The article is concerned with the problem of legal restrictions on immigration to the United States using a literacy test. Attention to identifying participants of events and their motivation in voting on draft laws is paid. The opinion of US presidents on the possibility of restricting the immigration flow is analyzed. Based on an analysis of congressional transcripts, immigration Commission reports, and personal letters, the reasons for the lengthy debate on the issue of immigration law enforcement are identified. It was noted that certain beliefs of the participants in the discussions, as well as political conditions, prevented the adoption of the bill to restrict immigration. However, the active work of public organizations that encourage restrictive legislation, and their firm belief in the need to reduce the immigration flow, eventually led to the approval of the bill despite the veto of the US President.