Immigration+Primary+Documents

Below are some questions to keep in mind as you read. You don't need to write out your answers, however, they will help guide you as you seek to understand immigration in the late nineteenth century.


 * Poet Emma Lazarus Praises the New Colossus, 1883 (Note: It's the first poem on this page.)**
 * The last five lines of this are written on the Statue of Liberty and are, arguably, one of the first things that an immigrant would have seen coming into the country. What impression would this have on an immigrant to the US? How does this perpetuate the idea of "The American Dream?"


 * Immigrant Thomas O'Donnell Laments the Worker's Plight, 1883 - You may skip this one in 2012-13!!!**
 * What hardships does O'Donnell face when trying to raise his family in America?
 * One thing to take note of is the relationship between family and being able to secure employment. What is this relationship? Why would employers have been more likely to hire families rather than just men?


 * A Slovenian Boy Remembers Tales of the Golden Country, 1909**
 * This piece is obviously a boy, who is now in America, recalling what drove him to want to leave Slovenia and come to America. What drove him to come to America? Do you think this was an accurate portrayal of the time?


 * On the "Evils" of Chinese Immigration, 1878 and Yan Phou Lee, "The Chinese Must Stay" (1889)**
 * Looking at the arguments that are made in both of these, which are legitimate and which seem fabricated, based on stereotype? In looking at Lee's response, why do you think his arguments against the US government are legitimate?


 * Francis A. Walker Calls for Restriction of Immigration (1896)**
 * What is his primary argument for restricting immigration?
 * How does he stereotype Eastern Europeans as compared to those who immigrated 30-50 years earlier?
 * Is he right when he says "self-defense is the first law of nature and nations" and thus, immigration should be restricted when this is threatened?


 * Sadie Frowne, A Polish Sweatshop Girl (1906) - You may skip this one in 2012-13!!!**
 * Why does Sadie move to America? What is her life like?
 * To what extent does she try to assimilate? Do you believe this is the reason for her level of enjoyment of America (or lack thereof) or is it based on other circumstances?
 * Do you think that Francis Walker (the previous author) would have encouraged or discouraged someone like Sadie to move to America? Why or why not?