Immigration Unit Vocabulary Terms

The act of coming to live in and settle in a different country. 1. Immigration The act of coming to live in and settle in a different country.

2. Emigration The act of leaving one's native country and moving to another often due to "push" factors such as intolerance, political instability, or famine. -Ex: The Jewish people were discriminated against in Europe.

Run-down apartment buildings that barely meet minimal standards. 3. Tenements Run-down apartment buildings that barely meet minimal standards.

Poor areas of a city where people from similar ethnic groups live. 4. Ghettos Poor areas of a city where people from similar ethnic groups live.

5. Ellis Island Built off the coast of New York City in 1892, this island was constructed to process immigrants before they were permitted to come to America.

6. Jane Adams This wealthy, educated woman started Hull House in Chicago and worked to help immigrants adjust to their new lives in the U.S.

7. Settlement House These places were located in poor neighborhoods to aid new American immigrants. Ex: Medical care, education, career assistance, day care, temporary housing. Ex: The most famous of these was the Hull House. Hull House

8. Political Machines Powerful organizations linked to political parties, controlled local government in many cities from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s.  Ex: The most famous of these was Tammany Hall; run by William "Boss" Tweed.

9. Alien A foreign born individual who has not gone through the process of naturalization in order to become a citizen.

10. Discrimination Unequal treatment displayed toward an individual due to that person's race, culture, religion, ethnic background, or place of birth.  Ex: The most discriminated groups were the Irish and Chinese immigrants simply because of their ethnic background. 

11. Poverty Living at or below the minimal "living standard" due to a lack of money to provide for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

12. Industrialization During the mid 1800s to the early 1900s power-driven machinery contributed to the growth of factories. -Ex: steel, textiles, and meat-packing.

A highly populated area usually centered around certain industries. 13. Urban A highly populated area usually centered around certain industries. -Note: Urbanization is the process by which many people come to live and settle in cities.

14. Oppressive Something or someone that is burdensome, unjustly harsh, or tyrannical. -Note: An oppressive government, leader, or country is one in which a person’s natural or human rights are violated.

15. Cultural Groups Specific sectors or groups of people who have similar behaviors, beliefs, religions, characteristics, ethnicities, or ideas.

16. Political Corruption Corrupt, dishonest, or under-handed political activities used in order to gain or remain in public office.