Coming to America:Immigration

Why do people move?

5-3.2Summarize the significance of large-scale immigration and the contributions of immigrants to America

in the early 1900s, including the countries from which they came, the opportunities and resistance they faced when they arrived, and the cultural and economic contributions they made to this nation.

Where is your homeland?Immigration to America 1899-1924

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Countries

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ItalyScandinavian CountriesGermanyPolandGreat BritainIrelandAfrican CountriesSpainRussiaChina

Why did people come to America?

• Decent jobs• Higher wages• Free schools• Cheap land

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Where was the first stop in America?

Ellis Island Angel Island

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How were immigrants processed?

First and second class passengers who arrived in New York Harbor were not required to undergo the inspection process at Ellis Island. Instead, these passengers were inspected aboard ship. The government thought that if a person could afford to purchase a first or second class ticket, they were less likely to become a public charge in America due to medical or legal reasons.

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What was the process for third class passengers?

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“Steerage” or Third Class passengers went through a different process. If the immigrant's papers were in order and they were in reasonably good health, the Ellis Island inspection process would last approximately three to five hours.

What happened if the doctors found something wrong with you?

If the doctors thought something was wrong, they would place a chalk mark on your clothes at your shoulder or back. If you had a chalk mark, you would have to go for further examinations. If your sickness was curable, you were kept in the hospital until you were better.

If you were contagious or incurable, you were placed in a special hospital area until a steamship could take you back to your country.

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What did the legal inspectors do?

• The legal inspectors decided whether you were, in the words of the law, “clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to land.”

• They asked each immigrant between twenty and thirty questions.

• Most immigrants passed the legal examination, but the experience was confusing and frightening for them.

Did you have to have any money when you arrived in America?

• The Commissioner of Immigration made a rule that everyone entering the country had to have ten dollars and money for a railroad ticket. © Microsoft Clipart

What opportunities did immigrants have in America?

• Many immigrants found jobs in America’s busy railroads, factories, and mines.

• Some immigrants were able to start their own small businesses.

• Other immigrants sold goods from pushcarts. These goods included food, clothing, and tools.© Merli Manufacturing Company

What resistance did immigrants face in America?

• Many people were not happy with the number of immigrants coming to the United States. They pushed for new laws and discriminated against groups of people.

• Immigrants brought their own languages and customs to America. They did not want to give these up. This caused problems with people.

• Many immigrants were not allowed to apply for particular jobs because of their race or ethnicity.

What cultural contributions did immigrants make in America?

• Irving Berlin – Songwriter

• Al Jolson – Actor, Singer, Songwriter

• Frank Capra – Movie Director

• Bob Hope – Comedian © Microsoft Clipart

What economic contributions did immigrants make in America?

• David Dubinsky – Labor Leader

• Levi Strauss – Levi Strauss Company

• Pauline Newman – Labor Leader

• Andrew Carnegie – Carnegie Steel Company

© Microsoft Clipart