Immigration Restriction Act of 1901

Definition

This was an Australian law that limited immigration into the country, particularly targeting those who were not of British or European descent. It's also known as the White Australia policy.

Analogy

Think of a nightclub with a strict dress code. The bouncer (Australia) only lets in people wearing certain types of clothes (British or European descent), while others are turned away at the door.

Related terms

White Australia Policy: This was a term used to describe a set of historical policies that aimed to forbid people of non-European ethnic origin, especially Asians and Pacific Islanders, from immigrating to Australia.

National Origins Formula: A system used by the United States for allocating immigration visas. The system favored immigrants from Western Europe over other regions.

Nativism: The political policy promoting the interests of native inhabitants against those of immigrants, including by favoring restrictive immigration policies.