American Immigration In The Late 1800s Essay

In the late 1800s, people fled to the United States to escape crop failure, land and job shortages, rising taxes, and famine while other came seeking personal freedom or relief from political and religious persecution. In 1798, a period of diplomatic tension with France culminated in the passage of a series of laws known as the Alien and Sedition Acts in that it extended the period of residency required for citizenship from five to fourteen years and allowed the president to deport any “alien” considered to be “dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.” The sentiment behind the acts did diminish by 1800 but would revive in later decades as German and Irish immigrants came to the United States in larger numbers. Many of the native-born …show more content…
However, many who were already living in the United States built lasting communities and contributed to their new country. Many among the recently arrived groups made great strides in American society, but some found it more difficult. Chinese immigrants maintained strong supports network in what became known as “Chinatowns” – Chinese American communities in major urban areas throughout the country but would continue with negative stereotypes. Italian and Polish immigrants also maintained strong support networks, and their children adapted to the new environment. Irish American steadily made inroads into American life and even fields presidential candidates. World War II was descended from recent immigrants and in many ways during the postwar era, integration became the catchword for foreign-born Americans and their children. Despite recurring fears that immigration would stain the fabric of American society, these immigrant groups became uniquely American while preserving their own traditions. As a new generation of immigrants enters into American life, many of the controversies and tensions evidence in previous periods might again become