More
often than not, when the topic of immigration arises, we
conjure pictures of people from foreign lands, bundled in
woolen coats, standing on the side of a boat headed toward
Ellis Island, their eyes filled with wonder and hope. Once
the boats docked though, the immigrants faced challenges
that are often overlooked.
The
wave of European immigration from the late 1800's to the
mid-twentieth century changed the face of America. Europeans
settled in a young United States, established traditions,
built communities, influenced the economy, and solidified
their place in North American history.
When
examining European immigration, most roads lead directly
back to Ellis Island. During
the years 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered
the United States through the port of Ellis Island, a small
island in the New York Harbor. (Learn
more about Ellis Island) An immigrant would get their
first glimpse of the new world as they spied the Statue
of Liberty, appearing on the horizon and welcoming them
to their new life. Once the immigrants had entered the new
country, many were faced with obstacles they were not expecting.
Each culture, though, managed to carve out their piece of
America and create a personal history and vision of the
American dream.
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