American Immigration Past and American Immigration Past and PresentPresent

Throughout its history, America has Throughout its history, America has served as the destination point for a served as the destination point for a

steady flow of immigrants.steady flow of immigrants.

This powerpoint looks at…This powerpoint looks at…

The motivations of immigrants.The motivations of immigrants.The reason they left their native country or The reason they left their native country or

“push” factor“push” factorThe reason they immigrated to a country or The reason they immigrated to a country or

“pull” factor“pull” factor

The history of immigration in the United The history of immigration in the United States is long and varied.States is long and varied.

Colonial America 1700-1770Colonial America 1700-1770During the colonial era most immigrants came from

northern European countries.

German immigrants were among the German immigrants were among the first Europeans in North America. They first Europeans in North America. They helped establish England’s Jamestown helped establish England’s Jamestown settlement in 1608 and the Dutch settlement in 1608 and the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam--now New colony of New Amsterdam--now New York--in 1620. Many European York--in 1620. Many European governments forced their subjects to governments forced their subjects to follow an official religion. Therefore, follow an official religion. Therefore, when William Penn toured Germany in when William Penn toured Germany in 1677, spreading the word of religious 1677, spreading the word of religious freedom in the American colonies, he freedom in the American colonies, he found a receptive audience. Many found a receptive audience. Many Germans, especially Protestants, were Germans, especially Protestants, were persuaded to join him in his colony of persuaded to join him in his colony of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania.

Forced ImmigrationForced ImmigrationThe story of African immigration is unique among immigrant The story of African immigration is unique among immigrant

groups. Unlike other immigrants, most Africans came to groups. Unlike other immigrants, most Africans came to North America against their will, caught up in the brutal North America against their will, caught up in the brutal system of slavery. system of slavery.

However in every colony there was always a population of However in every colony there was always a population of African Americans living in freedom. Some were freed African Americans living in freedom. Some were freed slaves or the descendents of freed slaves, some had slaves or the descendents of freed slaves, some had escaped, some had bought their own freedom, and some escaped, some had bought their own freedom, and some lived in territories or states that had abolished slavery. lived in territories or states that had abolished slavery.

During the 1770s, immigration During the 1770s, immigration numbers declined with the onset numbers declined with the onset

of the Revolutionary War.of the Revolutionary War.

Immigration 1790-1820Immigration 1790-1820The first Census of the United States counted 3.9 million people. The first Census of the United States counted 3.9 million people.

The English were the largest ethnic group. Nearly 20% were of The English were the largest ethnic group. Nearly 20% were of African heritage. Census takers didn't count Native Americans. African heritage. Census takers didn't count Native Americans.

In 1790 Congress passed the first Naturalization Act, which In 1790 Congress passed the first Naturalization Act, which stipulated that "… stipulated that "… any alien, being a free white person, may be any alien, being a free white person, may be admitted to become a citizen of the United Statesadmitted to become a citizen of the United States...." ...."

The War of 1812 between the United States and Britain slowed The War of 1812 between the United States and Britain slowed immigration at the start of the 19immigration at the start of the 19thth century(1800s). century(1800s).

When the war ended, immigration from Great Britain, Ireland and When the war ended, immigration from Great Britain, Ireland and Western Europe resumed at a record pace. Major port cities of Western Europe resumed at a record pace. Major port cities of this era - New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston - this era - New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston - were overwhelmed with newcomers.were overwhelmed with newcomers.

1820-18801820-1880 The Industrial Revolution has begun, the slave trade is The Industrial Revolution has begun, the slave trade is

nearing its end, and America is pushing westward. Word of nearing its end, and America is pushing westward. Word of the California Gold Rush (the California Gold Rush (18491849) has spread around the ) has spread around the world, attracting immigrants from both Asia and Europe. world, attracting immigrants from both Asia and Europe. Thousands of immigrants find work on the trans-continental Thousands of immigrants find work on the trans-continental railroad (railroad (18691869), settling in towns along the way. ), settling in towns along the way.

Although many new immigrants came in pursuit of a dream, Although many new immigrants came in pursuit of a dream, nearly all the Irish immigrants from the 1840's and 1850's nearly all the Irish immigrants from the 1840's and 1850's came to escape a nightmare - a devastating famine back came to escape a nightmare - a devastating famine back home. The Great Hunger would leave 1.5 million dead, and home. The Great Hunger would leave 1.5 million dead, and just as many would flee to America. just as many would flee to America.

As in the past, the immigrants of this period were welcome As in the past, the immigrants of this period were welcome neighbors while the economy was strong. During the neighbors while the economy was strong. During the Civil War both the Union and Confederate armies relied Civil War both the Union and Confederate armies relied on their strength. But during hard times, the immigrants on their strength. But during hard times, the immigrants were accused of stealing jobs from American workers. were accused of stealing jobs from American workers.

