Immigration to the United States: Immigration

Amid a presidential campaign and a Supreme Court case, illegal immigration is back in the headlines. Anthony's parents risked their lives to immigrate to America illegally from Mexico about 16 years ago. They hoped to find more opportunities for their children and to pursue, in short, "the American Dream."

Presents information on immigration procedure in the U.S. during 1877-1900.

Relates stories of immigrants' passage through Ellis Island in New York City during the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Medical inspections undergone by immigrants at Ellis Island; Journey of Pauline Newman and her family from Lithuania to America in 1901; Tips on writing nonfiction narratives about immigrants' experiences.

Reports on a web site for the American Family Immigration History Center. How the site contains the records of Ellis Island, a former immigration station in the United States; Popularity of the site; Decision of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and the National Park Service to digitize the records.

Discusses United States immigration and the restoration of the buildings on the famous Ellis Island, where most immigrants entered the country and waited for approval to become a citizen. Ellis Island to become a people's museum.

Chart showing immigration by nationality.

Covers causes and effects as well as breakdowns the waves of immigration.

Immigration was a consistent theme and formative force in the creation of the British colonies and the new American Republic. Streams of people from different nations left their homelands at different times and for various reasons, carrying their distinct cultures, beliefs, and institutions to the shores of a new land.

Primary source letters, magazine and newspaper articles expressing opinions on immigration issues.

Over fourteen million immigrants arrived in the United States between 1870 and 1905. In the 1870s and early 1880s, the majority of European immigrants to the United States came from Ireland, Britain, and Germany. By 1890, New York City alone had a German population equal to that of Hamburg, Germany. The demographics of immigration then underwent a dramatic shift. By 1900, most who arrived in the United States emigrated from southern and eastern Europe.

Ellis Island, now a 27.5-acre site located just minutes off the southern tip of Manhattan Island, New York, is likely to connect with more of the American population than any other spot in the country. It has been estimated that nearly half of all Americans today can trace their family history to at least one person who passed through the Port of New York at Ellis Island.

Do you know how people become citizens of the United States? In Immigration Nation, you'll find out as you guide newcomers along their path to citizenship. Good luck!

Webquest: Find out why families choose to come to America.

Ever since its founding in 1776, and even before then, the United States has attracted immigrants from around the world. For well over two centuries, people have flocked under this nation's protective wings as opportunists, sojourners, missionaries, refugees, and even illegal aliens.

The growth of America refers to the population changes as well as the economic changes as both exploded during the 1800's.

Outstanding interactive page that discusses immigration. You can find out the breakdown of immigrants to America, take a U.S. citizenship test, and view videos regarding immigration and immigration reform.

Use the interactive map to see where different immigrant groups settled across the United States in the years from 1880 to 2000.

Trace the immigrant experience and study contributions by immigrant Americans through historic film clips; images of Ellis Island, Angel Island and immigrant groups; presentations, letters and manuscripts.

Explore the history of immigration in America and learn what it's like to be an immigrant today.

Nearly everyone in America has an immigration story to share. Tell us yours.