L15: The Immigrant Experience

Which of the following was an important pull factor that drew European immigrants to the United States after the Civil War?

• population growth

• religious pogroms

• availability of farmland

• mechanization of agriculture

Upon arriving by ship in New York Harbor, which of the following groups was required to go through immigration inspections at Ellis Island?

• only steerage passengers

• only first class passengers

• only passengers with children

• only passengers with disabilities

Which statement is true of most immigrants going through Ellis Island?

• They spent over a week being processed.

• They had their names changed by officials.

• They were allowed to enter the United States.

• They were deported back to their home country.

Which group passed laws to decrease the number of immigrants coming to America?

• anarchists

• Grangers

• nativists

• Populists

Which of these statements BEST describes the experience of immigrants landing at Angel Island?

• A. Most were denied entry for health reasons.

• B. Most had their names changed by officials.

• C. Most were deported back to their home country.

• D. Many were detained for weeks and sometimes months.

Which of these is a factor why people were pushed to leave Europe?

• They were reeling from a devastating famine that resulted from widespread crop failures.

• They believed there would be better opportunities to obtain industrial jobs in the United States.

• They were attracted to the prospect of the "land of milk and honey" described in the American letters.

• They thought the United States would provide better educational opportunities for their children.

The experience for immigrants living in steerage

• featured luxurious rooms, ocean views, musical entertainment, and high-quality food.

• was uncomfortable because hundreds of people were confined in the same space.

• involved an enjoyable two-week trip that increased people’s excitement for their new lives.

• caused many immigrants to catch serious diseases that prevented them from entering the country.

Why did Congress make it illegal for U.S. employers to hire contract laborers?

• They wanted to prevent companies from hiring immigrants to replace striking workers.

• They wanted to stop immigrants from competing with native-born Americans for jobs.

• They worried that the increase in contract laborers would heighten labor unions’ protests.

• They feared for an increase in workplace crime if people were hired without an extensive interview.

Which statement BEST characterizes life in the United States for European immigrants?

• Most immigrants continued their agricultural lifestyles by starting farms in the Midwest.

• Many immigrants were isolated from others who shared the same language and culture.

• They arrived with little money or few possessions and therefore had to work hard to make a living.

• They received a warm welcome to U.S. society because they brought diversity and new ideas.

Which of the following describes a difference between immigrant aid societies and settlement houses?

• Aid societies focused on all needs, while settlement houses dealt solely with housing arrangements.

• Aid societies helped the general needy public, while settlement houses only provided assistance to immigrants.

• Aid societies were small groups that operated independently, while settlement houses were run by regional organizations.

• Aid societies focused on collecting money to support immigrants, while settlement houses provided a range of services.