Immigration during the Late 19th Century

To migrate into the U.S, Immigrants in the late 19th century were required to meet three standards:

First a clean criminal record

Second possess the capacity to work

Third financial stability

Ellis & Angel Island

Where did the majority of European immigrants land?

Ellis island in New York

Where did the majority of Asian immigrants land?

Angel Island in San Francisco Bay

The Immigration Process

Once arrived in America, immigrants in the late 19th century undergo a two steps process:

First they had to pass a physical examination by a doctor.

Second a government inspector checked documents and questioned immigrants to see if they met the legal requirements.

Nativism vs Immigrants

What is nativism?

Overt favoritism toward native-born Americans and Anglo Saxons immigrants.

They believed white immigrants were superior to other race of immigrants.

Chinese Exclusion Act

What was the purpose of the Chinese Exclusion Act?

The law banned entry to all Chinese people except for students, teachers, tourists, merchants, and government officials.

Why?

The federal government did not want Chinese immigrants to take job opportunities away from native born Americans.

The Gentlemen Agreement

What was the purpose of the agreement?

President Roosevelt wanted to deescalate tension between the U President Roosevelt wanted to deescalate tension between the U.S and the Japanese government.

What caused tension between the two nations?

In 1906, the local board of education in San Francisco segregated Japanese students.

What was the agreement?

First the Japanese government agreed to limit the emigration of unskilled workers.

Second The U.S repealed the San Francisco segregation order.