In what ways, if any, has popular memory shaped the development of immigration policy in the 20th Century?

This essay will concentrate upon two themes in order to discuss how popular memory has influenced immigration policy, and how immigration policy has influenced popular memory in the 20th century.  Primarily, however, there is a need to define what popular memory is. Grimsci suggests that to know thyself involves historical consciousness (Popular memory group, 1982, p. 211). In other words, to know our history is important. In order to know thyself certain common sense ideas surrounding nationhood, citizenship and patriotism are created and impact upon the way in which people view themselves and others around them. These ideas influence immigration policy in different ways at different times throughout history. The term nation in itself is…(short extract)