The Red Scare was characterized by a significant number of immigrants to the United States who were adherents of socialist, communist, and anarchist ideas. This phenomenon influenced the perception of immigrants in the years 1910-1920. The threat from the socialist regime prompted a response in the form of an anti-immigration policy. At the present time, Americans are equally concerned about the issue as in the past. However, increasing the number of legal immigrants will allow for better control and security.
There are a number of historical reasons behind the origins of the Red Scare. First of all, the First World War became an impetus for the development of the nationalist as well as anti-immigration movement (Sacco & Vanzetti, n.d). This trend was reinforced by the Bolshevik Revolution that occurred in Russia and the emerging threat of world socialist influence (Sacco & Vanzetti, n.d). Government response to the Red Scare was required when anarchists sent out bombs to “prominent Americans” (Sacco & Vanzetti, n.d). Thus, many arrests of possible radicals were made, and immigrants began to be viewed as a direct threat to the US from the socialist regime.
Nowadays, globalization appears to be normal for most people in the world. However, immigrants, in particular illegal ones, are often associated with the terrorist threat. These concerns are illustrated by recent events with Muslims in France and across Europe. Moreover, there is still a widespread movement of white nationalists in the United States who advocate for anti-immigration policies. So I think Americans are as concerned about immigrants and radical movements today as they were in the 1920s. Moreover, it seems to me that taking into account the events occurring in the world, attention to this topic is only increasing.
Certainly, an increase in the number of legal immigrants will reduce the number of those who cross the border illegally. I do not think that there will be fewer immigrants in the United States at all, whether they are legal or illegal. In this case, the government should keep a detailed account, as well as offer more opportunities for those wishing to migrate. It is better to control legal immigrants than to have no idea about the number and activities of illegal ones.
Reference
Sacco & Vanzetti: The Red Scare of 1919–1920. (n.d). Mass.gov.