Glossary of Terms and Policies/Laws Terms 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.
