USA: A Nation of Immigrants
The United States has long been known as a "nation of immigrants", with its history shaped by successive waves of immigration. This page provides an overview of the three main immigration waves that have contributed to the country's diverse population.
The first wave of immigration occurred between 1841 and 1890, bringing approximately 15 million immigrants from various European countries. These newcomers were drawn to the United States by reports of great economic opportunities and the promise of religious and political freedom.
The second wave, from 1891 to 1920, saw about 18 million immigrants arrive, primarily from Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Many of these immigrants were Jews and Slavs seeking new opportunities and escape from persecution in their home countries.
The third wave, which began in 1965 and continues to the present day, has brought about 16 million immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. This wave has significantly diversified the ethnic and cultural makeup of the United States.
Highlight: The three main immigration waves have each contributed unique cultural, economic, and social elements to American society, shaping the nation's identity as a diverse and multicultural country.
Definition: Immigration refers to the movement of people from one country to another with the intention of settling permanently in the new country.
The Statue of Liberty, a powerful symbol of freedom and welcome for immigrants, stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Designed by Frederic Bartholdi and opened on October 28, 1886, the statue was a gift from France to commemorate the American Revolution and the ideals of liberty. Its strategic position allowed it to greet millions of immigrants arriving by ship to the United States.
Quote: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" - Emma Lazarus, from the poem "The New Colossus" inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.
