LESSON 1:

A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS

Citizenship

Why did people come to America?

Immigrants came to America in great numbers for various reasons Gain Freedom they did not have in their home

countries

Escape unfair treatment and seek freedom

Wars and shortages of food (famine)

Came for shelter and opportunity (laborers or workers) Most early immigrants came from European countries Today they come from all over the world (Europe, Asia,

Latin America

When did most immigrants come?

4 waves of immigration since the 1600’s1st wave- Came from Europe between 1600 and 17752nd wave- Many came from Europe between 1820-

1870’s (due to famine and hard economic times)Mid-1800’s people came across the Pacific to look for

gold3rd wave- Between 1880-1920 Many came from

Europe and entered through New York City, Ellis Island

4th wave- Began in 1965 when immigration laws were changed. More people came to the U.S.

Statue of LibertyJune 2010

The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor. Lady Liberty greeted more than 12 million immigrants as they sailed into the harbor

Ellis IslandJune 2010

Next to the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island. On Ellis Island there was an immigrant station from 1892-1954. Many immigrants were required to stay there for a period of time until they could be cleared to enter the United States

What laws affect immigration?

1921- law passed to limit number of people who could come to the U.S.

1965- Immigration and Nationality Act ended limits based on nationality. Limit of 170,000 from East Hemisphere and 120,000 from West Hemisphere

1995- Number set to 675,000 for each year1996-1997- Congress passed laws dealing

with illegal immigration

Who else comes to the United States?

Refugees- person who travels to a safer place to live

They have been persecuted or harmed due to religion or politics

Ex: Cuba, Vietnam/CambodiaThose who have relatives here have a better

chance of being allowed inPeople who have special job skills or talents

may be admitted

Why is the census important?

Completed every 10 yearsDetermines the population of the countryDetermines members of the House of Rep. for

each stateInformation about age, race and income are

collectedMay be used to help American businesses

make decisions