Ch 15: The Immigrant Experience

What is a primary pull factor that influences immigration?

• Political instability in the home country

• Job opportunities in the new country

• Harsh climate in the home country

• Language barriers

Answer explanation

Job opportunities in the new country are a primary pull factor for immigrants, as they seek better economic prospects and improved living standards, making this choice the most compelling compared to the other options.

What is a key push factor that could lead to immigration?

• Attractions in the destination country

• Improved international transportation

• Political instability in the home country

• New immigration port stations in the destination country

Answer explanation

Political instability in the home country is a significant push factor for immigration, as it often drives individuals to seek safety and better opportunities elsewhere.

What was a significant cause for the mass migration of Irish people to America in the 19th century?

• religious conflicts

• the Great Famine

• insufficient farming land

• expansion of British rule

Answer explanation

The Great Famine, caused by potato blight, led to widespread starvation and suffering in Ireland, prompting many to migrate to America in search of better opportunities and survival.

What was a major factor that attracted Europeans to immigrate to America?

• The portrayal of America as a land of opportunities in the America letters.

• The fear of potential dangers in their home countries.

• The detailed descriptions of Ellis Island's immigration inspections.

• The promise of government incentives for relocating to America.

Answer explanation

The portrayal of America as a land of opportunities in letters encouraged many Europeans to seek a better life, highlighting the promise of prosperity and freedom that awaited them in the New World.

What was the primary role of the Ellis Island compound in the immigration process?

• Providing cultural assimilation programs for immigrants

• Establishing employment agreements for new immigrants

• Acting as the decision-making body for immigration policies

• Regulating immigration and overseeing immigrants

Answer explanation

The primary role of the Ellis Island compound was regulating immigration and overseeing immigrants, ensuring that those entering the U.S. met legal requirements and were processed appropriately.

What was the purpose of the "six-second exam" during the immigration process?

• To identify potential criminals among the immigrants.

• To inspect immigrants for sickness or disability.

• To immediately deport immigrants who failed the exam.

• To single out certain nationalities during the exam.

Answer explanation

The "six-second exam" was designed to quickly inspect immigrants for sickness or disability, ensuring that those who might pose a health risk were identified and managed appropriately.

What was the primary reason for expulsions?

• trachoma infections

• unlawful possessions

• prohibited work contracts

• physical disabilities

Answer explanation

The primary reason for expulsions was trachoma infections, a contagious eye disease that can lead to blindness. This health issue posed a significant risk, prompting authorities to expel affected individuals to protect public health.

How did the influx of immigrants influence the cultural landscape of American cities?

• It led to the creation of new government policies.

• It prompted a mass exodus of white citizens to rural areas.

• It resulted in distinct ethnic neighborhoods within cities.

• It caused a steady decline in urban populations.

Answer explanation

The influx of immigrants led to the establishment of distinct ethnic neighborhoods in American cities, as different groups settled together, preserving their cultural identities and traditions.

What were the primary sources of aid for immigrants in the 1890s?

• settlement houses

• soup kitchens

• welfare offices

• political bosses

Answer explanation

Settlement houses were primary sources of aid for immigrants in the 1890s, providing essential services like education, healthcare, and job training, helping them integrate into society.

What methods did political bosses use to manipulate immigrants?

• They used intimidation tactics to secure votes.

• They swindled immigrants through investment scams.

• They implemented unlawful schemes to amass wealth.

• They provided financial assistance in return for votes.

Answer explanation

Political bosses often provided financial assistance to immigrants in exchange for their votes, creating a dependency that ensured electoral support. This method was a key strategy in manipulating immigrant communities.