law and Cold War politics. Additionally, it demonstrates how the wave of independence among former African colonies triggered a "second scramble" between the US and the Soviet Union. The perceived communist threat in these newly independent nations led US lawmakers to reassess national priorities, fundamentally reshaping US immigration policy. Traditionally, restrictionists had enacted strict immigration laws to prevent the admission of immigrants and later displaced persons, creating an ideological “paper curtain” around the country. Admissionists, however, believed America's strength lay in international engagement. They opposed restrictions and supported immigration reforms to build connections with newly independent African nations, contain communism, and preserve US global leadership. From the end of World War II through Lyndon Johnson's presidency, immigration debates reflected the influence of the Cold War, anti-communist fears, and decolonization, prompting US lawmakers to reshape immigration law in the interests of security and diplomacy. The congressional conflicts that emanated from this process centered on balancing humanitarian goals, security, and economic interests. Between 1947 and 1953, President Harry Truman advocated for expanded immigration, while restrictionists aimed to maintain strict limits. The 1948 Displaced Persons Act was initially very restrictive, but Cold War pressures led to its expansion. Despite Truman’s veto, driven by Cold War concerns and racial biases, the 1952 McCarran-Walter Act reinforced exclusionary quotas. Though Congress resisted change, religious groups, international allies, business leaders, and civil rights advocates intensified their calls for reform. In response, Truman formed a commission to study the faults and recommend improvements to the restrictive laws, as well as to enhance America’s global image; however, these efforts failed. Under Dwight Eisenhower, anti-communist fears kept immigration controls tight, although he recognized the need for change, especially after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Amid the concerns about the spread of communism in newly independent nations, John Kennedy also sought to end discriminatory quotas and reform immigration to counter anti-American propaganda. However, Southern opposition and Kennedy’s assassination stalled these reforms. Lyndon Johnson then took up the issue, making immigration law reform a moral and strategic priority, which ultimately led to the passage of the 1965 Immigration Act. I conclude that the 1965 act reflected a shift in US values and strengthened the nation's reputation as a welcoming and supportive force of democratic ideals, particularly in the eyes of new African leaders, over communism.

COLD WAR, IMMIGRATION LAWS, AND THE PAPER CURTAINS: THE POLITICS OF US IMMIGRATION LAWS IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER, 1945-1965

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