Chapter 4 Flashcards
Describe the general trend of immigration into the US from its birth to where it is now.
A gradual rise in European immigration up until the 1930’s, where a significant portion is cut off, but after, a slow rise in non-european immigration begins to skyrocket and continues to rise.
How did the US initially feel about immigration in its first decades? (Think of an example)
The US was initially very pro-immigration, even criticizing king george II on his immigration restrictions in the Declaration of Independence.
What is an example of a hot spot of immigration?
New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco/Jose. California in general, as well as New Jersey and NY.
What jobs did Chinese immigrants usually fill in the West?
Manual labor and farming, they helped build all the railroads to the West!
Sinophobe
Someone who’s bigoted against Chinese peoples. “yellow peril” is a term to describe chinese fear in american citizens in the nineteenth century.
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
Stopped chinese from immigrating into the US at all.
How did America in the early 20th century feel about immigration?
The restrictionist sentiment increased. We set up the National Origin System to limit immigration from specific countries, creating massive wait lines of people trying to get in from certain places. (Sound familiar?)
Ellis Island
Massive immigration intake facility in NY.
Immigration and Nationality Act
Increased the amount of immigrants we would let in, as well as allowing more from the West Indies, South America, Mexico, etc.
Brain Drain
Immigration of skilled workers and professionals from developing nations that desperately need those positions filled, into the US
Mixed-Status
Families or individuals with messy citizen status, some being citizens and others non-citizens.
Language Barrier
Issues with immigrants not speaking English, usually exaggerated for xenophobic gain, but still, about half of the 61 million americans speaking a foreign language at home reported speaking english less than “very well”.
Naturalization requirements in the US
Must be:
- at least 18
- Continually lived in the united states for at least 5 years
- Have good moral character as determined by the lack of conviction of certain criminal offenses
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand words of English
- pass a test in US government and history (HARD)
Women and Immigration since the 1950’s
Women have exceeded men in immigration since the 1950’s!
Environmental refugees
People who must flee their country due to natural disaster.
