American Immigration

Mr. Bach

United States History

U.S. Immigration 1880-1930

Before the Journey

• A ticket to America was very expensive.

• Often the father immigrated first and got a job.

• When the father made enough money, he bought a ticket for the rest of his family to come over.

Before the Journey

• Because the journey could be treacherous, women would not journey alone.

• Immigrants could only bring a small amount of personal belongings with them.

The Journey• Most immigrants came to America on

steamships.

• Since most immigrants were poor they were placed in steerage - cabins below the water level of the ship with no windows.

• Steerage was crowded, there were few bathrooms and rats were common.

Class Awareness

• Immigrants were very aware of differences in class.

• The rich were placed on higher decks and were the first to be given life boats.

• The rich were able to bypass immigration checks at places like Ellis Island.

Ellis Island

Ellis Island

• Ellis Island was the checkpoint for immigrants before they were allowed to enter New York City.

Approaching Ellis Island

Ellis Island• An immigrant could be deported if:

– They were sick with a contagious disease (they could be quarantined until they were better).

– They had a criminal history.

– They were sympathetic to communists or anarchists.

• Many immigrants had their names changed at Ellis Island so they sounded more “American.”

Inspection Pens at Ellis Island

Eye Inspection

Eye Inspection