Immigration What positive and negative effects did immigration have on America and the immigrants themselves?

What countries did immigrants come from? Before 1890, most European (old) immigrants came from England, Ireland and Germany. After 1890, European (new) immigrants came from Italy, the Slavic States and Russia. Many of the new immigrants were Catholics or Jews, whereas the old immigrants were mostly Protestants.

What countries did immigrants come from? Immigrants from China had to prove that they already had a relative living in the US because native-born Americans did not want to compete with the Chinese for jobs. Therefore, immigration from this country slowed down by the late 1890’s. Japan and the United States entered into a “Gentleman’s Agreement.” The US agreed that children of Japanese immigrants already living in the US would not be segregated in schools. In turn, Japan agreed to place limitations on the amount of people immigrating from Japan.

Resistance Immigrants Faced Americans were prejudiced against (new- after 1890) immigrants because of their Catholic beliefs. Americans who were Protestants were afraid that the Catholic beliefs would interfere with their way of worship because Catholics followed the authority of the Pope. Americans were afraid city leaders were manipulating immigrant votes to cause corruption in the government. Americans associated immigrants with drinking, and thought they were morally corrupt. This was a main reason for prohibition laws (18 th Amendment).

Americans also feared that immigrants would take their jobs and drive down wages (pay). Some reformers wanted to place restrictions on immigration by requiring immigrants to take a literacy test before they could enter America (just like Southerners did to limit the political power of African Americans.) A quota system (limited the amount of immigrants allowed in the US) discriminated against the “new” immigrants. Resistance Immigrants Faced

Opportunities they Found in America Immigrants: found jobs in factories were able to go to school lived together in ethnic neighborhoods found political opportunities: able to vote and be elected to political office, due to the support of their immigrant communities

Contributions They Made The Chinese and Irish mainly built the Transcontinental Railroad. Some immigrants became inventors and entrepreneurs, such as Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Graham Bell. Immigrants provided the labor that was needed in factories that eventually made the United States the world’s largest industrial power. Many immigrants went to school and became doctors, lawyers and businessmen. At first, differences created tensions, but eventually promoted tolerance and a more democratic society. Immigrants also brought their foods and customs to America, which we adapted into our own culture (ex: Santa Claus and pizza).

Reasons Immigrants Came to America Immigrants came to the US because of both push and pull factors. Push factors—reasons they were “pushed” out of their home country. Pull factors-reasons they were attracted to the US Many immigrants fled their home country to escape religious persecution, war or poverty.(push factors). Many immigrants came for economic opportunity political freedom and social equality. (pull factors) Immigrants