Immigration

to the United
States

What are Push-Pull Factors?

Push Factor
Something that encourages people to leave a place behind

Pull Factor
Something that encourages people to move to a new place

*Stop and jot about reasons immigrants may

have come to the United States*

Ellis Island
What is Ellis Island?
Ellis Island opened in 1892 as a federal
immigration station, a purpose it served for
more than 60 years (it closed in 1954).

Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rredHTyKaQ
http://libertyellisfoundation.org/passenger-result

Why did Ellis Island open?

Prior to the opening, processing of
immigrants was done by
individual states
Many immigrants were coming
and the Federal government
stepped in
Officially opened January 1st, 1892

Article on a 8 year old

boy from Poland

Why did Ellis Island close?

Closed on November 12, 1954
After WWII, the US government Immigration
Service regulated the amount of immigrants
let in the US
It was used as a place to hold Communists
then closed its doors

Ellis Island Facts

The original owner was Samuel Ellis who had a
tavern on the island
40% of people living in the United States today
can trace their family back to Ellis Island
In 1907, 12,000 people would come through daily
After it closed President Eisenhower tried to
unsuccessfully sell the island
In 1965 President Johnson declared it as a US
landmark

How does immigration work

today?
Family-Based Immigration
Allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to bring certain
family members to the United States

Employment-Based Immigration
The United States provides various ways for immigrants with valuable skills
to come to the United States on either a permanent or a temporary basis
Permanent employment-based immigration is set at a rate of 140,000
visas per year

Refugees and Asylees

Refugees are admitted to the United States based upon an inability to
return to their home countries because of a well-founded fear of
persecution due to their race, membership in a social group, political
opinion, religion, or national origin

 The Diversity Visa Program

The Diversity Visa lottery was created by the Immigration Act
of 1990 as a dedicated channel for immigrants from countries
with low rates of immigration to the United States

Other Forms of Humanitarian Relief

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted to people
who are in the United States but cannot return to their home
country because of natural disaster, extraordinary
temporary conditions
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) provides protection
from deportation for individuals whose home countries are
unstable

How do you become a US citizen?

Hold a green card for at least 5 years
Must be at least 18 years old
Demonstrate continuous residency
Demonstrate good moral character
Pass English and U.S. history and civics exams
And pay an application fee

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/young_immigrants/gabriella.htm