Migration to the United States soared in the late nineteenth century. Why did these people come to America? What were their expe
riences? How would the experience of an Italian coming to New York City in 1890 compare with that of another Italian immigrant to Argentina at the same time?
Similar factors pushed immigrants from their home countries and into the United States. These are called push-pull factors. Immigrants left their homelands because of poverty, war, or starvation. The main factor that pulled immigrants to the United States was purely economical. Many of them had hopes of securing jobs or land.
The overseas journey was very difficult for immigrants. Most of them traveled in steerage, and many of them became ill during their long voyage in cramped and dirty quarters. Ellis Island in New York Harbor became the main entry point for European immigrants. Upon arrival, doctors inspected immigrants for diseases, and officials interviewed them about their background. Those with diseases or certain political views were refused entry.
Immigrants from Asia arrived at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay. However, by that time Angel Island opened in 1910, the Chinese Exclusion Act had already put limitations on Chinese immigration. Angel Island officials often held immigrants at facilities for months before accepting or rejecting their entries.
