1. LESSON 1: A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS
Citizenship
LESSON 1:
A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS

2. Why did people come to America?
Immigrants came to America in great numbers for various reasons
Gain Freedom they did not have in their home countries
Escape unfair treatment and seek freedom
Wars and shortages of food (famine)
Came for shelter and opportunity (laborers or workers)
Most early immigrants came from European countries
Today they come from all over the world (Europe, Asia, Latin America

3. When did most immigrants come?
4 waves of immigration since the 1600’s
1st wave- Came from Europe between 1600 and 1775
2nd wave- Many came from Europe between ’s (due to famine and hard economic times)
Mid-1800’s people came across the Pacific to look for gold
3rd wave- Between Many came from Europe and entered through New York City, Ellis Island
4th wave- Began in 1965 when immigration laws were changed. More people came to the U.S.

4. The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor
The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor. Lady Liberty greeted more than 12 million immigrants as they sailed into the harbor
Statue of Liberty June 2010

5. Next to the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island
Next to the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island. On Ellis Island there was an immigrant station from Many immigrants were required to stay there for a period of time until they could be cleared to enter the United States
Ellis Island June 2010

6. What laws affect immigration?
1921- law passed to limit number of people who could come to the U.S.
1965- Immigration and Nationality Act ended limits based on nationality. Limit of 170,000 from East Hemisphere and 120,000 from West Hemisphere
1995- Number set to 675,000 for each year
Congress passed laws dealing with illegal immigration

7. Who else comes to the United States?
Refugees- person who travels to a safer place to live
They have been persecuted or harmed due to religion or politics
Ex: Cuba, Vietnam/Cambodia
Those who have relatives here have a better chance of being allowed in
People who have special job skills or talents may be admitted

8. Why is the census important?
Completed every 10 years
Determines the population of the country
Determines members of the House of Rep. for each state
Information about age, race and income are collected
May be used to help American businesses make decisions