'The Americanese Wall, As Congressman Burnett Would Build It'

Illustration depicts Uncle Sam as he looks down at three immigrants behind a wall labeled 'Literacy Test' and guarded by fountain pens,' March 1916. The text reads, in part, 'The Americanese Wall, as Congressman Burnett Would Build It,' a reference to the Congressman John Burnett-sponsored 1917 Immigration Act to applicants to pass a literacy test. (Photo by Library of Congress/Interim Archives/Getty Images)