Coming To America: New Immigrant’s Experience
People have been immigrating to
American since the country has been founded. In the late 1800s and early 1900s
millions of new Americans were immigrating to America. The main ports that
immigrants entered the United States were located in New York and California.
The ports that catered to the welcoming of new immigrants were Ellis Island in
New York Harbor as early as 1892 and Angel Island in San Francisco Bay in 1910.
Entering the country could easily
be a time of happiness or sadness. For most immigrants the first moments of joy
(happiness) were quickly dampened by the rigorous (difficult) examination
(testing) process, where people checked new immigrants for any illness. All
newcomers who went through these testing centers that were found to have health
problems, mental disorders, or contagious diseases were promptly (quickly)
deported and not allowed admission to the United States.
Different types of immigrants
entered the country at different ports. Typically European immigrants would
come through the port in New York, Ellis Island due to their proximity
(closeness) to it. Asian immigrants would usually enter the United States
through the Angel Island port. The Chinese immigrants that attempted (tried) to
enter the United States however, were subject to stricter tests than those
entering on the other side of the country. There were many restrictions placed
on what Chinese immigrants were allowed to enter the country. Often times they
would only admit (let in) students, teachers, or merchants.
After entering the country the new
immigrants had the opportunity to start a new prosperous (successful) life.
Through all the trouble most immigrants who were able to make their way through
the worry and the problems were soon able to hold on to a new sense of hope
that came with entering America as a new citizen.
Provide answers for
the following questions. Use full sentences and examples from the text.
Questions:
- What were the two ports that immigrants entered the United States at?
- Why do you think the two ports were located in New York and California?
- What did the workers at these ports check incoming immigrants for?
- Why do you think the United States wanted to regulate (control) who they let into their country?
