By the early 1900s, America had become a haven for immigrants. People from all across Europe and Asia came to America in search of a better life than in their home country. In response to the rapid influx of immigrants, the U.S. government established Ellis Island as a hub for immigrants entering the country. Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants over sixty years. As immigrants entered the harbor the first thing they saw was the Statue of Liberty; which would therefore signify the freedom and happiness that was to be found as they entered country and became a long-lasting symbol of our diverse and prosperous nation.
For the first time in America's history, they had received immigrants without immediate backlash by the public. Immigrant populations had been absorbed into the America population, "native" and "foreign" Americans were no longer distinguishable and America seemed to be more unified than ever.
(Arrival of Emigrants, Ellis Island)
(Arrival of Emigrants, Ellis Island)
This audio file is recording of an interview Kathleen Magennis Lamberti, an Irish immigrant. In this clip, she recalls her first time eating pizza upon arriving in New Jersey at Ellis Island. She originally hated pizza, but grew to love it. This small details shows that most immigrants are open to accept and become a part of the American culture; that ultimately immigrants are longing to be become part of our culture.
("Kathleen Remembers Trying Pizza") |
|