Why did navists oppose immigrants?

Nativists opposed immigrants primarily because they believed that newcomers threatened their cultural identity, economic opportunities, and social stability. They often viewed immigrants as competitors for jobs and resources, fearing that an influx of foreigners would lead to wage depression and job scarcity. Additionally, nativists frequently held prejudiced views, believing that immigrants, particularly from certain countries or ethnic backgrounds, were inferior or unassimilable. This opposition was often fueled by economic anxieties and cultural fears during periods of rapid Immigration.