But it was the pro-immigrant voices of this era that would But it was the pro-immigrant voices of this era that would be most influential. The Republican platform of 1864 be most influential. The Republican platform of 1864 stated, "stated, "Foreign immigration which in the past has added Foreign immigration which in the past has added so much to the wealth, resources, and increase of power so much to the wealth, resources, and increase of power to the nation … should be fostered and encouragedto the nation … should be fostered and encouraged." ."

1880-19301880-1930 After the Civil War, America's growing industrial economy After the Civil War, America's growing industrial economy

required many more workers, and this need was filled once required many more workers, and this need was filled once again by immigrants arriving from Europe. By the 1880's, again by immigrants arriving from Europe. By the 1880's, the steam engine had shortened the journey to America the steam engine had shortened the journey to America dramatically and immigrants poured in from around the dramatically and immigrants poured in from around the world. world.

While earlier immigrants had come mainly from northern While earlier immigrants had come mainly from northern European countries such as England, Germany, Norway, European countries such as England, Germany, Norway, and Denmark, by the 1880s most new immigrants were and Denmark, by the 1880s most new immigrants were arriving from southern and eastern European countries such arriving from southern and eastern European countries such as Italy, Poland and Russia. The door was wide open for as Italy, Poland and Russia. The door was wide open for Europeans.Europeans.

The experience for Asian immigrants in this period was The experience for Asian immigrants in this period was quite different. In 1882 Congress passed the Chinese quite different. In 1882 Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, severely restricting immigration from Exclusion Act, severely restricting immigration from China for the next 10 years, which was then extended to China for the next 10 years, which was then extended to be indefinitely. This was the first major restriction on be indefinitely. This was the first major restriction on immigration to the United States. immigration to the United States.

For the first time in American history, immigration into the For the first time in American history, immigration into the United States was denied on the basis of race and class. United States was denied on the basis of race and class.

The Chinese Exclusion Act - 1882

Chinatown, San Francisco, USAChinatown, San Francisco, USA

Why the Chinese?Why the Chinese? Chinese immigration to America was influenced by both the "pull" of Chinese immigration to America was influenced by both the "pull" of

California's Gold Rush and the "push" created by China's impoverished California's Gold Rush and the "push" created by China's impoverished conditions. conditions.

America's expansion to the West and the economic boom of the Gold America's expansion to the West and the economic boom of the Gold Rush era did provide employment possibilities for the Chinese. They Rush era did provide employment possibilities for the Chinese. They quickly became an inexpensive but formidable work force. quickly became an inexpensive but formidable work force.

By the early 1870s, the Gold Rush was over. Tens of thousands of East By the early 1870s, the Gold Rush was over. Tens of thousands of East Coast laborers faced an economy in decline and fierce competition for Coast laborers faced an economy in decline and fierce competition for jobs. The Chinese, once welcomed for their work ethic and valuable jobs. The Chinese, once welcomed for their work ethic and valuable contribution, were now blamed for lowering wages, employment contribution, were now blamed for lowering wages, employment opportunities, and working conditions of all laborers.opportunities, and working conditions of all laborers.

The Chinese maintained the customs, rituals, beliefs, and lifestyle of their The Chinese maintained the customs, rituals, beliefs, and lifestyle of their homeland, they were accused of being unable or unwilling to assimilate homeland, they were accused of being unable or unwilling to assimilate into American society. Long-held racial, cultural, and religious prejudices into American society. Long-held racial, cultural, and religious prejudices were unleashed on the so-called "heathen Chinee."were unleashed on the so-called "heathen Chinee."

After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, American After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, American attitudes toward immigration began to shift. Nationalism attitudes toward immigration began to shift. Nationalism and suspicion of all foreigners were on the rise, and and suspicion of all foreigners were on the rise, and immigrants' loyalties were often doubted and questioned. immigrants' loyalties were often doubted and questioned. A series of laws were passed to limit the flow of A series of laws were passed to limit the flow of immigrants.immigrants.

With the U.S. entry into World War I in 1919, immigration With the U.S. entry into World War I in 1919, immigration declined dramatically.declined dramatically.

1930-19651930-1965

The Great Depression has begun, leaving few with the The Great Depression has begun, leaving few with the means or incentive to come to the United States. Many means or incentive to come to the United States. Many recent immigrants return to their native lands, including recent immigrants return to their native lands, including hundreds of thousands of Mexicans, many against their will. hundreds of thousands of Mexicans, many against their will. The restrictive immigration policies of the 1920s continue. The restrictive immigration policies of the 1920s continue.

In the late 1930s, with the Second World War accelerating in In the late 1930s, with the Second World War accelerating in Europe, a new kind of immigrant began to challenge the Europe, a new kind of immigrant began to challenge the quota system, and the American conscience. A small quota system, and the American conscience. A small number of refugees fleeing Nazi persecution arrived under number of refugees fleeing Nazi persecution arrived under the quota system, but most were turned away. the quota system, but most were turned away.

