THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION POLICY TOWARD JEWISH REFUGEES DURING THE WORLD WAR II

Abstract

World War II is one of the most tragic and decisive periods in world history, marked not only by large-scale military confrontations but also by humanitarian catastrophes. The humanitarian crisis created during this time, particularly the genocide directed against the Jewish population, posed a significant challenge to the entire international community. During the Holocaust, millions of Jews fled Europe to save their lives, and their survival often depended on the immigration policies of other countries, including the United States. The U.S., as a symbol of democracy and freedom, represented the last hope for many European Jews seeking refuge. Despite America’s historically liberal image, the American immigration system of the 1930s and 1940s was characterized by strict control mechanisms and restrictions based on public fear. Furthermore, the political discourse of the time and the public's attitude were often shaped by isolationist sentiments, anti-Semitic propaganda, and economic fears, which directly influenced the fate of Jewish refugees.

  This article aims to examine the U.S. government's attitude toward Jewish refugees in the 1930s and 1940s, analyzing the factors that shaped its policies toward them. The study takes into account the political context, public sentiment, anti-Semitism, media influence, and other mechanisms.

Keywords: World War II; Holocaust; Jews; USA; immigration policy; anti-Semitism; Great Depression.