Trends in ImmigrationHistorical ImplicationsBy Angel Browne

Trends in Immigration

• In the early parts of our history, most immigration to the ‘new world’ was from western Europe.

• In the 1800’s Asian immigration was becoming increasingly more prevalent.

• In the 1880’s large groups of Jewish people immigrate• 1910 most immigrates are from Eastern Europe and

Italy• Immigration to the States triples after WW2• 1959 Starts a huge immigration from Cuba to the

States

Educational Impact

The impact on the educational system is intrinsically interwoven with immigration patterns. As different waves of nationalities come through the education system, understanding of teaching English as a second language became imperative. Also, to help establish order and discipline in the school system, the educators would have to lead the fight of tolerance and understanding of others. Another way immigration would impact education is through new ideas and ways of thinking. New ideas about education and best practices of teaching would come with the new residence.

Why Immigrate?

There are may reasons people choose to immigrate to another country. Here are a few:

• Famine – ex: Irish after potato famine• War – ex: Jewish during/after WW2• Intolerance – ex: Scottish fleeing religious

intolerance• Poverty – ex: Eastern and Southern Europeans• Pay off debt – ex: Indentured servants • Asylum – ex: child refugees during times of war• Persecution – ex: Lebanese Christians • Religious Freedom – ex: Pilgrims• Adventure - ex: Explorers, homesteaders

Immigration Struggles

Some of the struggles people faced when they got to the ‘new world’ were harsh and unwelcoming. Here are a few:

•Unfair wages•Unfair working conditions•Bigotry•Laws prohibiting their freedoms•Unwarranted suspicion •Lack of affordable housing•Unfair treatment

My Ethnic Identity

Racial:• Scottish, Irish, English, German, Native

AmericanCultural:• Small town, traditional, conservativeReligious• Baptist, Four Square, Assembly of God –

PentecostalLanguage:• English (my grandparents spoke a few words in

Irish, Scottish and Cherokee – but that has been lost)

Conclusion

With so many cultures that have intertwined throughout the history of our country, the USA can truly be called a melting pot. Also, when it comes to discrimination, everyone has some cross-cultural identity and should therefore be more tolerant of others.

WEPMAN, DENNIS. IMMIGRATION. NEW YORK, NY: FACTS ON FILE, INC., 2007.

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