The Role Of Immigrants In The 19th Century

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Most immigrants came to the United States to obtain the “American Dream” of freedom and opportunity. They migrated over in hopes of a better life, working coconditions, and escaping poverty. The availability of land and industrialization developed a sense of economic growth and financial gains. The prospect of gold and silver deposits, pasture for cattle and sheep, and the sod of the plains drew immigrants West (p. 376, Brinkley). Immigrants came to the U.S. to flee religious persecution, seek religious freedom and the ability to practice their faith. America acted as a safe haven for immigrants from political turmoil and oppression from the government. They anticipated long-term assimilation in hopes to establish themselves successfully in America and provide for their families.
Immigrants that emulated racial prejudices cultivated by white US citizens had a difficult time acclimating and advancing in America. However, those who arrived with valuable skill, education, and capital exceeded. Immigrants gained advantages when living in cities where people of their own nationality prevailed (p. 421, Brinkley). The Labor of Contract Law allowed employers to recruit and pay for the passage of workers in advanced and detect from their wages later on,
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The 19th and 20th century came to America with a blind sense of wonder and false hope, while the 21st immigrants have access and knowledge of what to expect from entering the US. Also, today’s immigrants have better means to maintain contact with their families and travel back and forth. Most Americans today celebrate and are proud of their heritage. We identify as a “nation of immigrants,” however, their is a deeper divide in our country about the future of immigration. This internalize fear of competition, safety, power, and politics play a familiar role in today’s society as it did in the 19th