The first immigrants who came to America in during the colonial period were from Western Europe.

Since the early beginnings of the United States, American citizens have had many different opinions concerning immigration. Some people frowned on immigrants because of cultural differences.  In the past, groups of people have tried to prevent immigrants from coming into the country.  Other people felt threatened by new immigrants, thinking that they would take their jobs.  Some have been afraid that higher taxes will be needed to school new immigrant children.