IMMIGRATION’S IMPACT NORTH AMERICA

About 13 percent of people in the United States are foreign born, while Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians make up about 2 percent of the population. The remaining population is descended from immigrants. What Is Immigration? Immigrate: to change residence from a country to begin living permanently in another country.

NORTH AMERICA Settled thousands of years ago by Asians who migrated via Beringia (land bridge over the Bering Strait) These migrants moved down through the continent and became the Native Americans

NORTH AMERICA

DISCOVERY The first known European settlement in North America was made by Norse (Viking) explorer Leif Ericson. In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered the “New World” (also know as the Western Hemisphere) Columbus’ discovery led to further European exploration followed by colonization.

DISCOVERY The leading countries of Europe, who were engaged in Imperialism, raced to control the New World, and it’s valuable natural resources. Imperialism: a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force

SETTLEMENT European colonies and territories were populated by European settlers, trappers, indentured servants, adventure seekers, and religious migrants. These immigrants along with African slaves, brought to the Americas through the Columbian Exchange and Triangle Trade, forever changed the cultural and ethnic make up of North America. Wars between the European nations also impacted the continent and decided which country would have the greatest influence.

IMMIGRATION There are four distinct immigration periods: Colonial Northern & Western Europe Southern & Eastern Europe Asia & Africa

COLONIAL PERIOD The earliest period, the colonial period, was characterized by an influx of English and other European peoples, many of whom came as indentured servants to work for little or no pay. Slave were also brought during this time as part of the Columbian Exchange and Triangle Trade.

TRIANGLE TRADE

2 ND PERIOD During the mid-nineteenth century, the majority of immigrants originated from the countries of northern and western Europe. Irish immigrants, who came to the United States to escape the Irish potato famine of 1845 to 1852, were among the many Europeans to come during this second period.

3 RD PERIOD The third major period of immigration was primarily from southern and eastern Europe. Italians and Eastern Europeans, most of whom came through Ellis Island (New York) sought a better life in America.

4 TH PERIOD The start of the fourth wave of immigrants is marked by the abolishment in 1965 of the quotas that limited immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere based on country of origin. This opened the doors to a wave of immigrants from Asia and Africa. At the same time, worsening economic conditions in many Latin American countries led to a rise in the number of Latino immigrants to the United States.