From Immigrants to Americans - Immigration Experiences from 1865-1990

Immigration has existed around the world for centuries, decades, and included hundreds of cultures. Tired of poverty, a lack of opportunities, unequal treatment, political corruption, and lacking any choice, many decided to emigrate from their country of birth to seek new opportunities and a new and better life in another country, to settle a future for their families, to work hard and earn a place in life. As the nation of the opportunities, land of the dreams, and because of its foundation of a better, more equal world for all, the United States of America has been a point of hope for many of those people. A lot of nationals around the world have ended their research for a place to call home in the United States of America. By analyzing primary sources and the secondary sources to back up the information, one could find out about what Chinese, Italians, Swedish, and Vietnamese immigrants have experienced in the United States in different time periods from 1865 to 1990.

The first primary source was a drafted statement from a Chinese immigrant merchant settled in San Francisco, California. In 1870, Pun Chi appeals to congress on behalf of Chinese, explaining how they have been persecuted and treated. Pun discussed how the Empire of China had always welcomed Americans, but in American, Chinese are subject to ill-treatment. Chinese have been told the beauty of America from the beginning of their journey to seek a better life. In truth, they are treated badly, not fed, and abused. Pun states, “As we go on our way we are pushed and kicked and struck.” Already in land, in the nation of the dreams, things become worse for miners. Chinese immigrants worked in the mines earning little gold per day to survive. Besides that, are told by...

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