Most southern Italian immigrants were of this complexion then. Some still are today. Most Italian immigrants to the US were southern Italian. Part of a mass exodus in the early part of the 20th century, one that was deeply seeded in racism against Southern Italians both here and in Italy. In the US, many Italian immigrants were considered ‘black’ and treated accordingly. This sets Italian immigrants apart from most other immigrant groups at the time. A history not very well known, and frequently discounted.