From the late 19th century until the end of World War II, immigration policy in the United States underwent dramatic changes that altered the pace of 'immigration. High immigration rates aroused negative emotions and encouraged restrictive legislation and many bills in Congress called for the suspension of immigration and deportation of non-Americans (Wisconsin Historical Society). The history of the United States of America has been shaped by several congressional bills and efforts to expel all non-Americans from the United States. The United States was home to several groups of Spanish origin before the Declaration of Independence. The term "Mexican American" was a label used to describe a number of diverse and distinct Hispanic American groups (Healey). Between 1910 and 1930, Mexicans immigrated to the southwestern regions of the United States and began working as low-paid, unskilled physical laborers. Mexican immigrants took jobs as migrant laborers or seasonal workers in mines or on commercial farms and ranches. These jobs led to isolation and physical immobility with little opportunity for economic success (Mitz). Mexican Americans were not alone in their struggle to adapt to mainstream America and combat racial discrimination in education, employment, wages, and politics. In the early 20th century, Mexican Americans found themselves in situations that closely resembled those of American Indians. According to Healey, the two ethnic groups were relatively small, representing only about 0.5% of the total population, and shared similar characteristics. Both groups are distinguished by their cultural and linguistic differences from the dominant ethnic groups, and both have been conquered, imp...... middle of paper ...... will once again be forced to revisit our immigration laws. Immigration to the United States is part of a shared experience and history that brought together the distinct paths taken by Mexicans in an effort to leave Mexico for the American dream. There have been many differences in methods of incorporation and patterns of social, economic and cultural adaptation. Works Cited Healey, Joseph F. Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 2010. Health, Office of Minorities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "United States Census Bureau Report." 2007. OMH - Office of Minority Health. December 3, 2011. Mitz, S. “American in Ferment; the tumultuous 1960s. 2007. Digital History. November 27, 2011. Wisconsin Historical Society. November 27 2011 .