One hundred years ago today , Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1917, the first legislation to dramatically limit immigration into the U.S. It introduced rulings that singled out specific countries and ethnicities, and included conditions that favored privilege over need. While many people view immigration as a cornerstone of America’s journey and continued success as a country – a position outlined by White House representatives under President Barack Obama – sweeping restrictions such as those put forward in 1917 also shaped the United States’ immigration story.