Ross believed that immigrants would never truly fit into American society and would always cause problems such as alcoholism, crime, and poverty. Because of these beliefs, many American citizens discriminated against new immigrants, often violently. Additionally, many Americans wanted the government to limit the number of new immigrants allowed into the country. One group that called for restrictions was known as the “nativists” because they believed that “natives should have the highest regard for work” (Anderson 19). Another group was called the “Know Nothing Party” because its members were sworn to secrecy. Due to pressure from these groups, the U.S. government has passed several laws to restrict immigration. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882. Other laws were passed prohibiting “undesirables” from entering the country. These “undesirables” included not only people with criminal records, but also people who were mentally ill or illiterate. In the 1920s, the U.S. government passed a series of “quota” laws that not only limited the number of new immigrants allowed into the country but also showed favoritism toward immigrants from the North and West.