What was a major focus of the U.S. government during the early 1920s regarding immigration?

During the early 1920s, a significant focus of the U.S. government was on the restriction of immigration. This period saw the implementation of various legislative measures aimed at limiting the number of immigrants entering the country, primarily through the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1924. This act established national origin quotas that severely restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and effectively barred immigrants from Asia altogether.

The motivations behind these restrictions included a growing sense of nativism and a desire to preserve the perceived cultural homogeneity of the United States. Economic factors also played a role, as many Americans were concerned about job competition and the impact of immigration on the post-World War I economy. Therefore, the policies enacted during this time were aimed at controlling and limiting the flow of immigrants rather than encouraging it, making the focus on immigration restriction the correct answer.