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Fear of Foreigners: A Cartoon History of Nativism in America

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The United States has long been a destination for immigrants seeking a better life. Yet, newcomers haven't always been welcomed with open arms.

Throughout the nation's history, immigrants have consistently been blamed for societal problems, commonly viewed with suspicion and fear and accused of lowering the quality of life for established residents.

It's an issue playing out in the 2016 presidential election, with calls from Republican candidate Donald Trump to deport large numbers of undocumented residents, build a border wall and crack down on Muslim communities.

As comic journalist Andy Warner explains, the current anti-immigrant rhetoric follows a long tradition of nativist sentiment in America. And take a look at our accompanying lesson plan (PDF).

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