The Immigrant Experience

Coming to America was a big thing.

They needed money, and things that they couldn't live with out. Those things were usually some clothing, a picture of Grandma, and a musical instrument. We're talking very minimum luggage.

The first stop for would be Americans were places like Ellis Island In New York City or Angel Island in San Francisco. They had to prove they had money, were healthy, and had a skill to get in. 

Once they did that they entered the United States and would begin their life in a new place.

They of course had to do a few things in order for the lives to work out. 

They had to learn a new language.

They also had to find work and housing. 

Most of the new immigrants stayed in the city because it was close to the factories and other industrial jobs. 

They formed close knit little neighborhoods that would take some of the stuff they found helpful and became places like Little Italy and Chinatown. 

Of course...they were problems.

A big problem was Protestants were leery of Catholics, because Catholics have secrets?

Some Americans (Protestant white people) signed restrictive contracts agreeing not to rent or sell to Catholics, Jews or African Americans. When it came to jobs it was just as hard for the Catholics, Jews, and African Americans.

Despite opposition, things transformed in America.

It became the "melting pot" of society. The blending of so many cultures and lives is what has made America America.