The American Dream

The United States of America has long been the world’s number one welcomer of immigrants. An immigrant is a person who leaves his or her country to settle and live in another country. Over the years, many millions of people have upped roots and left family and friends to move to America. Some felt forced to leave because they feared for their lives due to dangers present in their home countries. For example, many immigrants have left countries that were at war or that didn’t give them the freedom to practice their culture or faith. Immigrants have also left their native lands due to not being able to find work or food to live. Whatever the reason, immigrants usually have had to sacrifice a life that is familiar for one that is unknown.

The United States was founded by immigrants. During the 1600s, European colonists settled in the land that is now the United States. Most of these immigrants were from England, but others arrived from France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and Spain. They wanted better land to farm or better work.

Since the United States was established in the late 1700s, it has seen three waves of immigration. The first wave of American immigration took place from 1820 to1870.  Over seven million people made the voyage to America, mostly from northern and western Europe. Another influx of immigrants from this wave was German. The latter wave was the Chinese, who began to immigrate to America during this time.

This flood of immigrants wasn’t always welcome by those already in America. Some feared these newcomers would take away their jobs. Others didn’t like the politics, customs, and/or religions the new immigrants brought with them.

Most immigrants have come to America with the hope of building a better life, and immigrants and locals have always eventually mingled. The influx of immigration has never stopped. And throughout history, American immigration has managed to survive.