Immigrant Experiences Flashcards

Where did many immigrants settle in the USA in the 1920s?

In large cities such as New York and Chicago, close to factory and dock jobs.

What kinds of jobs did many immigrants do in the 1920s?

Low-paid, unskilled work in factories, construction, mines, domestic service, and on farms.

What were tenements and what were they like?

Cheap, crowded flats in city blocks. They often had poor sanitation and were unsafe.

How did language barriers affect immigrants’ lives?

Limited English made it hard to get skilled jobs and to deal with officials. Many went to night classes.

What is an ethnic neighbourhood and why did immigrants live there?

An area where one group settled together. People shared language, shops, worship, and mutual help.

How did nativist attitudes affect immigrants?

Many faced prejudice and insults. Some employers and landlords refused them work or homes.

What did the Emergency Quota Act (1921) and National Origins Act (1924) do?

They set strict limits on new arrivals and favoured northern and western Europeans. Most Asians were barred.

How did these quota laws change immigrant communities?

Fewer new arrivals came, so families were split. More children grew up in the USA and spoke English.

What was the Bracero Programme?

From 1942, the USA brought Mexican workers for farms and railways. Many had low pay and poor living conditions.

What change did the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act bring?

It ended old national quotas. More people could come from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, often to join family.

How did the Great Depression affect immigrants?

Many lost jobs first and moved to find work. Some, especially Mexican Americans, were deported or pressured to leave.

How did second-generation immigrants’ lives differ by the 1950s–60s?

They spoke English well and stayed in school longer. They were more likely to get skilled jobs but still faced bias.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

You’ve used 10 of your 10 free revision notes for the month

Sign up to get unlimited access to revision notes, quizzes, audio lessons and more

Sign up