What did nativists believe about immigrants?

Nativists believed that immigrants posed a threat to the cultural, economic, and political stability of the nation. They often viewed newcomers as undesirable, associating them with crime, unemployment, and the dilution of national identity. Nativism was rooted in a desire to protect the interests of native-born citizens and often led to the promotion of restrictive Immigration policies. This sentiment was particularly strong during periods of significant immigration waves, reflecting fears of social change and competition for jobs.