Question

“But newcomers (it was feared) had beliefs and loyalties and customs that seemed ‘un-American’ and might pose a threat to democracy. What if immigrants did not embrace American life and culture? Can any nation safely harbor millions of people who do not share its basic ideals? These were sobering questions for many Americans by the end of the nineteenth century.” (p. 139-40)

What continuities and what discontinuities (similarities and differences) can you see between this nineteenth century apprehension about immigrants and the attitudes of many people towards immigrants today? Is there anything you think we can or should have learned from the nineteenth century immigrant experience?

Answer 1

Introduction- The United States experienced major waves of immigration in past few centuries, many immigrants came to America for bright future and great opportunities while other came for religious and cultural freedom.

From 17^th to 19^th century thousands of slaves came to America against their will, in 19^th century the immigrants helped to build America but at that time they had considered as the slave, job seeker and opportunities hunter so the place of immigrants in American society was not usual. Late 19^th century the immigrants established their factories and industries, they also involved in political scenario, and the geo-political condition of immigrants in America influenced laws and politics.

The present attitude of Americans towards immigrants has changed, they consider immigrants as the parts of rich and diverse culture American culture. American society adapted immigrant’s cultures, foods and tradition and it made America more diverse.

As an American, we should learn from 19^th century immigration, the immigration must be regulated and should be useful for society, immigrants who came to America for opportunities not likely to show their interest in American culture and tradition, they used the country as land of opportunity and freedom. The immigration cannot be stopped but it must support American culture, people and economy.