Immigration to the United States
Since the creating of the British Colonies in the new world called America, immigrants have come from around the world to fulfill their dreams. Over time, there have been periodic influxes of immigrants from various countries that have had an impact on the growth and development of the United States. This is a brief look at some of those periods.
The middle of the eighteenth century saw a large influx of immigrants from Germany, with most immigrants settling in the Pennsylvania territory. Many fled Germany because of wars, famines, and high taxes. They were also seeking religious freedom that was offered by territories like Pennsylvania . The main concern at this time was that the Germans, also referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch, would never learn the English language and would not adapt to the laws of the colonies. The Germans, coming from a deeply Lutheran religious background helped develop a deep religious life in the Pennsylvania colony.
Irish immigration in 1856
The immigration of the Irish in the middle of the nineteenth century happened primarily as a result of the potato famine that had devastated the economy and livelihood of the entire country. The large influx of Irish stoked a strong anti-immigrant movement since the Irish were considered by many to have poor social behavior and a negative impact on the economy . They were also eyed with suspicion because of their Catholic religion.
Chinese immigration in 1882
The Chinese immigrated to the United States during the middle of the nineteenth century in search of work and fortunes. They comprised most of the workforce of the Trans-Continental Railway, while many went to California in search of gold. Opposition to Chinese immigration was great because of cultural and language differences. There was also concern about jobs being lost to the foreigners. The opposition was so great that the United States enacted its first immigration legislation with the Act to Prohibit the Coming of Chinese Persons into the United States in 1882 effectively banning any Chinese from immigrating to the country. Animosity toward the Chinese would continue for many years.
Italian immigration in 1896
Like most immigrants before them, the Italians came to America in search of a better life. Unlike the Italian immigrants that came before, the current wave of immigrants from Italy were not skilled and were seeking any job to survive. Anti-Italian sentiment was high during this time period with many Italians being discriminated against and even attacked by mobs.
Mexican immigration in 1956
The massive influx of Mexicans around this time, both legal and illegal, was the result of Mexicans needing work and American farmers needing reliable, inexpensive labor. This time saw a shift in immigration sentiment since many Americans believed that the Mexicans were taking jobs that most Americans did not want to do. It also saw an increase in corruption and blatant disregard for laws as large farmers ignored immigration laws in lieu of cheap labor.
Latino immigration in 2006
Immigration of people from the Latin American countries took on a new light in 2006 with massive demonstrations by Latinos in America to show how important the Mexican and Latino workers are for the American economy . Immigration remained an important political issue with no clear solution in sight.
Immigration in 2016
Immigration today is a hot button issue, especially with the United States presidential campaign in full gear. The issues being discussed at this time include the continued influx from the Latin American countries, with a focus on mothers and children fleeing poverty and persecution and the demand on social services by the illegal aliens in the country. There is also a major concern about refugees from Muslim countries and the fear of extremists . The effect of the current debate is an increase in discrimination based on ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Conclusion
America is not known as a melting pot for no reason. It has attracted people from all corners of the world almost since its beginning as people seek the “American Dream”. Despise the concerns of immigrants not assimilating, and of aliens taking all of the good jobs from hard working American’s, America is a better place for the diverse population and will continue to be a desired destination for the poor and persecuted around the world.
References
Anabaptists.org. The Germans Come Come to America. n.d. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://www.anabaptists.org/history/german-migration-to-north-america.html>.
Center for American Progress. The Facts on Immigration Today. 14 October 2014. Online. 2 March 2016. <https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/report/2014/10/23/59040/the-facts-on-immigration-today-3/>.
Dillin, J. "How Eisenhower solved illegal border crossings from Mexico." The Christian Science Monitor 6 July 2006. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0706/p09s01-coop.html>.
Library of Congress. The Great Arrival. 2016. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/immigration/italian3.html>.
National Archives. Chinese Immigration and the Chinese in the United States. n.d. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://www.archives.gov/research/chinese-americans/guide.html>.
Teaching Tolerance. Latino Civil Rights Timeline, 1903-2006. 2006. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://www.tolerance.org/latino-civil-rights-timeline>.
United States Department of State. Irish Immigrants in the United States. 13 February 2008. Online. 2 March 2016. <http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2008/03/20080307131416ebyessedo0.6800043.html#axzz41qqq8k6L>.
