Lectures in History
The U.S. Border Patrol
Feb 16, 2025
Juan Mora, a history professor at Indiana University, dives deep into the U.S. Border Patrol's evolution shaped by 20th-century immigration laws. He discusses the critical impact of key legislations like the 1917 Immigration Act and the 1924 National Origins Act on agency formation. Mora highlights early challenges faced by the Border Patrol, including funding and ethnic tensions, and the complexities of its 100-mile jurisdiction. The conversation also touches on the increasing representation of Latino agents and their motivations to join the force.
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Quick takeaways
- 20th century immigration laws, particularly the 1917 Immigration Act, established crucial frameworks that shaped U.S. immigration enforcement and the Border Patrol's evolving role.
- The shift in the Border Patrol's demographic composition, with increased representation of Latina and Latino agents, reflects broader societal changes and emerging recruitment strategies within law enforcement.
Deep dives
Impact of 20th Century Immigration Laws
20th century immigration laws played a significant role in shaping immigration enforcement in the United States. The 1917 Immigration Act introduced literacy tests as a way to limit European immigration, while simultaneously establishing the Asiatic Barred Zone to exclude immigrants from many regions. While these laws sought to keep certain groups out, they uniquely exempted Mexican laborers, reflecting a fluctuating relationship with Mexican immigration. This legal framework laid the groundwork for future immigration policies and enforcement strategies, intertwining laws with the evolution of immigration enforcement agencies.
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