I. ImmigrationA. Reason for migrating to America

1. Immigrants left their nation of origin and came to America for a variety of reasons. The Most notable are:

i. Famineii. Land Shortages

iii. Religious or political persecutioniv. Povertyv. Over population

II. Ellis IslandA. Ellis Island was the main processing center

for immigrants coming into the U.S. from Europe.

B. It is an island in the New York Harbor1. Immigrant Processing at Ellis Island included

i. Medical Examination - ii. Legal Inspectioniii. Literacy Test

iv. Money Exchange Station v. Meeting at the “Kissing Post” and Ferry ride into

New York Or New Jerseyhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop1.htm

II. Ellis IslandC. 40% of Americans can trace their

roots to Ellis Island.D. 12 million immigrants passed

through Ellis Island hoping to become Americans

Ellis Island Today

III. Angel IslandA. Angel Island was the main processing

center for immigrants coming into the U.S. from Asia.

B. Angel Island is just off the coast of San Francisco

1. Conditions were much worse than at Ellis Island2. Immigrant Processing at Angel Island included

i. Being assigned a Barrack to live in ii. Medical inspection and physical examinationiii. Interrogation Sessionsiv. Paperwork processingv. Entry into America

Angel Island Today

IV. Culture ShockA. Immigrants often experience

1. Confusion2. Anxiety3. Con-men4. Thieves

When trying to find a place to live, work, buy and sell necessities etc. . .

B. Immigrants from Ethnic communities