Joseph Wisotsky 10 year old Joseph and his sister travel to America from Russia. View the slide show to learn more about Joseph.

Immigrants to America Immigrants came to America from many European and Asian countries to live a better life. Immigrants came to America from many European and Asian countries to live a better life was the year most immigrants came to America, and 90% of them passed through Ellis Island, speaking at least 30 different languages was the year most immigrants came to America, and 90% of them passed through Ellis Island, speaking at least 30 different languages. People came to America because they thought the streets were “paved with gold.” People came to America because they thought the streets were “paved with gold.” Copyright 1880 Harper’s Weekly

Profile - Russia In the 1800’s and the 1900’s Russian Jews were being persecuted and killed by the government. In the 1800’s and the 1900’s Russian Jews were being persecuted and killed by the government. Russian Jews traveled to America for jobs, safety, and the right to practice their religion freely. Russian Jews traveled to America for jobs, safety, and the right to practice their religion freely. Russian immigrants understood that workers wages were higher in America. Many Russian immigrants were talented craftsmen. Russian immigrants understood that workers wages were higher in America. Many Russian immigrants were talented craftsmen. The first immigrants traveled on sailing ships, which took 40 days to 6 months to travel to America. The first immigrants traveled on sailing ships, which took 40 days to 6 months to travel to America. By the late 1800’s, immigrants went by steamships which took 6 to 32 days to travel to America. By the late 1800’s, immigrants went by steamships which took 6 to 32 days to travel to America. First class or second class ticket holders on these ships ate well, and were free to enter the country after an inspection on the ship. First class or second class ticket holders on these ships ate well, and were free to enter the country after an inspection on the ship.

Ellis Island Immigrant families may not have traveled together. Sometimes the father or older children went to America, found jobs, and sent money to the homeland for others to immigrate. Immigrant families may not have traveled together. Sometimes the father or older children went to America, found jobs, and sent money to the homeland for others to immigrate. People brought what they could carry in bundles, boxes, and leather sacks. Sometimes they would wear many layers of clothing. People brought what they could carry in bundles, boxes, and leather sacks. Sometimes they would wear many layers of clothing. At Ellis Island all steerage immigrants went to the Great Hall to be examined. At Ellis Island all steerage immigrants went to the Great Hall to be examined. Copyright 1908 Detroit Publishing Co.

A New World - America Immigrants did not want to become a “public charge.” This meant they needed to find work quickly because the city did not want to cover their expenses. Immigrants did not want to become a “public charge.” This meant they needed to find work quickly because the city did not want to cover their expenses. Jewish immigrants came to America with skills, but they were not accepted. “Old immigrants” (those that came to America before 1881) were hostile toward the religious beliefs of the Jewish immigrants. Jewish immigrants came to America with skills, but they were not accepted. “Old immigrants” (those that came to America before 1881) were hostile toward the religious beliefs of the Jewish immigrants. Library of Congress photo