How has xenophobia shaped America’s past, present, and future? In this episode, we examine the roots of xenophobia in the United States, from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to present-day immigration policies. Drawing on insights from Erika Lee's At America’s Gates, we explore how the U.S. transformed into a "gatekeeping nation" through laws, surveillance, and deportation aimed at controlling immigration and racial boundaries.
We also discuss stories of resilience and survival among immigrants, including Chinese laborers, refugees, and other marginalized communities who fought against discrimination. By connecting historical exclusion with current debates on immigration and race, we reveal how xenophobia remains a powerful force—and what we can do to challenge it. Join us for a conversation about history, justice, and solidarity.
- U.S. immigration history
- History of xenophobia in America
- Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
- Gatekeeping nation concept
- Race and immigration laws
- U.S. border enforcement history
- Surveillance and deportation policies
- Asian American exclusion
- Immigrant resilience and history
- Racism in American immigration
- Erika Lee At America’s Gates
- Chinese immigrant exclusion history
- 19th-century U.S. immigration laws
- Chinese laborers and deportation
- Immigration controls in American history
- Race and class in U.S. gatekeeping
- Angel Island immigration station
- Legacy of Chinese exclusion laws
- Immigration identification policies
- Modern parallels to historical xenophobia
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.