The New Immigrants Chapter 20, Section 1 Pgs

Emigrate To leave the country where you were born to move to another country to live.

Ethnic Group Groups of people who follow the same customs and speak the same language

Steerage The cramped, noisy quarters on the lower decks of the steamships where most immigrants traveled because it was cheap.

Sweatshop Dark crowded workshops where workers made clothing

Assimilate To become part of a culture which is not your own

New Immigrants 80% of immigrants coming to the U.S. in the early 1900s came from southern and eastern Europe. They had difficulties here because few spoke English and their cultures and religions were unfamiliar to most Americans.

Immigration The new immigrants left their homelands for the following reasons: economic troubles Overcrowding and poverty Lack of farmland and crop failures Machines put many craft workers out of work Persecution of ethnic groups by the government The new immigrants came to the U.S. for the following reasons: Opportunities and jobs Land A chance at a better life

Entrance to the United States Most immigrants were greeted by the Statue of Liberty since most immigrants arrived on the east coast at Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Some immigrants arrived on the west coast at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay.

The Entrance Exam Immigrants were asked their names which were often changed They were asked about where they came from and what their occupation had been. They were asked if they had any relatives in the United States. They were given a health exam

Greatest Challenges The greatest challenge was to find work. In trying to adjust to the United States though they had two desires. First they wanted to preserve some aspects of their own cultures. But at the same time they wanted to become part of the American culture.

Ethnic Communities Once in America, most immigrants migrated towards areas of the cities where others like themselves lived. By doing this they were able to work together to preserve their cultural heritage. Examples: Little Italy, Chinatown, etc.

Immigration Laws The Chinese Exclusion Act This law prohibited Chinese workers from entering the U.S. for 10 years. Congress extended the law twice. Immigration Act of 1917 This law included a literacy requirement which stated that immigrants to this country should be able to read and write.

Immigrants Enrich Society Many of the things we enjoy as Americans today are passed down from these immigrants. They brought with them customs, cultures, languages, literature, and FOOD!