The Development of the Process of New Immigration - Essay Example

Overall, the number of immigrants coming to American from Europe has increased after the Civil War from 5.2 million in the 1880s to 8.2 million in the early 1900s. Not only has the number of immigrants increased in the late nineteenth century but also the ethnic composition of the groups of immigrants has changed.

These “new immigrants” mainly came from southern and eastern Europe, while previously European immigrants were mainly from northern and western Europe. In terms of the religious composition, these immigrants were mainly Jewish and Catholic coming from Poland, the Balkans, Italy, and Russia. In fact, in early 1880 anti-Semitism efforts and actions were widely spread in Russia. Many Jewish synagogues, districts, and homes were destroyed. Many Jews wanted to flee from these harsh conditions and sailed to America.

With the exception of Jewish immigrants from Russia, many of these immigrants did not have an intention to stay in the United States. A lot of these immigrants were peasants from Europe who have recently lost their land and possessions and came to America to earn some money and go back to the Old World. Between the years 1907 and 1911, 73 percent of Italians, and 44 percent of Eastern and Southern Europeans came back home. Only Jewish immigrants from Russia intended to stay in the United States as they usually came with their families and as I stated before had different reasons for immigrating to America.

In addition to Eastern and Southern Europeans, many Chinese were seeking shelter in the United States. In the mid-1800s, the Chinese economy was practically destroyed by religious and political rebellions. However, from 1882 to 1943, most Chinese were banned from coming to the United States. In fact, this was the first American immigration law that banned immigration based on ethnicity and nationality. Because of this law, many Chinese men were coming to America to find work while their families stayed in their homeland.

Not only Chinese experience prejudicial judgment in the United States. Japanese immigrants had very similar experiences. Many Japanese came to America escaping overpopulation and poverty, especially in the rural areas. While in the United States, Japanese students were segregated in special schools and there were limits imposed on property owned by the Japanese.