Also, does this hatred towards them account for their increased activity in organised crime?
hi! you may be interested in the previous posts
How did the Irish, Italians, and Jews become "white" in the United States? - includes links to a whole bunch more
Your question is worded a little insultingly and it has been reported by a user. I have approved it, but please at least remove the last sentence, and take care to phrase your future questions in a more neutral manner.
Not sure if this was covered in searocksandtrees post, but I just did a paper on the Irish Potato Famine and its effects on antebellum US history (note: I'm a history student, not a professional). In my research, I found the Irish were viewed with suspicion because they were predominantly Catholics, and seen as disloyal since it was assumed they were more loyal to the Vatican. The same can be said for Italians, Poles, and pretty much any country where Catholicism was the majority.