Immigration and Settlement in the U.S.

Front

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in Virginia in 1607. Early struggles led to immigration from England for economic opportunity.

Back

Jamestown

Front

A devastating famine in Ireland (1845–1852) that caused mass starvation and drove over a million Irish immigrants to the U.S.

Back

Irish Potato Famine

Front

An 1882 U.S. law that banned Chinese laborers from immigrating, reflecting anti-Asian discrimination.

Back

Chinese Exclusion Act

Front

The belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work in the U.S.

Back

American Dream

Front

A negative condition that drives people to leave their home country (e.g., war, poverty, famine).

Back

Push Factor

Front

A positive condition that attracts people to a new country (e.g., jobs, safety, freedom).

Back

Pull Factor

Front

A political and social attitude favoring native-born citizens over immigrants, often leading to restrictive immigration policies.

Back

Nativism

Front

A series of agreements (1942–1964) allowing Mexican laborers to work temporarily in U.S. agriculture during labor shortages.

Back

Bracero Program

Front

Major immigration stations where immigrants were processed; Ellis Island (New York) for Europeans, Angel Island (San Francisco) for Asians.

Back

Ellis / Angel Island

Front

A 1907 informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan restricting Japanese immigration without formal legislation.

Back

Gentleman's Agreement