By 1900, a great 25 year surge of immigration began, in which By 1900, a great 25 year surge of immigration began, in which more than 100,000 Japanese nationals arrived in the U.S., more than 100,000 Japanese nationals arrived in the U.S., mostly in California. mostly in California.

The Japanese were quite successful in their businesses and The Japanese were quite successful in their businesses and have produced at least one American-made millionaire. have produced at least one American-made millionaire.

By the early years of the century, organized campaigns had By the early years of the century, organized campaigns had already arisen to exclude Japanese immigrants from U.S. already arisen to exclude Japanese immigrants from U.S. life, repeating many of the same slanders as had been used life, repeating many of the same slanders as had been used against Chinese immigrants in the decades before. against Chinese immigrants in the decades before.

By 1930, half of the Japanese in the United States were U.S.-By 1930, half of the Japanese in the United States were U.S.-born. These citizens were more likely to speak English than born. These citizens were more likely to speak English than Japanese, more likely to practice Christianity than Japanese, more likely to practice Christianity than Buddhism, and more likely to prefer "American" food, sports, Buddhism, and more likely to prefer "American" food, sports, music, and social mores than those of Japanese tradition.music, and social mores than those of Japanese tradition.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the U.S. into the Second World Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the U.S. into the Second World War. Hours after the attack, U.S. security personnel began War. Hours after the attack, U.S. security personnel began rounding up and arresting Japanese Americans as rounding up and arresting Japanese Americans as security risks. By the end of the war in 1945, 125,000 security risks. By the end of the war in 1945, 125,000 people, half of them children, had spent time in what people, half of them children, had spent time in what President Roosevelt admitted were concentration camps. President Roosevelt admitted were concentration camps.

This large-scale imprisonment of U.S. citizens solely on the This large-scale imprisonment of U.S. citizens solely on the basis of their ancestry was met with almost universal basis of their ancestry was met with almost universal approval. No serious explanations were offered as to why approval. No serious explanations were offered as to why no large-scale internment of German or Italian Americans no large-scale internment of German or Italian Americans ever took place. No Japanese American was ever ever took place. No Japanese American was ever convicted of any act of treason or sabotage during World convicted of any act of treason or sabotage during World War II. War II.

Japanese InternmentJapanese Internment

1965-20001965-2000By the early 1960s, calls for immigration reform were growing. In 1965, By the early 1960s, calls for immigration reform were growing. In 1965,

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Hart-Cellar Act into law, which President Lyndon Johnson signed the Hart-Cellar Act into law, which removed the quota system favoring Western Europe, replaced by one removed the quota system favoring Western Europe, replaced by one offering hope to immigrants from all the continents. The face of America offering hope to immigrants from all the continents. The face of America was truly about to change. was truly about to change.

Within 5 years, Asian immigration would more than quadruple (increase by Within 5 years, Asian immigration would more than quadruple (increase by 4 times). This trend was magnified even further as a result of Cold War 4 times). This trend was magnified even further as a result of Cold War conflicts during the 70’s and 80’s, such as the surge in refugees from conflicts during the 70’s and 80’s, such as the surge in refugees from the Vietnam war and also from political persecution in Cuba.the Vietnam war and also from political persecution in Cuba.

In 1978, the United States government set a single annual world quota of In 1978, the United States government set a single annual world quota of 290,000, and this ceiling was raised again in 1990 to 700,000.290,000, and this ceiling was raised again in 1990 to 700,000.

Immigrants can enter the country by air, by sea, Immigrants can enter the country by air, by sea, and by land routes through Canada and Mexico, and by land routes through Canada and Mexico, making it easier than ever to enter the country making it easier than ever to enter the country illegally. In 1986, the government gave amnesty illegally. In 1986, the government gave amnesty to more than 3 million aliens through the to more than 3 million aliens through the Immigration Reform Act. Immigration Reform Act.

However, during the recession years of the early However, during the recession years of the early 90s, there was a resurgence of anti-immigrant 90s, there was a resurgence of anti-immigrant feeling. Yet immigrants have arrived at a pace feeling. Yet immigrants have arrived at a pace that at times has exceeded one million new that at times has exceeded one million new arrivals per year, and have settled in all parts of arrivals per year, and have settled in all parts of the country the country

Compare the immigrants of 1930-1965 to the immigrants of 1965-2000.

What differences do you see?

Immigration rates through the 2000s have soared, leaving today's Immigration rates through the 2000s have soared, leaving today's generation with lingering questions: generation with lingering questions:

Does America have a duty to keep its doors open to the world? Does America have a duty to keep its doors open to the world? Can immigrants keep their own culture and language, and still be Can immigrants keep their own culture and language, and still be

called Americans? called Americans?

The debates will certainly continue, as new immigrants arrive on our The debates will certainly continue, as new immigrants arrive on our shores daily, bringing with them their own histories, traditions, and shores daily, bringing with them their own histories, traditions, and ideas, all of which broaden and enrich our sense of what it means to ideas, all of which broaden and enrich our sense of what it means to be an American. be an American.