Between 1830 and the early 1900s, America experienced large waves of immigration from China, Germany, and Ireland. While many immigrants came in search of better lives and greater opportunities, they often encountered racism and discrimination as they tried to assimilate. Through the years, the effect of this assimilation has changed the economic, political, and social culture of the United States, along with the population mix. By 2050, demographers project that the number of people classified as “non-Hispanic white” will fall from 75.5 percent in 1990 to about 53 percent.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding immigration and its impact on American society. Use what you have learned to write an essay exploring the reasons why different groups of people have come to America, the obstacles that they have encountered, and the ways in which immigration has shaped the face of the American population. To prepare for your essay, you will research topics related to the social, economic, and political impact of immigration throughout American history.

Look at the chart below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

This table shows the number and origin of people immigrating to the United States, 1870–1900.

• Which countries’ numbers of immigrants changed most dramatically between 1870 and 1900?
• What factors do you think caused the number of immigrants from certain countries to rise or decline?

Use the Daily Life through History articles listed on the right to research the causes and effects of immigration, from immigrant motives and origins to nativism and anti-immigrant legislation. As you read, keep your assigned topic in mind. Remember that your thesis will need to be backed by specific facts from your readings.

Use the Cause and Effect Chart to organize your information. In the box, write Immigration and American Society. On the left, write details about why specific groups of immigrants came to the United States. On the right, write facts about the impact of immigration on these groups and American society as a whole, for example racism or national quotas.

Compose an outline consisting of your thesis, major ideas, and factual evidence. Write your essay. Be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the issues surrounding immigration by connecting ideas and explaining their significance.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did you state your thesis clearly?
• Did you ensure that your essay was organized logically and coherently?
• Did you include factual evidence to support your ideas?
• Did you follow rules of grammar and style?