IMMIGRATION in the late 1800’s

“ Push and Pull” factors. Push factors are reasons that PUSHED people from their home like: Poverty War Religious/Political persecution Overcrowding Lack of Jobs

“Push and Pull” factors. Pull factors are reasons that PULLED people to a new country like: Freedom Wealth Jobs Family

Ellis Island Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty became known as the “golden door” into America and were symbolic of prosperity and freedom.

Ellis Island became a major receiving station for immigrants in New York. Most immigrants entering Ellis Island were coming from Europe. Often times people’s names were “Americanized” to quicken the process.

Angel Island Sits in San Francisco Bay Was the main receiving station for Asian immigrants Not as famous or “romantic” as Ellis Island

“Old” and “New” Immigrants “Old”- before 1885 From countries like England, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia and China Had similar customs (except the Chinese) Some spoke English Many were Protestant Assimilated easier “New”-after 1885

Arrival Most had to find work immediately Many stayed in ethnic neighborhoods with people from their home country N.Y.C became the “most crowded place in the world”

Problems Crowded “ghettos” or “slums” were filthy and disease ridden There was rampant crime and many ethnic gangs Union workers were against immigrant workers. Why? Chinese and Irish immigrants were generally the most hated by other groups In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed banning any more Chinese workers from coming into the US “Nativist” groups were formed which were people who were against all immigrants

See the Chinese queue and a drawing of New York gangs above!