Immigration and Urbanization Study Guide

Vocabulary and key concepts covering immigration, nativism, processing stations, and federal policy from the Immigration and Urbanization Study Guide.

Nativism

The preference for native-born citizens over immigrants.

Causes of Nativism in the Late 1800s

Economic fears of job competition and cultural concerns.

Ellis Island

A processing center for European immigrants who received rapid screenings.

Angel Island

An immigration facility used as a detention center to restrict Asian immigration.

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

A federal law that banned Chinese laborers, demonstrating racial hostility toward Asian immigrants in the American workforce.

Differences Between Old and New Immigrants

Differences based on the origin of immigrants, religious and cultural differences, and economic background or skills.

Unrestricted European Immigration (1800s)

A policy permitted by the United States to provide the inexpensive labor force necessary for the country's rapid industrialization and westward expansion.

Labor Union Opposition to Immigration

Opposition to immigration by organized labor in order to protect workers' wages and working conditions.