The author treats immigration as a global sociological phenomenon with particular attention to its American implications, combining historical survey with analysis of causes, composition, and legal responses. Chapters trace earlier migration phases and federal legislation, examine volume and racial mix, and analyze embarkation, inspection, and the social and economic conditions of arrivals. The text evaluates immigrants’ living standards, patterns of distribution, exploitation, religious and demographic aspects, and consequences for wages, poverty, crime, public health, industry, and politics. Throughout, underlying principles of population movement are stressed to clarify contemporary problems and to weigh restriction, assimilation, and broader conservation measures.