Emilie Borner 12 year old Emilie travels with her father and brother to America from Germany. View the slide show to learn more about Emilie.

Immigrants to America Immigrants came to America from many European and Asian countries to live a better life. Immigrants came to America from many European and Asian countries to live a better life was the year most immigrants came to America, and 90% of them passed through Ellis Island…speaking at least 30 different languages was the year most immigrants came to America, and 90% of them passed through Ellis Island…speaking at least 30 different languages. People came to America because they thought the streets were “paved with gold.” People came to America because they thought the streets were “paved with gold.” Copyright 1910 Detroit Publishing Co.

Profile - Germany About 4 million Germans came to America from 1840 through About 4 million Germans came to America from 1840 through Germany at this time had a severe economic depression and high unemployment. Germany at this time had a severe economic depression and high unemployment. Many Germans went west in search of farmland. Many Germans went west in search of farmland. The first immigrants traveled on sailing ships which took 40 days to 6 months to travel to America. The first immigrants traveled on sailing ships which took 40 days to 6 months to travel to America. By the late 1800’s, immigrants came by steamship…which took 6 to 32 days. By the late 1800’s, immigrants came by steamship…which took 6 to 32 days. First class or second class ticket holders ate well, and were free to enter the country after an inspection on the ship. First class or second class ticket holders ate well, and were free to enter the country after an inspection on the ship. Most immigrants traveled in steerage. This meant little fresh air, watered-down food, and 1 bath area for hundreds of people. Most immigrants traveled in steerage. This meant little fresh air, watered-down food, and 1 bath area for hundreds of people.

Ellis Island Immigrant families may or may not have traveled together. Sometimes the father or older children went to America, found jobs, and sent money to the homeland for others to immigrate. Immigrant families may or may not have traveled together. Sometimes the father or older children went to America, found jobs, and sent money to the homeland for others to immigrate. People brought what ever they could carry in bundles, boxes, and leather sacks. Sometimes they would wear many layers of clothing. People brought what ever they could carry in bundles, boxes, and leather sacks. Sometimes they would wear many layers of clothing. At Ellis Island all steerage ticket holders went to the Great Hall to be inspected. Doctors would mark the coats of immigrants with a “B” for back problems, “E” for eye problems, “L” for lameness, and “P” for physical or lung problems. Those with a mark on their coat were taken to a special area for more testing. At Ellis Island all steerage ticket holders went to the Great Hall to be inspected. Doctors would mark the coats of immigrants with a “B” for back problems, “E” for eye problems, “L” for lameness, and “P” for physical or lung problems. Those with a mark on their coat were taken to a special area for more testing. New York Public Library Picture

A New World - America Immigrants needed $25 to enter America. Some immigrants would pass the same $25 to the next family in line so they could enter America. Immigrants needed $25 to enter America. Some immigrants would pass the same $25 to the next family in line so they could enter America. Immigrants did not want to become a “public charge” – meaning they could not support themselves. Immigrants did not want to become a “public charge” – meaning they could not support themselves. A new job was the first thing immigrants wanted. A new job was the first thing immigrants wanted. Copyright Harper’s Magazine 1871