FREE ESSAY ON IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION

Immigration has held a major role in shaping our 
country. Immigrants have provided many things such 
as customs, manufacturing, inventions, and 
entertainment. Many people today don't realize how 
greatly we have been affected by immigration. A 
survey was given to ten people. The survey contained 
a list of people who were all immigrants. When asked 
how many actually were, only one person got the 
question right. 
Old Immigration occurred between 1840-1890. 
Immigrants during this time period came from 
countries such as Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavian 
countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland). 
Next came the period of New Immigration. These 
newcomers came from Italy, Russia, Poland, Lithuania, 
Greece, Austria, etc., most of whom were peasants 
who couldn't speak English. The people who migrated 
during the period of Old Immigration disliked these 
aliens because it meant lower wages for themselves 
and the new immigrants had greater advantages 
including poor and political machines. These people 
also were not willing to adapt to American ways of 
life, created their own little towns that resemble their 
homeland. They were treated as outcasts. New 
Immigration ended with World War I when the 
immigrant boats were being sunk. Immigration is still 
continuing today. Current Immigration includes 
people from Latin America, the Philippines, and Asia. 
Laws regarding immigration are constantly changing 
to fit the needs of society. In 1854, the Know-Nothing 
Party declared the need for strict limits on 
Immigration. Members of this party felt it was 
necessary that immigrants must be residents of the 
United States for 21 years before being granted 
citizenship. The campaign ended in 1860 during the 
time of the Civil War due to the demand of 
immigrants needed to enlist in the Union Army. Ten 
years later, the Naturalization Act is passed. This states 
that only white persons and persons of African 
descent,  are able to become citizens. This excludes 
all Asians. This trend continues for several decades. In 
1921, Congress decides to pass immigration 
restrictions, first establishing a quota of 350,000 
immigrants. The quota is increased as times change. In 
1995, it was passed that the total number of legal 
immigrants allowed to enter the United States be 
limited to 650, 000 a year. Immigrants were given 
visas, which allowed them to come to this country. 
Visas were distributed for family and 
employment-based immigrants, and persons from 
adversely affected countries. Strict regulations have 
also been made due to the large amount of people 
entering the country illegally. 
The nation is on the right track. They have created 
laws stating limitations of the privileges of 
immigrants, including welfare and those who test 
positive for HIV/AIDS. There is also a growing problem 
with illegal immigration which needs to be tended to. 
More Border Patrol guards could be hired along the 
Mexican border, however, this does cost a lot of 
money. Funding could come out of taxes to help put 
an end to illegal aliens. Cutting down welfare, food 
stamps, and Medicare to immigrants even further 
would also be beneficial. 
Immigration is a key part to our nations history. The 
continuing situation could drastically affect our 
country's future.
Bibliography
Immigration is a key part to our nations history. The 
continuing situation could drastically affect our 
country's future.