Open hearts, closed doors: immigration reform and the waning of mainline Protestantism

A history of mainline Protestant responses to immigrants and refugees during the twentieth century 'Open Hearts, Closed Doors' uncovers the largely overlooked role that liberal Protestants played in fostering cultural diversity in America and pushing for new immigration laws during the forty years following the passage of the restrictive Immigration Act of 1924.

These efforts resulted in the complete reshaping of the US cultural and religious landscape.

During this period, mainline Protestants contributed to the national debate over immigration policy and joined the charge for immigration reform, advocating for a more diverse pool of newcomers.

They were successful in their efforts, and in 1965 the quota system based on race and national origin was abolished.