The Emigration Of The United States - 1877 Words

There are many reasons as to why people from other countries decide to make a journey to America. Some immigrants flee to the united states in an attempt to escape persecution, find economic prosperity, and to seek a new life that is filled with opportunities that would have been virtually impossible in their homeland. Others are escaping oppressive regimes or natural disasters that have ravaged their country. America’s reputation for being the â€Å"land of opportunity† filled with endless land just waiting to be claimed, plentiful jobs, and tolerance for all peoples has made the country a beacon for the â€Å"huddled masses†. Throughout America’s history immigrants have poured in from nations all over the world, but the most memorable waves of†¦show more content†¦These Irish immigrants faced a two month trip to America, where conditions on the ship were harsh, food was scarce, and death and illness were plenty. Once the Irish immigrants arrived in America, they were taken to Ellis Island for processing before they could begin their new lives in the United States. American life turned out to be not as ideal as the Irish immigrants expected. Irish Immigrants had to face a great deal of discrimination in their new homes. One reason for the harsh treatment of the Irish was religion. Many Protestants and other Americans felt distrustful of the the catholic religion; therefore the Irish were not to be trusted. Due to the clash of the Protestants and the Irish Catholics, much violence ensued which resulted in the attack of Irish Immigrants and their places of worship. Another issue that caused the ill treatment of the Irish was the fact that Americans considered the Irish to be a â€Å"servant class†. Having come to the United States with little to no money, no land, and very few skills, many of the Irish had to become indentured servants. Those who had jobs that didn t require servitude where jobs that required hard labor and barely anybody wanted, and the Irish were paid way below the average salary. In 1852, New York railroad contractors posted listings of hire which promised good pay, and when mostly Irish applied they lowered the average salary to around fifty cents a day for ten hour