What Is Immigration?

Immigration is when a person moves from one country to another with the intention of living there permanently. A person who immigrates is called an immigrant. A person who leaves their home country is an emigrant.

The United States has been shaped by immigration throughout its entire history - it is often called a "nation of immigrants" because people from every country on Earth have come here to build new lives.

Push and Pull Factors

Immigrants move for many reasons, which can be grouped into push factors (reasons to leave) and pull factors (reasons to come).

Poverty / lack of economic opportunity: Jobs and economic opportunity

War and violence: Safety and peace

Religious or political persecution: Religious and political freedom

Famine or natural disaster: Land and resources

Discrimination: Equal rights under the law

Separation from family: Reuniting with family members

Waves of Immigration to the United States

Immigration to the US has happened in waves throughout history:

Colonial era (1600s–1700s): English, Dutch, Scots-Irish, enslaved Africans - Europe, Africa

Mid-1800s: Irish, German - Fleeing famine and revolution

Late 1800s – early 1900s: Southern and Eastern Europeans, Chinese - Italy, Poland, Russia, China

Ellis Island era (1892–1954): Over 12 million immigrants processed - Mostly Europe

Post-WWII: Southeast Asians, Cubans, Latin Americans - Fleeing war and Communist regimes

Present day: People from every continent - Latin America, Asia, Africa, Middle East

Ellis Island

Ellis Island was the main immigration processing center for the United States from 1892 to 1954. Located in New York Harbor, it processed over 12 million immigrants - mostly from Europe. Inspectors checked immigrants' health and documents before allowing entry.

Today, about 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry to someone who passed through Ellis Island. It is now a museum and national monument.

The Immigrant Experience

Leaving one's home country is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. Immigrants often:

Leave behind family, friends, and familiar culture
Face language barriers in their new country
Work very hard in difficult conditions to build a new life
Contribute enormously to their new country's economy, culture, and society

Cultural Contributions

Immigration has made the United States one of the most culturally diverse nations on Earth. Immigrants have contributed to American food, music, art, science, medicine, literature, sports, and technology. Famous immigrants and children of immigrants include Albert Einstein, Madeleine Albright, Sergey Brin (Google co-founder), and countless others.

Practice Activities

Push and pull sort: Students sort cards describing immigration reasons into push and pull factor columns.
Family history interview: Students interview a family member about their family's immigration story or origin country.
Ellis Island simulation: Role-play the Ellis Island process - students carry documents and pass through a simulated inspection.
Immigration timeline: Create a class timeline of major waves of immigration to the US.
Immigrant biography: Research one famous immigrant to the US and share their story and contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an immigrant and a refugee?

An immigrant chooses to move to another country, usually for economic opportunity, family reunion, or a better quality of life. A refugee is forced to leave their home country because of war, persecution, or natural disaster and is unable to return safely. Both seek new lives in their destination country.

What was Ellis Island?

Ellis Island was an immigration processing station in New York Harbor that operated from 1892 to 1954. Over 12 million immigrants - mostly from Europe - passed through Ellis Island to enter the United States. Today it is a museum and national monument. About 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry to someone who came through Ellis Island.

Why do people immigrate?

People immigrate because of push factors (reasons to leave) and pull factors (reasons to come). Push factors include poverty, war, famine, religious or political persecution, and lack of opportunity. Pull factors include economic opportunity, political freedom, reuniting with family, safety, and a better quality of life.