Which group of immigrants faced significant discrimination in America due to both their national origin and religious beliefs in the mid-19th century?

The Irish immigrants faced significant discrimination in mid-19th century America largely due to their national origin and predominantly Catholic faith. During this period, the United States was experiencing a wave of immigration, and the influx of Irish Catholics fleeing the Great Famine from 1845 to 1852 escalated tensions with native-born Protestants. Many Americans viewed the Irish as poor and undesirable, perpetuating stereotypes that painted them as reckless and unintelligent, largely influenced by their differing religious beliefs.

This discrimination was compounded by the nativist movements that arose during this time, most notably represented by groups like the Know-Nothings, who actively sought to limit the influence of immigrants in society and politics. The combination of xenophobia rooted in national origin and anti-Catholic sentiment played a crucial role in shaping the experiences of Irish immigrants, setting them apart from other immigrant groups such as the Germans and Italians, who, despite facing their own challenges, did not face the same level of targeted religious discrimination in this period.