The Journal of American Ethnic History, the official journal of the Immigration and Ethnic History Society, is published quarterly and focuses on the immigrant and ethnic/racial history of the North American people.

The Immigration and Ethnic History Society was founded in 1965, and was subsequently chartered as a non-profit organization in Minnesota. In 1998, the Society, which had traditionally dealt with matters of ethnicity as well as immigration, changed its name to the Immigration and Ethnic History Society.

The Society promotes the study of the history of immigration to the United States and Canada from all parts of the world. It includes studies of the countries of origin, and promotes the study of ethnic groups in the United States -- including regional groups, Native Americans and forced immigrants. This work helps us understand the processes of acculturation and of conflict, and furnishes information as to research, organizations, meetings and publications in the field of immigrant history through the Immigration and Ethnic History Newsletter.

The Society numbers about 900 members, divided between scholars and institutions -- mainly libraries and research institutions. It organizes and sponsors sessions at various academic conferences, and grants awards for outstanding books, articles and promising dissertation research.