The Second Wave – US Immigration Between 1865 and 1915

Glossary of Terms and Policies/LawsTerms Acculturation: Immigrants adapt to a new culture while retaining original identity. Angel Island: West Coast processing center for Asian immigrants, known for strict enforcement. Assimilation: Immigrants adopt new cultural norms, often losing original identity. Chain Migration: Immigrants bring family or friends to join them in a new country. Cultural Pluralism: Valuing coexistence of diverse cultural identities in society. Ellis Island: Major East Coast immigration station (1892–1954). Enclave: Communities like Chinatown preserving immigrant traditions. Ethnic Neighborhoods: Urban areas where immigrants maintain traditions and community. Immigration: Moving to a new country permanently for economic, social, or political reasons. Industrialization: Economic shift to manufacturing, increasing labor demand. Mosaic Society: A diverse society where cultures coexist and retain distinct identities. Nativism: Favoring native-born citizens, opposing immigration for cultural/economic fears. Pogroms: Violent attacks on ethnic/religious groups, targeting Jews in Eastern Europe. Pull Factors: Attract immigrants, e.g., jobs, freedom, family connections. Push Factors: Force emigration, e.g., war, famine, persecution. Tenements: Overcrowded, unsanitary urban housing for immigrants. Urbanization: Growth of cities as people move for job opportunities. Policies and Laws American Protective Association (1887): Anti-Catholic immigrant organization. Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): First U.S. law banning immigration by ethnicity. Homestead Act (1862): Offered free land to settlers who farmed for five years. Immigration Act of 1917: Literacy test to limit less-educated immigration. Indian Removal Act (1830): Forced Native Americans west, leading to the Trail of Tears. Know-Nothing Party: Advocated restrictions on Catholic immigration. Quota Laws: Limited immigration, favoring Northern/Western Europeans. Statue of Liberty (1886): Symbol of hope, inscribed with Emma Lazarus’s welcoming poem. Trail of Tears (1838–1839): Forced Cherokee migration with significant suffering. Voting Eligibility for Immigrants: Granted after five years, sparking Nativist opposition.