Ch+15-1+The+New+Immigrants

This lesson is going to focus on the "new immigrants" who came to America in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. We'll be focusing on why they came, how they differed from previous generations of immigrants, their experiences, and Americans' reactions to this new wave of immigrants.

Be sure that you complete each task completely before moving on to the next task. If you are required to turn in any written work for a given section, that portion will be highlighted in yellow. All questions should be numbered, written in a Pages document, and emailed to me upon completion. All questions, except for the Venn Diagram, should be answered using complete sentences.

__** Task #1 - The **** New **** Colossus **__ Read The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus. Please note that this poem is written on the base of the Statue of Liberty which was the first thing that immigrants coming to America from Europe.

#1 - Based on this poem, how does America view its immigrants? Why? #2 - As a "new immigrant" to America, how would seeing this poem make you feel? Why?

By the way, if you want to take a look at feel free to check out this link.

__**Task #2 - Comparing and Contrasting the Old and New Immigrants**__ Now, we'll shift our attention to looking at __who__ the new immigrants were and how they differed from earlier generations of immigrants. To start, look at this graph to get an idea for just how many people were immigrating to America during different historical time periods.

Next, I want you to look at the following descriptions of Old Immigrants and New Immigrants. You then need to:

#3 - Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the old and new immigrants. Your Venn Diagram must include the following elements: * Where they emigrated from? * Why they immigrated? * Issues they faced when they came to America * The impact that they had on America

It is perfectly acceptable to talk about **more** than what is listed here as well in your diagram.

__**Task #3 - Opposition to Immigration**__ Life was often very difficult for many immigrants, largely due to the fact that many Americans did not want these new immigrants in their country. Furthermore, these nativists were effective in getting numerous restrictions on immigration passed during this time period.

To start, I want you to read Francis A. Walker Calls for Restriction of Immigration (1896). As you read through this, take note of what arguments Walker uses to justify restricting immigration.

#4 - Why does Walker call for a restriction to immigration? Which argument do you find to be the most compelling? Which one is the least compelling? Why?

Then, you will look at a variety of immigration legislation that was passed during this time period in response to the vast increase in immigration. For our test, you will need to be aware of the following acts:

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) National Emergency Quota Act (1921) National Origins Act (1924) - Note - this link refers to this act as the Immigration Act of 1924

You may also look at this link, which provides a very brief overview of a large number of immigration acts throughout US History.

**__Task #4 - Was the US Government Justified?__** Now that we have looked at the plight of immigrants and the reaction of immigration by many American citizens and the US Government, we need to consider whether or not the US Government was justified in limiting immigration.

#5 - Was the US Government justified in limiting immigration? Why or why not? Answer this in a brief essay of 1-2 paragraphs. Note: While this is an opinion question, you should use factual evidence from this lesson to support your stance.