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 rates of immigration have stirred negative emotions and encouraged restrictive legislation, and numerous bills in Congress have supported the suspension of immigration and the deportation of non-Americans (Wisconsin Historical Society). Mexican-American history has been shaped by several congressional bills and efforts to deport all non-Americans from the United States. The United States was home to several groups of Spanish origin, prior to the Declaration of Independence. The term “Mexican American” was a label used to describe a number of Hispanic American groups that were diverse and distinct from each other (Healey). Between 1910 and 1930, Mexicans migrated to the southwestern regions of the United States and began working as unskilled, low-paid physical laborers. Mexican immigrants took work as migrant or seasonal workers in mines or on commercial farms and ranches. These jobs involved isolation and physical immobility with little chance of economic success (Mitz). Mexican Americans were not alone in their struggle to fit into mainstream America and combat racial discrimination in education, employment, wages, and politics. In the early twentieth century, Mexican Americans found themselves in situations that closely resembled those of the American Indians. According to Healey, both ethnic groups were relatively small in size (only about 0.5% of the total population) and shared similar characteristics. Both groups are distinguished by cultural and linguistic differences from those of the dominant ethnic groups, and both have been conquered, imp...... middle of paper...... will once again be forced to look at our laws on immigration. Immigration to the United States is part of a shared experience and history that has brought together distinct paths that Mexicans have taken 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 Minority Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Report of the United States Census Bureau.” 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 .