While it is true that technology contributes to the cause of economic inequality, as well as populist movements, some argue that populist movements must address the issue of immigration instead. During the emergence of the People’s Party, businesses hired immigrant workers “to provide cheap labor on western farms and railroads” (Judis, 26). While cheap labor contributed to the success of these businesses, it did not work in favor for the farmers during the 1890s; immigrants who were willing to work for less threatened the financial stability of their white, working-class counterparts. Because these foreign workers contributed to the frustration the farmers experienced, members agreed to the expulsion of immigrants in the People’s Party (Judis,
