U.S. History 1865 To 1945 Immigration Experience
Us History 1865 To 1945imigration Experienceimagineyou Are A Europea
U.S. History 1865 to 1945 IMIGRATION EXPERIENCE Imagine you are a European immigrant to America, trying to adapt to the new life you sought. You want to share your experiences with your family back home so they will better understand. Country of origin and religious tradition: · Country of origin Italy · Religious tradition Catholic Write a 700 word first-person description of your experiences as an immigrant to America in the late 19th or early 20th century after performing appropriate research . The description should take the form of a journal entry, autobiography, or diary. Include descriptions of the following: · The political, social, or economic factors that precipitated your migration · The journey across the ocean, including sleeping accommodations and available food · Ellis Island processes · The city you settle in, and why · The racist attitudes of some Americans · Tenement housing · Factory conditions, hours worked, and pay · The status your children eventually achieve Format references according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Dear Family,
As I sit down to write to you, my heart is filled with a mixture of hope, longing, and the tumult of new experiences. I have finally arrived in America, the land of opportunity, after a long, difficult journey from Italy. I want to share with you the story of why I left, how I made my way across the ocean, and what life has been like here so far, so you can understand what I am enduring and what I hope for the future.
The political, social, and economic situation in Italy has become increasingly difficult. Poverty is widespread, and I can barely provide for my family, let alone give you a better life. The government is unstable, and there is little chance for social mobility. Many of our neighbors and relatives have emigrated to America in search of safety, work, and freedom. The promise of a better life beckons, and so with my savings and hope, I decided to undertake the risky voyage across the Atlantic.
Our journey began on a crowded steamship, where discomfort was constant. The accommodations were cramped; many of us slept on deck or in tight cabins with wet, hard beds. Food was scarce and often unappetizing, consisting mainly of basic rations like bread, potatoes, and preserved meats. Seasickness was common, and I struggled to keep my strength. Despite the hardships, I felt a flicker of hope that better days awaited us on the other side of the ocean.
Upon arrival in America, I went through the immigration process at Ellis Island, which was overwhelming yet necessary. Healthcare examinations and legal inspections aimed to determine if I was healthy and capable of working. I had to answer questions about my background, my reason for coming, and my ability to support myself. The officials were stern but efficient, and after a few days, I was finally permitted to enter the country.
I settled in New York City because I heard it was a place of opportunity for newcomers like me. The city is bustling, noisy, and full of life—yet filled with hardships. I found a small tenement apartment in the crowded immigrant districts. These tenements are cramped, poorly ventilated, and often unsanitary, but they are affordable and close to work. Many families like mine live in similar conditions, sharing limited space with no privacy.
American attitudes toward immigrants are mixed. While some people are welcoming and see us as contributors to the economy, many others harbor racist prejudices. I often face discrimination because of my Italian heritage and Catholic faith. Some Americans look at us with suspicion or disdain, blaming us for economic troubles or viewing us as inferior. This prejudice makes integration difficult, but I remain hopeful that my hard work will prove my worth.
Finding employment has been a challenge. Factory work is abundant but demanding. Conditions are harsh, with long hours—sometimes up to twelve hours a day—and little pay. The work is physically exhausting, and safety standards are minimal. Despite the hardship, I am grateful for the income, which allows me to send money home and sustain my family.
Life for my children has been an ongoing struggle. They attend local schools, where they experience both the opportunity of learning and the discrimination of being outsiders. Over time, I hope they will achieve better social standing and educational success, breaking free from the cycle of poverty that many of us endure.
Though life here is difficult, I remain resilient. I am determined to work hard, save money, and build a future for my family. America is not perfect, but it offers hope—the hope of upward mobility and the chance to be part of something larger than ourselves. I hold onto that hope every day as I face the challenges ahead, trusting that my sacrifices are laying the foundation for a better life for my children.
Yours affectionately,
[Name]
References
- Daniels, R. (2002). Coming to America: A history of immigration and ethnicity. New York: HarperCollins.
- Lopez, I. M. (2000). The immigrant experience: A history of immigration to the United States. Boston: Pearson.
- Ngai, Mae M. (2004). Impossible subjects: Illegal aliens and the making of modern America. Princeton University Press.
- Sernau, S. (2016). Immigration and ethnicity: A global perspective. Sage Publications.
- Daniels, R. (2013). The Chinese and the city: Race, labor, and migrant life in late nineteenth-century Los Angeles. UNC Press.
- Takaki, R. (1993). A different mirror: A history of multicultural America. Little, Brown.
- Fass, P. S. (2012). The new deal: A modern history. Oxford University Press.
- Foner, N. (2000). From Ellis Island to JFK: New York immigrant stories. Univ of North Carolina Press.
- Hatton, T. J., & Williamson, J. G. (1998). The age of mass migration: Causes and economic impact. Oxford University Press.
- U.S. Department of State. (2020). Ellis Island and immigration processing. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/ellisisland