Over the years, historians have developed different theories on how immigrants were absorbed into larger society: “Melting Pot” Theory: people from different cultures have met in the United States to form a new American culture. In other words, cultures “blend” together to become one making it difficult to distinguish between different cultures. Assimilation: immigrants “disappear” into an already established American culture. They become “Americanized” by giving up their culture and adopt the appearances and attitudes of a larger society in order to be accepted.

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” Statue of Liberty presented to the United States by the people of France in 1886 commemorates friendship in the American Revolution. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it welcomes visitors, immigrants, and returning Americans traveling by ship

Ellis Island Between 1892-1954 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island 2 % were excluded from the USA and sent back (contagious disease or public problem such as an illegal laborer) New immigrants (Southern and Eastern Europe) were seen as inferior compared to those who arrived earlier Originally owned by Samuel Ellis, in the 1770s

Angel Island Angel Island was the point of entry for the majority of the approximately 175,000 Chinese immigrant s who came to America between 1910 to 1940. “Ellis Island of the West” Angel Island was used to detain and process hundreds of primary Chinese and other Asian Immigrants.

Angel Island Immigrants endured prison like conditions while waiting months to hear about their immigration status

Angel Island