Immigration

**The New Immigrants**- Almost 335,000 immigrants arrived in America in 1886. In 1990 14% of the population was foreign born. Immigrants only had to pay $10 to travel steerage. New York City had as many Irishmen as Dublin. **The Chinese Exclusion Act**- The Chinese were not allowed to come to America from 1882 until 1943. Many Chinese still tried to enter. They had such fear of being shipped back that most of them kept a fake identity all their lives. The Great act was passed in 1892 requiring all Chinese to carry proof of citizenship. **Contract Agreement**- In the 19th century laborers were needed. Immigrants could sign contracts to come work in America. The contracts were usually 5-7 years. They did this in exchange for a salary. **Immigration Restriction**- It became harder and harder for Immigrants to come to America. The United States banned all Asian Immigrants except for Filipinos. People with dieses, or were classified as criminals were also not allowed into the United States. **United States Changing Face**- In 1980 10 million immigrants came to America. Since the first wave of immigrants in 1840, the naturalists had a fear the Immigrants would come and take over America. Many Immigrants are well educated, they have jobs that include engineers, mathematicians, and scientists. Hello, my name is Luke Bevenour. I am writing this letter so one day my great grandchildren can read it when they are well educated business men in the 21st century. I am a German Immigrant. I have just arrived in America only a year ago. I took a ship across the Atlantic. I came by myself to try and start my life over. I arrived on Ellis Island. The reason I came to America is because I did not have much money at all and I am hoping to find the American dream. I am a steam locomotive engineer. I am happy to have a job like this. Although the day can be hectic I am happy that I am not working in a place such as a steel factory, with no safety equipment. I make $20 a week. This salary goes into my apartment bill; I try not to use money for any nice decorations or expensive outings. I am still much happier in America than I was in Germany. Life in America is a much better than Germany. I am making good money in my opinion. It is very simple to find a job. The economy and job rate is much better than it is over in Germany. It is a good feeling waking up and knowing that I can take care of myself and my roommates. I’ll admit I do miss some of the food such as bratwursts, but I am getting use to the American food. I have not bought many possessions; I have a small sleeping area and money in the bank. That is all I have to my name. There is a reason I am saving all my money. I do have a beautiful wife and two daughters. They are not here in America with me. We could not all afford to travel across the Atlantic. My wife was also scared that once we got here we would not find a job that could support the whole family. She is one day hoping to have a job too; I support this and think women should have a right to work. I have sent them a letter with money so they can all come live with me. We are all going to find a small house together, or an apartment. I am living in a one bedroom apartment with six other workers. We all pitch in for the rent and groceries. It is extremely cramped, but it’s the way I need to live for the time being if I want to see my family anytime soon. I am making $4 a day which isn’t too much but it could be a lot worse. I hope you enjoyed reading this letter. I am hoping that your family members have told you that my wife did come to America. I am still waiting to find out for myself. I hope that my children live a long and healthy life. This has been quite an experience since I first arrived a year ago. I hope to live the rest of my life in America.
 * Huddled Masses**- The Statue of Liberty was the tallest building in New York City. Some people saw it as a symbol of hope, while others viewed it as useless artwork. The original meaning of the statue symbolized slavery. The statue was a gift from the French.